Marine Biology and Ocean Operations Intern

About the role

The City of San Diego Public Utilities Department’s Marine Biology and Ocean Operations (MBOO) group is seeking motivated students for paid internships with the City’s Ocean Monitoring Program. Interns will work alongside Environmental Scientists and other MBOO staff conducting regulatory ocean monitoring and applied marine science in support of the City’s environmental protection and wastewater discharge monitoring programs.

Responsibilities

• Work with Environmental Scientists to manage, analyze, visualize, and interpret environmental monitoring data.
• Develop and complete an independent analytical or research project under the mentorship of an MBOO scientist, culminating in a professional work product or presentation.
• Develop practical skills using scientific and data-analysis tools such as R, Python, Microsoft Excel, or other software appropriate to the intern’s project.
• Participate in boat-based ocean monitoring activities, with opportunities to assist in the collection of seawater, sediment, fish, invertebrate, and sensor-based environmental data.
• Learn how environmental monitoring data move from field collection through quality assurance/quality control, analysis, reporting, and regulatory use.
• Prepare, assemble, maintain, and help operate oceanographic and biological sampling equipment and instrumentation as appropriate.
• Assist with scientific reporting, data-processing workflows, sample and taxonomic collection management, public outreach, and other activities supporting MBOO programs.
• Communicate project findings to scientific, technical, or management audiences through an appropriate final product.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled or accepted into an accredited academic or training program and meeting applicable eligibility requirements for the Emplopy and Empower internship program.
• Comfortable working at sea aboard small research vessels in a variety of ocean conditions.
• Able to perform the physical activities necessary for marine fieldwork, including lifting and handling field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a field, laboratory, and scientific team.

Desirable Qualifications

• Academic coursework or demonstrated interest in marine biology, ocean science, environmental science, biology, ecology, statistics, data science, or a related field.
• Interest in pursuing a career in marine science, environmental monitoring, environmental management, scientific research, or a related field.
• Interest in working with environmental data and developing quantitative, analytical, or scientific communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, R, Python, GIS, or other data-analysis tools is desirable but not required; enthusiasm for learning new analytical tools is strongly encouraged.
• Curiosity and initiative in developing and pursuing scientific questions.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with scientists and other staff.
• Ability to follow scientific protocols and accurately document field, laboratory, and analytical work.
• Interest in gaining hands-on marine field experience aboard research vessels.
• Previous research, analytical, laboratory, field, or marine science experience is desirable but not required.

Overview

Internships are available when project-based opportunities arise amongst departments. With general supervision, an internship provides part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program to gain hands-on experience related to their career interests or area of study.

Example Of Duties

• Assisting with planning events,
• Conducting research,
• Collecting and analyzing data,
• Assisting with projects,
• Preparing reports and presentations,
• Attending internal and external stakeholders’ meetings,
• Field work.

Compensation & Benefits

• Internships may be paid or unpaid, based on availability of funds.
• Paid internships will be compensated at an hourly rate consistent with Exhibit C of the Salary Ordinance and commensurate with an applicant’s education level.
• Not eligible to receive paid vacation leave, paid holidays, and/or any type of City-sponsored insurance.
• Will participate in the City’s Defined Benefit Plan administered by the San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (SDCERS).
• Will receive a free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
• Accrue paid sick leave while employed in a paid internship (eligible for use after 90 days of employment).