Masters Intern - Environmental Effects of Marine Energy

About the role

The Coastal Sciences Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is headquartered at PNNL‑Sequim on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula. Our unique facility is the Department of Energy’s only marine research laboratory, delivering science and technology critical to the nation’s energy, environmental, and security future. We focus on marine and coastal resources, environmental chemistry, water resources modeling, marine engineering, environmental modeling and monitoring, and national security—emerging as a leader in sustainable ocean energy development, understanding and mitigating long‑term human impacts on marine resources, and protecting coastal environments from security threats.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory seeks a collaborative and enthusiastic Master’s intern to work on marine energy and other ocean‑related research. The intern will work primarily on projects associated with environmental and socioeconomic effects of marine energy (wave, tidal, ocean current, thermal and salinity gradients), helping synthesize and interpret scientific information for interdisciplinary projects and disseminate that knowledge to stakeholders. The candidate may also work across projects in community engagement and aquaculture.

Responsibilities

• Manage independent work assigned by team members.
• Demonstrate proactive communication while completing tasks.
• Positively contribute to team dynamics towards meeting project goals.
• Apply critical thinking to support and enhance knowledge management around marine energy.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Matriculated/enrolled in a Master's program at an accredited college or university.
• Master’s program in marine science, earth or environmental science, environmental or marine policy, ecology, oceanography, geography, natural resource management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with renewable energy technologies such as marine energy, ocean observing technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy resource assessment.
• Excellent organizational and independent research skills with aptitude for interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers, scientists, international partners, community leaders, U.S. Department of Energy colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience engaging in science‑policy processes.
• Knowledge and experience synthesizing and communicating scientific information for diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team of scientists, engineers, and policy analysts.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary setting with experience across marine science, marine policy, and community engagement.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is a world‑class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. PNNL offers an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance and flexible work schedules. Located in eastern Washington State—known for stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living—the campus is a 45‑minute flight (or ~3‑hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, served by the PSC airport connected to eight major hubs.

Benefits

• Employee assistance program
• Business travel insurance
• Company‑funded pension plan (once eligibility requirements are met)
• 401(k) savings plan (once eligibility requirements are met)

Temporary hourly employees receive the employee assistance program and business travel insurance.

Pay

Hourly range: USD $20.87 – $31.30 per hour. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the range; actual placement is determined by relevant job‑related skills, qualifications, and experience.

Schedule

Part‑time during the academic year with a flexible schedule to accommodate coursework; transitions to full‑time (40 hours per week) during academic breaks.