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Environmental Education Internship
Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center

 
NOTE: Due to COVID-19 there is uncertainty what form Sedge Island programs will take in 2021, so flexibility and understanding will be necessary. We are hopeful we will be able to offer the internship in some form.

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Position Duration:
June-August 2021, with weekends in spring and fall when available. Interns work approximately 18-25 days total.
Application deadline February 20, 2021 - Apply Now!

Location:
Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center is located within NJ's first Marine Conservation Zone, just off Island Beach State Park in Barnegat Bay. It is within the Sedge Islands Wildlife Management Area.

General Description:
The Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center runs hands-on environmental education programs for summer camps, school groups, teachers, and a variety of environmental groups and clubs. Groups learn about the natural and cultural history of Barnegat Bay and explore the marine environment through kayaking, seining, fishing, shellfish restoration, and other hands-on activities. Groups typically stay for two nights (sometimes more) in a renovated historic duck-hunting lodge, but due to COVID-19 this may be different in 2021. The main building has a living room, full kitchen, dining room, and seven bunkrooms. There is also a staff room, where the interns and program directors reside while on the Island. The facility is truly "off the grid." A Clivus Multrum Composting Toilet composts sewage, while solar power provides the necessary electricity.

Diamondback Terrapins are a focus of study
Diamondback Terrapins remain a focus of study
Click to enlarge
Internship Duties:
Interns can expect to perform the following duties:

  • Assist and lead teaching adults and students in an outdoor classroom setting about New Jersey's estuarine natural resources.
  • Lead group activities, including house tours, meal preparation, and cleaning prior to group departure. (This may require staying overnight on the island depending on COVID-19 guidelines.)
  • Maintain program equipment and help keep the Sedge House organized.
  • Assist with on-going research projects, including northern diamond-back terrapin, shellfish aquaculture, osprey monitoring and more.

Qualifications:
Prospective interns should have the following qualifications:

  • Must be working towards a degree in marine science, natural resource management, environmental studies, environmental education, education, or related field.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and personal vehicle.
  • Interest in wildlife management techniques and coastal ecology.
  • Ability to communicate and work well with others and independently.
  • Comfortable working long, hot days outside and in the water.
  • Passion for teaching students of all ages, especially middle schoolers.
  • Experience in kayaking, fishing, crabbing, clamming, and birding, a plus but not required.
  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Attend intern training.
Kayaking a mosquito ditch

Benefits:
This is a volunteer (unpaid) internship, however, you will:

  • Gain resume building experience in environmental and cultural interpretation.
  • Gain research experience.
  • Learn about flora and fauna of the salt marsh.
  • Interact with some of New Jersey's top biologists.
  • Earn college internship credit, if applicable to your school and degree program.

To Apply:
Send cover letter and resume with two references to Karen Byrne at Karen.Byrne@dep.nj.gov

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Department of Environmental Protection
P.O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625-0402

Last Updated: January 4, 2021