Coastal Conservation Research Program Internship at The Wetlands Institute

Join us this summer for a 10-week immersive research internship program in southern New Jersey. Explore coastal salt marshes, barrier islands, and Delaware Bay beaches while gaining hands-on experience studying diamondback terrapins, coastal birds, horseshoe crabs, wetland and coastal ecosystem dynamics, and more.

The Coastal Conservation Research Program (CCRP) offers summer internships for undergraduate students pursuing careers in conservation biology, wildlife biology, ecology, and coastal ecosystem sciences. Research interns participate in a variety of field studies, engage with local community members, and contribute to long-term conservation projects. The CCRP internship promotes professional development as research interns conduct independent research projects and present the results of their studies at our annual Intern Symposium.

Intern schedules encompass outdoor fieldwork, hands-on experience working with wildlife, experimental design, data collection, and analysis. Applicants must be available for the full duration of the 10-week program. The internship period in 2025 is expected to start no earlier than May 20 and end no later than August 5. Interns work a 40 hour/week schedule and are compensated at NJ Minimum Wage. Schedules may include weekends and holidays, early mornings and evening hours. Housing is not provided; applicants must live or be able to commute locally. Two years of college and reliable transportation are required.

Application Process: To be considered, please submit by email an application package with these five documents: completed application form, resume, transcript, statement of interest (2-pg max), and reference letter. Intern positions are supported in part by the Luing Family Foundation and Barbara and Jim Summers Intern Endowment Fund. For more details on the program, application instructions, and to download the research internship application form visit: wetlandsinstitute.org/research/ccrp/.

Applications must be received by February 9, 2025.

Application and Contact Information

The CCRP internship is expected to run for 10 weeks from late May to early August. Applicants must be available for the full duration of the program. The internship period in 2025 is expected to start no earlier than May 20 and end no later than August 5. Interns work a 40 hour/week schedule and are compensated at NJ Minimum Wage. Schedules may include weekends and holidays, early mornings and evening hours. Housing is not provided; applicants must live or be able to commute locally. Two years of college and reliable transportation are required. Students applying for a research internship should be completing their sophomore, junior, or senior year at a college or university and be interested in biological research as a career.

All applicants must submit a complete application package consisting of the following:

1. Completed application form 
2. Resume
3. Copy of your college transcript (unofficial copy is accepted)
4. Statement of Interest (2-pg max) to explain why you would like to participate in our internship program and describe your interest for the projects outlined above, and related skills or background
5. One letter of recommendation, preferably from a college faculty member

See application for submission details. Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Applications must be submitted by February 9, 2025.

For additional information or to submit your application, contact:

Lisa Ferguson
Director of Research & Conservation
The Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
email: research@wetlandsinstitute.org