Lacawac Sanctuary and Biological Field Station has flagged the Undergraduate Internship at Biological Field Station: Pennsylvania job as unavailable. Let’s keep looking.

Pennsylvania Sea Grant 2024 Summer Undergraduate Internship Program – Natural History Museum Intern

The Pennsylvania State University

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Pennsylvania Sea Grant is excited to offer three paid summer internship opportunities for undergraduate students seeking to gain experience in the areas of outreach, education, and natural history.

The purpose of the internships is to contribute to a diverse ocean and Great Lakes workforce that understands technical and social challenges facing coastal communities and the natural environment. The experience will help prepare undergraduate students for graduate school and careers in science, policy, management and outreach focused on oceans, Great Lakes, and watersheds. 

The internships are offered in Pennsylvania as part of the Community Engaged Internship (CEI) program, which is offered by Sea Grant programs across the country. This program encourages applicants from groups historically underrepresented in the sciences, including African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic and Latino, female, first-generation college students, veterans, LGBTQ+, and students with disabilities. In addition, the program welcomes applications from students who have worked to overcome educational or economic disadvantages or who have personal or family circumstances that may complicate their career paths.

Learn more about the CEI program, visit https://seagrant.noaa.gov/Community-Engaged-Internship

Eligibility

  • This opportunity is limited to undergraduate students currently enrolled in a U.S. institution of higher learning. Undergraduate students graduating in spring 2024 are eligible for the internship. 
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or be authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
  • Graduate students are not eligible for this opportunity. To learn about graduate fellowship opportunities, visit http://seagrant.psu.edu/section/opportunities

Details and Application

Apply electronically (www.hr.psu.edu/careers) with the additional documentation as described below. Applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled.

Submit the following documents in a single PDF file: 

  • Resume or curriculum vitae detailing education and work experiences (2-page limit) 
  • Goal statement describing your interest in the internship program. Helpful information to include is your personal, professional, and academic background including your related experience, major or field of study and why you chose it; why you are interested in marine, Great Lakes, watershed science, policy, management, education, or outreach; how you think this internship would help you professionally; and information about how you might contribute to the mission of the CEI program (1000 words) 
  • Copy of unofficial transcript(s) 
  • Contact information (name, title, email, telephone number) for one reference. This reference should be someone who supervised you in a work or volunteer position and who is willing to describe your qualifications for the internship, or from a college professor or advisor who is willing to describe your academic achievements. 

Review of applications and interviews will begin February 27, 2024. The positions will begin in early June 2024. 

Successful candidates will be paid $17 per hour and be expected to work up to 40 hours per week for 9-10 weeks, from June into August. Interns should be able to work independently, with guidance from their supervisor. Interns should be located in Pennsylvania, with ability to travel to attend events and meetings in person. Other aspects of this position can be completed virtually, creating a hybrid work experience. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff meetings as well as other potential professional development and networking opportunities. See descriptions below for further details. 

Questions should be directed to Sarah Whitney at swhitney@psu.edu including the subject line of “2024 Pennsylvania Sea Grant Summer Undergraduate Internship.” 

The staff of Pennsylvania Sea Grant value diversity, equity, and inclusion in both our organization and the communities we serve. We strive to make access to research, outreach, education, and employment opportunities available to everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, place of origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, disability, or veteran status. 

Visit Pennsylvania Sea Grant online at http://seagrant.psu.edu


Pennsylvania Sea Grant Summer Undergraduate Internship

Natural History Museum Intern 

Despite the value of natural history collections in addressing current catastrophic global biodiversity loss and environmental change, the growth of collections is declining. Declining growth of natural history collections fails future generations. The Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center was established in 2006 to help increase the availability of specimens in the study of biodiversity and natural history in northwestern Pennsylvania, particularly in the Presque Isle State Park complex. Due to the presence of habitats that are unique within Pennsylvania, Presque Isle is home to many species that are rare or unusual in the state, including many Endangered and Threatened species. The park continuously undergoes change due to heavy human use, ecological succession, the effects of weather events, and the introduction of non-native species. Monitoring the presence of species on the park is critical to conserving species and habitats in the face of these changes.

The Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center is housed in two rooms on the basement floor of the Center and contains collections of preserved organisms primarily from northwestern Pennsylvania. Collection emphasis is on the Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs State Park complex. These collections are preserved and maintained to professional standards to ensure that they provide a high-quality resource for current and future generations of users. They are available to scientists, conservationists, and educators to further our understanding of biodiversity in the region, to provide validity to conservation efforts, and to increase awareness and knowledge of our flora and fauna among students and the public. The Museum is administered by Pennsylvania Sea Grant and the collections are held in trust for the people of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Sea Grant seeks a Natural History Museum intern to help increase the availability of specimens in the study of biodiversity and natural history in northwestern Pennsylvania. The intern will work with NHM Curator Mark Lethaby to help maintain the collections.

Specifically, the intern may:

  • Collect specimens in the field using various techniques (nets, traps, hand capture).
  • Prepare and label specimens according to standard museum protocols.
  • Use taxonomic keys to identify specimens to the lowest level practicable.
  • Enter specimen data into museum database.
  • Check specimens and storage areas for pests and condition.
  • Assist with maintenance of archival materials.
  • Prepare specimens for educational displays.
  • Assist other collectors with field collections, e.g., light trapping at night, bait trapping, vertebrate collection, etc.
  • Maintain live specimens for display.
  • Assist with education programming and events, e.g., Discover Presque Isle.

Qualifications:

  • The intern should have strong writing and organizational skills.
  • The ability to work independently, and to accurately synthesize and deliver information is preferred. 
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and own transportation.
  • Willing to work occasional weekends or evenings.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing 

diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual 

uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity 

initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and 

nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core 

strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Affirmative Action

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines

Erie, PA

Read Full Description
Confirmed 18 hours ago. Posted 27 days ago.

Discover Similar Jobs

Suggested Articles