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Fall Internship (Unpaid)

Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Response Intern

Recruitment #25-005734-0016

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Introduction

Unpaid Fall Intern - Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Response Intern

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites eligible candidates to apply for an internship with Fishing and Boating Services – Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Response (MMSTS) Program. This opportunity will provide hands-on experience in the marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response field.

GRADE

9998

LOCATION OF POSITION

Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, Oxford, MD (Talbot County)

Main Purpose of Job

The main purpose of this position is to assist the Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program with the response to dead, stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in the state of Maryland, including securing and processing tissue samples, collecting morphometric data, documenting the results of field and laboratory examinations, and maintaining the cleanliness of vehicle, laboratory, and field equipment. Additional duties will include those associated with a Sea Turtle Angler Intercept Survey, such as administering surveys and collecting data from recreational anglers, requiring travel to various locations across Maryland’s Western Shore, Eastern Shore, and Atlantic Coast to assess the frequency of sea turtle interactions in recreational fishing industries.

The internship runs 10-12 weeks between November 2025 and January 2026. The specific start/end dates, hours, and schedule are flexible will be determined in collaboration between the intern and supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must be a current college student at the undergraduate or graduate level, over the age of 18. A GPA of 2.5 or above is required for academic credit. Preference will be given to students with academic major(s) in marine science, marine biology, biology, environmental science, environmental studies, oceanography, natural resources management, fisheries and/or wildlife management, or a related field.

Applicants must be willing to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Applicants must be able to lift 50 lbs.
Applicants must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather and environmental conditions.
Applicants should be comfortable working with and around dead and decomposing animals.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants with a working knowledge of good laboratory practices and safety procedures as well as prior experience with the following: surveys, public outreach, data collection and analysis, dissection and necropsy procedures, and field work. Experience with federally protected, threatened, and endangered species is preferred, as well as familiarity with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA).

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Persons in this position may be assigned duties which require the operation of an automobile or other motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess the appropriate operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the minimum qualifications for this recruitment and submit all additional documentation as required as noted below in the “Further Instructions” section. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and submit the required documentation will proceed to the next phase of evaluation. Candidates may be interviewed in person or via telephone to determine selection.

Applicants selected for employment may undergo an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to: employment reference check, education verification, driving record check (if the position requires employees to drive a vehicle) and a criminal history check including fingerprinting. Should the position you are in consideration for require an employment, driving or criminal history check, continued employment will be contingent on the results.

BENEFITS

No benefits.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Additional documents are required for this recruitment along with your online application. Additional documents can be uploaded as an attachment under the Resume Tab of the online application. Please combine all supporting documents together as ONE attachment.

Attach to your online application the following additional information: 

● Resume and Cover Letter

● Two Letters of Recommendation, signed and dated, from a faculty liaison (if the student is seeking credit)  

● Unofficial Transcript

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.

Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division. Please note, standard business hours for the help desk are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries made after hours will be reviewed the following business day. 

If you need to make adjustments to a submitted application before the announcement deadline or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Alexandra.gast@maryland.gov





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