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SUMMER STUDENT WORKER (Unpaid)

PlanktoScope Project Intern

Recruitment #26-005734-0006

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Introduction

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites eligible candidates to apply for a volunteer/unpaid internship with our Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment group. Help make ocean science accessible. Learn hands-on. Contribute to real research. The PlanktoScope is an open-source, low-cost microscope that helps scientists, educators, and community scientists study plankton—tiny organisms that are vital to our planet’s ecosystems. We’re looking for a curious, motivated student to join our team and help improve, test, and share this tool with the world.

GRADE

9998

LOCATION OF POSITION

1919 Lincoln Dr, Annapolis, MD 21401 (Anne Arundel County)

Main Purpose of Job

This is an unpaid internship designed for learning and skill-building. Potential for academic credit pending approval from your university. The internship runs 10 weeks between June to August. The specific start/end dates, hours, and schedule will be determined in collaboration between the intern and supervisor.

As a PlanktoScope Intern, you’ll be part of a passionate, collaborative team working at the intersection of marine biology, engineering, and open-source technology. Your contributions will directly support the development, testing, and deployment of PlanktoScope units in the field - helping researchers and educators in the Chesapeake Bay region collect and analyze critical environmental data.

What You’ll Do:
  • Assist with plankton sampling in the field.
  • Produce microscopic photographs of plankton.
  • Work with image analysis tools (EcoTaxa)
  • Document your work for the open-source community.
  • Collaborate with scientists, managers, and educators.
  • Perform general lab and date entry duties

What You’ll Gain:
  • Hands-on experience with scientific hardware and software.
  • Mentorship from a multidisciplinary team.
  • Flexible schedule to fit your studies.
  • Potential for academic credit (if approved by your institution).
  • Your contributions shared and credited in open-source repositories.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must be a current college student or recent grad. A GPA of 2.5 or above is required for academic credit.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Students or recent grads in marine science, biology, engineering, or related fields.
  • Interest in estuarine science, microscopy, or open-source tech.
  • Willingness to learn and try new things.
  • Basic skills in electronics, phytoplankton or image analysis are a plus—but not required.
  • If you’ve worked on a project you’re proud of—whether it’s a class project, code, or something you built—send us a link or description!

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.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The additional documents listed below are required for this recruitment along with your online application. Additional documents can be emailed to julie.kline@maryland.gov. Letters of recommendation may be sent directly to julie.kline@maryland.gov by the applicant or the person providing the reference. 

  • Resume and Cover Letter
  • Two Letters of Recommendation, signed and dated
    • Must be from a faculty liaison for school credit
    • Letters of recommendation from family members will not be accepted
  • 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 Julie Kline at julie.kline@maryland.gov.

Please provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR - HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay



Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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