The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO) and the Chesapeake Research Consortium (CRC) seek a summer intern for late May through mid-August 2021 (approximately 12 weeks) to assist with the development of a framework document for climate change indicators that includes conceptual case studies on connecting physical change indicators (e.g., sea level rise, increased precipitation, warming air and water temperatures) with impacts to living resources and habitats and potential resilience activities to minimize negative impacts. Climate change indicators of interest include changes in Bay water temperature or shoreline condition (e.g., living shorelines, such as wetlands and oyster reefs, versus hardened shorelines), and corresponding impacts on fish and submerged aquatic vegetation habitats and species distribution. The intern will work with the Chesapeake Bay Program Climate Resiliency Workgroup, managed by NCBO, and the NCBO habitat science team to compile information and indicator strategies to track and analyze trends, impacts, and progress towards advancing climate resiliency – the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions and to withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions. This work supports the climate resiliency goals and outcomes in the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.
Opportunities:
Interns will have the opportunity to be embedded in the day-to-day operations of the NOAA Chesapeake Office and the Chesapeake Bay Program and experience firsthand the work involved to incorporate climate change considerations in habitat and natural resources management decisions. Direct engagement with NOAA and the Chesapeake Bay Program will introduce the intern to various federal, state, academic, and nonprofit staff to build their professional network.
Deliverables:
Framework document for climate change indicators incorporating case studies for habitat and fisheries decisions.
Materials for use with workshops, conferences, and outreach.
Presentation to NCBO staff at the conclusion of the internship summarizing the experiences gained and work conducted.
Requirements:
Motivated self-starter with ability to work and reason independently
Must be a college-level student entering sophomore, junior, or senior year of undergraduate study
Must be a U.S. Citizen and willing to undergo a security background check