We’re hiring a Facility Operations Specialist. Applications due 12/26/2024.

Mapping Estuarine Habitats/Plant Communities and Studying the Effects of climate change and sea level rise on a data set of Red Cedars at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Falmouth/Mashpee, MA)

Summary / Description

The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) is developing a detailed map of estuarine habitats and plant communities in collaboration with NOAA’s Office of Coastal Management. This summer, we will be conducting detailed field validation and editing/revision of the mapping data. The intern will be assisting with this work, gaining skills in estuarine plant identification and GIS. In addition, and related to the habitat mapping, WBNERR has collected data of up to 100 red cedar trees adjacent to the Reserve’s salt marsh observatory three times since 2013. The intern would work on analyzing the data, and potentially collect new data to assess the effects of climate change and sea level rise on salt marsh migration into the adjacent coastal forest. 

Skills Required

  • Must be comfortable working outdoors, usually alone, in variable weather conditions, walking off trail, sometimes in tall and/or dense vegetation, with annoying, biting insects, and in shallow water (up to knee height).
  • Prior experience working in salt marshes is a plus.
  • Prior experience with coastal plant communities and habitats is a plus.
  • Must have at least a basic level of experience with GIS, preferably ArcGIS desktop and/or mobile or web apps. Experience with QGIS is also acceptable.
  • Must have experience and capability with Excel and/or similar data management and analysis programs such as JMP. Experience and capability with R is a plus.
  • Well organized, resourceful, good time management and attention to detail
  • Very good, clear and consistent communication and writing skills

It would be best for the intern to have their own transport for getting to/from field sites for the in-person work. WBNERR can provide some field gear such as wading boots, gloves, rain jackets, though the intern may prefer to use their own wading boots. The intern will be required to adhere to and support the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and WBNERR’s, policies, mission, and vision.

Type of Opportunity

Location

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