Topic: Estuaries

Estuaries are areas of water and shoreline where rivers meet the ocean or another large body of water, such as one of the Great Lakes. Organisms that live in estuaries must be adapted to these dynamic environments, where there are variations in water chemistry including salinity, as well as physical changes like the rise and fall of tides. Despite these challenges, estuaries are also very productive ecosystems. They receive nutrients from both bodies of water and can support a variety of life. Because of their access to food, water, and shipping routes, people often live near estuaries and can impact the health of the ecosystem.

Each summer, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, in partnership with the Chesapeake Research Consortium, offers several paid summer internships primarily geared toward current undergraduate students. Internships focus on scientific field research to resource management and policy.

Eligibility: Must be a college-level student entering sophomore, junior, or senior year of undergraduate study, and a U.S. Citizen willing to undergo a security background check. Graduate and Post Doc students are eligible on a limited basis. Check position description for specific eligibility details.

Important dates: Positions are announced each December, with application deadlines in February.