Coastal Ecology Research Intern

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting the National Coastal Condition Assessment in the summer of 2025 to assess the condition of the nation’s marine and estuarine waters. The Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) has been contracted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to sample sites along the Texas coast as part of this assessment. We are currently recruiting up to four (4) seasonal research intern positions to assist with field sampling. Position duration is limited to 18 weeks and will occur between April and October 2025. Starting and ending dates can be flexible depending on availability. All work will be based out of Houston, TX, but extensive travel is required to conduct field work along the Texas Gulf Coast.

This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring field biologists interested in gaining experience with coastal ecology field data collection and sampling techniques. This opportunity provides valuable experience in collecting water, sediment, macroinvertebrates, and fish tissue samples using nationally standardized protocols. Interns will gain experience in operation and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment and university vehicles, vessels, and trailers. Interns will work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, collaborators, and student researchers to conduct field work in sometimes remote coastal locations in Texas. Additionally, Interns may assist with other ongoing research projects Applicants must be willing to travel, able to conduct physically demanding work during high-heat and humidity conditions, able to work on small vessels during sometimes choppy conditions, and be able to lift and carry up to 50-lbs.

LOCATION: Based in Houston, Texas; includes state-wide travel throughout coastal Texas

SALARY: Starting at $2,599.33 per month (commensurate with experience; full-time, non-benefits eligible); travel expenses during field work covered by grant funds (relocation expenses not provided)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants should possess or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, coastal ecology, natural resource management, fisheries ecology, biology, environmental science or a closely related field. Applicants must be willing to travel but are required to have lodging in the Houston area for office-based activities between sampling trips. Additionally, the successful candidates will:

Required

• Possess a valid driver’s license and be physically able to drive university vehicles and vessels.
• Be willing to travel up to 14 days at a time and work long hours (10+) during high-heat, humid months.
• Be in good physical condition, able to lift up to 50 lbs., and be comfortable working from small vessels (< 25 ft. in length) for extended periods of time in potentially rough sea conditions.
• Possess a positive attitude and be willing to work independently as well as a member of a team.
• Be able to accurately and efficiently collect environmental and biological field data.
• Be organized and assist with equipment cleaning, decontamination, and preparation.

Preferred

• Have previous experience with data collection in marine science, marine biology, or a related topic.
• Have previous experience assisting with sediment and/or water collection, especially from a boat.
• Have experience with maintenance, calibration, and operation of field and lab environmental data collection equipment, including driving and/or trailering small vessels (< 25 ft. in length).
• Have experience with fish sampling techniques including hook-and-line, gillnetting, otter trawl, etc. and experience with estuarine fish identification (especially in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico)
• Be available to attend a week-long EPA Region 6 directed training in Louisiana in either April or May 2025 (dated TBD). It is strongly preferred for the chosen candidate(s) to be available to attend the training; a request for excuse can be provided to current professors or employers to assist availability.

Additional Notes: All applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and be physically able to drive university vehicles. Applicants must pass a criminal background and motor vehicle background check prior to hiring. This is not a benefits eligible position and continued employment beyond the 18-week restriction is dependent on available grant funds.

PRIMARY CONTACT: Lauren Soliz (solizl@uhcl.edu ) *email preferred

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Mandi Gordon (gordon@uhcl.edu )

START DATE: April 16, 2025 (start date flexible depending on availability)       

END DATE: October 15, 2025; or 18-weeks after starting date, whichever is first

APPLICATION DEADLINE: No later than February 28, 2025