Summer Intern

Job Description

Please note: This is a paid internship opportunity for Indigenous youth.

Position: Summer Intern

Organization: Community Eelgrass Restoration Initiative

Location and Compensation:

• Work Location: Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia, with occasional travel to field sites around Nova Scotia. Transport to field sites and all necessary equipment will be provided.
• Housing: Accommodation at the Dalhousie campus and a weekly meal budget for the duration of the internship is available upon request.
• Honorarium: $25/hr for a total of 8 weeks, 30 hrs/week June – August. Start and end dates are slightly flexible.
• Work Hours: Work times may vary by week depending on fieldwork and environmental conditions. Some weeks may exceed 30 hours. Extra hours are to be taken in lieu.
• Vacation: As this is a short-term position, there is no option for vacation time during the internship.

Eligibility:

• Indigenous youth aged 18 – 30 years.
• Must apply from anywhere in Canada.
• Curious to learn more about scientific work, marine biology, climate change research, and community engagement.
• No previous research or fieldwork experience necessary.
• Must be comfortable operating in and around water, be able to swim, and be open to learning how to snorkel and operate non-motorized watercraft (paddle boards, canoes, etc).

About the Project:

Eelgrass meadows are vital coastal ecosystems off the coast of Nova Scotia. They offer significant benefits, including supporting traditional and modern fisheries, preventing coastal erosion, and providing habitat for numerous species like lobster, eel, crabs, and fish. Eelgrass is also recognized as one of the world’s most effective ecosystems for capturing and storing carbon, yet its climate change mitigation potential is often overlooked. Despite these benefits, awareness of eelgrass in Nova Scotia remains low.

The Future of Marine Ecosystems lab at Dalhousie University has partnered with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, The Geomicrobiology Group at the University of Calgary, and other local organizations and communities. This collaborative project aims to study eelgrass around the province and re-establish connection to eelgrass through community-led and knowledge-informed restoration efforts.

Role of the Intern:

The Summer Intern will play a crucial role in supporting a team of researchers and students at Dalhousie University dedicated to studying eelgrass meadows across Nova Scotia. This work will encompass both field research and lab work throughout the summer.

Key Responsibilities and Activities:

• Equipment Preparation: Assist with preparing necessary equipment for research activities.
• Field Support: Provide support during fieldwork, which may include:
  • Snorkeling and swimming.
  • Assisting with gear on a boat.
  • Shoreline support.
  • Collecting media.
• Fieldwork Tasks: Participate in various fieldwork activities, including (but not limited to):
  • Taking sediment samples.
  • Monitoring eelgrass meadows for seed production and growth.
  • Seed harvesting.
  • Eelgrass replanting experiments.
  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling.
• Lab Work: Analyze sediment samples in the lab.
• Microorganism Naming (in collaboration with University of Calgary): Assist with naming microorganisms discovered off the coast of Nova Scotia. Activities may include:
  • Directly naming organisms.
  • Hosting/participating in community naming events.
  • Planning youth activities.

Learning Opportunities:

The intern will gain valuable insights and experience in:

• Planning and performing scientific experiments.
• Dealing with scientific literature.
• Community outreach and education.
• Marine biology and climate change research.

Application Process:

To apply, please send an email with some information about yourself and why you’re interested in this internship.

Application Deadline: End of day on April 3rd, 2026. Applications sent after this deadline will not be accepted.

Email your application to: info@eelgrass.ca

Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions. Wela’lin!

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.