Blue Carbon Database Graduate Assistant Internship

Location: Charleston, S.C. or Remote

About the Position

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is hiring a part-time Graduate Assistant to assist the Interdisciplinary Research and Partnerships Lead with a grant-funded Blue Carbon Database project. The purpose of this research is to address pathways and challenges for private sector investment in coastal natural resources via Blue Carbon crediting.  This work will focus on areas within the southeast U.S. (South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida) and Puerto Rico.

The project will identify parcels at different stages of development (e.g., scoping, pre-feasibility, fully planned) that may have the potential for Blue Carbon crediting and estimate carbon sequestration gains through enhanced conservation or restoration. 

The Consortium, based in Charleston, S.C., is a university-based state agency established to manage the Sea Grant College Program for South Carolina. The Consortium’s mission is to generate and provide science-based information on issues and opportunities to improve the social and economic well-being of coastal residents while ensuring the optimal use and conservation of marine and coastal natural resources.

Learn more about the Consortium

The Blue Carbon Database Graduate Assistant will work directly with the Interdisciplinary Research and Partnerships Lead, in partnership with an advisory committee for the Blue Carbon Database project.  The team will consult with natural resource managers, land owners, municipal planners, conservation organizations, and researchers to document coastal rehabilitation objectives and plans and collect available environmental data.  The status of each potential project will be determined through an indicator framework and will be presented through a GIS platform and in the final report.

This is a paid internship position. There is high potential for development of a thesis project based on student’s interest.

Job Duties

• Develop Blue Carbon communication materials to share across interested stakeholders;
• Identify and invite stakeholders in the southeast U.S. and Puerto Rico to participate in focus groups;
• Contribute to data analyses on focus group and interview results; land use change and planning; and carbon sequestration potential;
• Co-develop story map content, a GIS database, and a final report
• Assist hosting web-based focus groups and interviews;
• When possible, visit potential restoration sites in the southeast U.S.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

The position requires current enrollment or acceptance into a graduate degree program at an accredited university or college in South Carolina.

The selected Graduate Assistant will have a well-rounded systems or landscape ecology background, a keen interest in socio-ecological research, strong interpersonal and written communication skills, an ability to coordinate groups, superior organizational capability, and a willingness to learn new skills.

The Graduate Assistant will also have knowledge of and interest in GIS analysis, coastal habitat restoration, coastal wetlands, and environmental policy.

Position Type

The position is part time and includes a summer stipend ($15.00/hour; 25 hours per week) in addition to a one-year graduate assistant research stipend ($13,000).  Further employment will be contingent on additional funds.

Location, Work Hours, and Travel

This position can be based in Charleston, S.C., or remote as determined by the project lead, assistant, and graduate advisor. Some regional travel may be required. A valid driver’s license is required.

How to Apply

Your application should include:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the internship; the skills and work style that you will bring to the project; and how this work will benefit your academic and career goals,
• Your resume or CV,
• The name and contact information of your major and/or mentor professor.

Please email your application with the subject heading: “Blue Carbon Database Graduate Assistant Application” to: Marlena Davis, marlena.davis@scseagrant.org.

For questions, contact Brita Jessen, brita.jessen@scseagrant.org.

This position will be filled when a suitable candidate is found. Position will remain open until filled. No phone calls please.

Commitment to Diversity

The Consortium’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion seeks to create a culture of belonging where all people are treated with dignity and respect, and have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and outcomes. We acknowledge that our activities, programs, services, and everyday interactions are enriched by building a diverse team of staff and partners who engage in open, respectful, and meaningful exchange. We also strive to achieve our agency’s mission by engaging individuals from a broad diversity of backgrounds who bring a range of experiences, values, and tools to bear on the region’s major environmental and socioeconomic issues.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, and from those who identify as members of historically underrepresented communities.

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. South Carolina is making our veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions. The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium participates in E-Verify.