Coastal Research Program (CRP) Graduate Assistant Internship

Location: Conway, S.C. or Charleston, S.C.

About the Position

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is seeking a part-time Graduate Assistant to assist the Coastal Processes Program Specialist with a Coastal Research Program (CRP) grant. A Consortium-led team is developing a decision framework focused on benefits and feasibility of thin layer placement in South Carolina. Thin layer placement is a restoration technique that spreads a thin layer of sediment on low-lying marshes to promote vegetation growth to improve resilience to sea level rise. The Graduate Assistant will support grant objectives including economic, ecologic, socio-cultural, and regulatory analyses, communications, coordination, and outreach.

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 Coastal Research Program (CRP) Graduate Assistant will work directly with the Coastal Processes Program Specialist in support of grant funded Consortium project, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with project partners across South Carolina and at Louisiana State University on activities described below, and other duties as assigned.

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

Job Duties

• Coordinate communication and meeting planning across the project team
• Contribute to project data analyses on topics including economics, ecology, culture, and regulations
• Collaborate with the team to develop project webpage, story map content, and other communications materials
• Provide support on project outreach and engagement activities
• Assist in the development of workshops and event management
• Participate in the authoring of project reports and deliverables
• 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 chosen CRP Graduate Assistant will have a well-rounded environmental studies background, experience or a keen interest in extension and outreach programs, strong interpersonal and written communication skills, an ability to coordinate groups and teams of people, superior organizational capability, and a willingness to assist with project needs as they arise.

The CRP Graduate Assistant will also have knowledge of and interest in coastal resilience, coastal habitat restoration, and wetlands.

Position Type

Part-Time, temporary, $15/hour. This position is renewable yearly as specified by grant.

Location, Work Hours, and Travel

20 hours/week year-round. This position can be based out of Charleston, S.C. or Conway, S.C. depending on the graduate assistant’s preference. Some regional travel may be required. Valid driver’s license required.

How to Apply

Your application should include:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the internship and how it will be beneficial to your academic and career goals
• Your resume or CV
• The name of your major and/or mentor professor

Please email your application with the subject heading: “Coastal Research Program Graduate Assistant Application” to: Marlena Davis, Marlena.Davis@scseagrant.org.

For questions, contact Katie Finegan, katie.finegan@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.