Chesapeake Bay Foundation Looking for Internship – Remote Sensing & Data Analysis Intern at Annapolis, MD  Full Time

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION

Established over 50 years ago, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the nation’s leading conservation organization dedicated solely to restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay, our nation’s largest estuary. With 300,000 members, an annual operating budget of $26 million, and a $55 million endowment, CBF’s 190 full time staff work in offices in Annapolis and Easton, MD; Richmond and Virginia Beach, VA; Harrisburg, PA; Washington, DC; and in 15 field education program locations across the Bay watershed.
CBF’s headquarters – the Philip Merrill Environmental Center – in Annapolis is the world’s first USGBC LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach; the Brock Center is the tenth certified Living Building and one of the most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings in the world.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

Environmental Protection and Restoration
CBF’s Environmental Protection and Restoration department defends and restores the Chesapeake Bay by protecting the Bay’s natural resources from pollution and other harmful activities by fighting for strong and effective laws and regu­lations; restoring the Bay’s essential habitats and filtering mechanisms; and involving citizens in CBF’s environmental efforts by recruiting, training, and incorporating them as effective partners and leaders.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

The Remote Sensing and Data Analysis Intern will help advance CBF’s efforts to improve remote sensing technology for oyster reef restoration monitoring. The intern will work closely with CBF scientists and GIS specialists in Maryland to collect, collate, clean, and analyze multiple remote sensing data streams, including sonar, hydroacoustic, and 3D imaging. The RSDAI will provide key insights on the state of the science and deployment strategies to maximize CBF’s oyster reef monitoring goals and development

Essential functions include:

1. Conduct a comprehensive literature review of the state of the science of oyster reef remote sensing methodologies and draft a summary report.
2. Organize and clean incoming remote sensing data, including entering key metadata information, managing files, and working with CBF to develop a data management framework.
3. Participate in occasional field work associated with testing and deployment of remote sensing equipment, including towed side scan sonar, acoustic hydrophones, and a remote-operated vehicle equipped with light field imaging equipment.
4. Participate in regular meetings with CBF staff and external partners to continue development of current systems.

PREFERRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in academic research, literature review, writing, and/or data analysis preferred. Ability to use R, Matlab, or other statistical and computing software a plus. Candidates should be comfortable working in an office setting and outdoors in the field, including on boats. Occasional travel to CBF offices and field locations will be required. Candidates must be able to provide their own transportation or arrange transportation with appropriate CBF staff.

Salary: $15

WE ARE COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE

Just as biodiversity is the key to a thriving ecosystem, human diversity is the key to saving the Bay. Success depends on people from widely diverse backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, identities, and races taking collective action. Clean water, clean air, and a safe environment are rights we all share.
 
To increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will:

• Recruit and retain a staff, board, and membership that reflect the diversity of people living within the Chesapeake Bay region;
• Strengthen and broaden the diversity of our partnerships;
• Celebrate and value the diversity of staff; and
• Fight to ensure that everyone has equal access to clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.

CBF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.