Location: Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center is located within NJ's first Marine Conservation Zone, just off Island Beach State Park in Barnegat Bay. It is within the Sedge Islands Wildlife Management Area. General Description: The Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center runs hands-on environmental education programs for classroom teachers, teachers and students, non-formal educators and a variety of other education groups. Groups learn about the natural and cultural history of Barnegat Bay and explore the marine environment through kayaking, seining, shellfish restoration and other hands-on activities.

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Groups usually stay for two nights in the historic Sedge House, a renovated duck-hunting lodge. The building has a living room, full kitchen, dining room and seven bunkrooms. There is also a staff room, where the interns and program directors reside while on the island. The facility is truly "off the grid" with solar power providing electricity. Two Clivus Multrum composting toilets handle human waste.

Internship Duties:

• Assist Program Director with teaching adults and students in an outdoor classroom setting about New Jersey's estuarine natural resources
• Assist Program Director with group activities, including orientation, meal preparation, and cleaning prior to group departure (requires staying overnight on the island)
• Help maintain program equipment and help keep the Sedge House organized
• Assist with on-going research projects, including northern diamond-back terrapin, shellfish aquaculture, osprey monitoring and more

Qualifications:

• Working towards a degree in marine science, natural resource management, environmental studies, or related field
• Possess a valid driver's license and personal vehicle
• Interest in wildlife management techniques and coastal ecology
• Ability to work well with others and independently
• Be interested in fieldwork and working in the outdoors
• Passion for teaching students of all ages
• Experience in small boat handling, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, clamming and birding a plus but not required
• Be 18 years of age or older

Benefits:
This is a volunteer (unpaid) internship. However, you will:

• Gain experience in environmental and cultural interpretation
• Learn about the flora and fauna of the salt marsh
• Interact with some of New Jersey's top biologists
• Earn college internship credit (if applicable to your school and degree program)
• Be encouraged to participate in the Barnegat Bay Student Grant Program - up to $1500 scholarship money is available

To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter along with two references to:

Karen Leskie
NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife
Aquatic Education Program
P.O. Box 418
Port Republic, NJ 08241
Karen.Leskie@dep.state.nj.us