What are the responsibilities and job description for the USGS Trajectory of Marsh Surfaces and Soil Composition Post Thin Layer Placement position at Zintellect?
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Laurel, Maryland.
The USGS mission is to monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving dynamics of complex human and natural Earth-system interactions and to deliver actionable intelligence at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers. As the Nation's largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, USGS collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides science about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.
Project Description: This project examines how coastal wetlands at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge respond to thin-layer sediment addition, a restoration strategy used to help marshes maintain elevation relative to sea-level rise. Sediment was applied in 2016 and 2026, but uncertainties remain regarding soil compaction, vegetation change, elevation recovery, and the long-term trajectory of treated marsh surfaces. The participant will collect and analyze new and existing data to better constrain these uncertainties and evaluate restoration outcomes. Activities include marsh soil core collection and laboratory analysis (bulk density, grain size, organic matter), elevation and vegetation surveys, and synthesis of data across treated and control sites to inform future coastal restoration efforts along the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Northeast coasts.
Learning Objectives: You will develop field and laboratory skills in coastal wetland science, including soil core processing, elevation surveying, and vegetation monitoring. You will gain experience managing, analyzing, and synthesizing ecological datasets to evaluate restoration effectiveness and marsh resilience to sea-level rise. You will deepen your understanding of coastal marsh dynamics, sediment processes, and applied restoration science. By the end of the internship, you will strengthen your ability to interpret and communicate scientific findings through presentations and contributions to data products or publications.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Joel Carr (jcarr@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June, 15 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 10 weeks, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and USGS. Participants do not become employees of USGS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: If you have questions about the application process please email USGS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.