Student Internship for Conservation, Research, and Technical Projects

Ideal candidates will work from June to late August, 2026.

Tuition for university credit and on-site housing covered, and competitive hourly pay is offered.

Application Deadline:

February 15th, 2026 Quahog Bay Conservancy (QBC), located in Harpswell, Maine is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization committed to marine conservation through sustainable aquaculture, ecosystem research, and community education programs. QBC is looking to hire at least three seasonal marine related degree interns for technical and research projects as well as assist our largest conservation initiatives. This is a University of Maine accredited student internship (SMS450, Field Experiences in Marine Science).

Job Description:

Oyster operations:

Interns will assist in all QBC conservation initiatives, including field work for Snow Island Oysters. As a member of the oyster farming crew, expect to be spending time at QBC's two farming locations in Quahog Bay and the Harpswell Sound. Under the supervision of a full-time employee, successful applicants will be responsible for farm operations which include, but is not limited to: Sorting and cleaning oysters at all life stages, flipping, raising, and sinking cages, cleaning and repairing gear, preparing oysters for market and delivering to vendors, assisting in scientific studies and entering farm management data.

Conservancy activities:

Interns will assist with all other Conservancy activities, including invasive species removal, water quality monitoring, our pump-out service, marine debris removal, public outreach, and events. Interns will also support communications and community engagement efforts by helping represent Quahog Bay Conservancy in the field and at public events, sharing project updates, and contributing to educational materials and social media content that highlight our mission and work.

Research Projects, Training, and Field Trips:

• Ecosystem monitoring research with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute
• Collaborations with the University of Maine and Pelagic Fisheries Lab
• QBC research and monitoring projects
• Field Trips: Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Wolfe's Neck Farm, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Pelagic Fisheries Lab, shellfish hatcheries, offshore fishing, and tagging of highly migratory species
• Attend a series of short lectures provided by university professors, state biologists and non-profit scientists
• Participation in Science Communication and R Programming trainings
• Independent Research Projects

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be U.S. citizen, enrolled in a university or college, and available June - August
• Ready to work in all weather conditions on the ocean and on boats (must know how to swim)
• Be able to lift and handle a minimum of 60 lbs
• Must have reliable transportation and ability to work weekends, if needed
• Adhere to all safety protocols related to fieldwork, aquaculture operations, and laboratory procedures
• Maintain proper employee conduct and demonstrate respect for colleagues, partners, and community members
• Students will be expected to produce a paper and collective presentation at the conclusion of the student internship. Grades will be assessed according to participation in the work activities, attendance at the lectures, and support of community engagement and outreach activities, including public events, education programs, and volunteer days, as needed.

To Apply:

Please complete the Google Form application through the LinkTree QR code or going to https://forms.gle/A1haysEBZ3hyw8jk6.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Quahog Bay Conservancy: email: [email protected] phone: 207-522-1105, or visit our website at www.quahogbay.org