MACO Intern Coastal Monitoring Station
MACO Intern Coastal Monitoring Station
Oregon State University
Appointment Type: Student Employee
Job Location: Newport
Position Appointment Percent: 100
Appointment Basis: 12
Pay Method: Hourly
Pay Period: 16th - 15th of the following month
Pay Date: Last working day of the month
Min Hourly Rate: $15.05 (Standard); $14.05 (Non-Urban); $16.30 (Portland Metro)
Max Hourly Rate: $21.50 (Standard); $19.50 (Non-Urban); $22.00 (Portland Metro)
Position Summary:
This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) (a maximum of 40hours per week) Intern for the Marine and Coastal Opportunities (MACO) at Oregon State University (OSU).
Based at the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) in Newport, Oregon, the intern will work with the https://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/research-support/coastal-monitoring-station (CMS) team to improve an interactive exhibit in the HMSC Visitor Center that communicates ocean acidification, hypoxia, and marine heatwaves (OAH and MHW) to the public.The CMS collects depth (tide), temperature, salinity, pH, oxygen, nitrate, turbidity and bulk phytoplankton concentrations from near the estuary floor of Yaquina Bay. The intern will work closely with the CMS team to deploy instrumentation from the dock and develop the Visitor Center exhibit and website. The intern will be involved in evaluating exhibit content with our guests, which will include approaching guests and asking them to complete surveys.The intern will be supported through the Marine and Coastal Opportunities (MACO) internship program and mentored by the Coastal Monitoring Station.
Transferable Skill Development:
OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below: Communication, Critical Thinking, Technology, and Career & Self-Development
Position Duties:
• 25% Analyze real-time CMS data during summer upwelling season, create relevant figures, and other content.
• 25% Contribute to the design, development and installation of exhibit hardware (webcam, touchscreen, monitor) and software (real time data visualization, OAH video game).
• 25% Conduct visitor evaluations and assess exhibit for comprehension, inclusive language and physically accessible design.
• 10% Deploy, maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation.
• 15% Research, compile, and create communications content related to the CMS for visitors of various ages and education levels
• What causes OAH and MHW?
• How do OAH and MHW impact animals the public cares about?
Minimum Qualifications:
Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements
• Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
• Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
• Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
• High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
• Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
• Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
• Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
• Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*
*International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered "full-time" by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the https://internationalservices.oregonstate.edu/ (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.
Additional Required Qualifications:
• Must be an undergraduate student at Oregon State University.
• A strong interest in engaging the public with estuary science is required.
• Motivated, outgoing and communicative; enthusiastic and excited about researching and writing scientific content for a variety of formats.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Comfortable with researching and collecting scientific information and translating it into age-appropriate content for the public.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team. Open to new ideas and skills, and eager to share ideas and thoughts.
• Ability to approach guests and conduct data collection.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computers and standard professional computer programs (Office, Box, etc.).
• The ability to work under limited supervision, both independently and in a team environment is required.
Preferred (Special) Qualifications:
• Knowledge of Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
• Work and/or volunteer experience in researching and compiling scientific information or large data sets for the public.
• Experience in computer science, engineering, web design, graphic design, or related fields would be helpful in project development and operation.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule:
Working Conditions: This position is a flexible 40-hr/week work schedule and may include weekend days periodically. Most work is during standard work hours. Working on the dock can involve navigating tight spaces and lifting up to 25 pounds. This is an in-person internship and the nature of the work does not allow for remote or telework options. Shared style housing is provided at OSU's Hatfield Marine Science Center. Starting hourly rate of $15.05/hour.Expected Outcomes:
• Research and compile scientific content related to OAH and MHW in estuaries.
• Learn the principles of operation, practical use and data analysis of state-of-the-art oceanographic sensors.
• Analyze data during summer upwelling season, create figures and other content.
• Help translate scientific knowledge into age-appropriate content for visitors of various ages and education levels.
• Conduct visitor evaluations and assess exhibit for inclusive language and physically accessible design.
• Present a poster and talk about the project at the end of the internship
Posting Number: P12832SE
Number of Vacancies: 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date: 06/15/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date: 08/21/2026
Posting Date: 02/09/2026
Full Consideration Date: 03/13/2026
Closing Date: 03/13/2026
Recruitment Intent:
Competitive / Student - open to ALL qualified/eligible students
Special Instructions to Applicants:
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:• A Resume• A Cover Letter
• Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references.
For additional information please contact: Marnie Zirbel at marniejo.zirbel@oregonstate.edu
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in Youth Programs may have additional Criminal History Checks every 2 years.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.Note: All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval
To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/6915720
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