Applications are open for the Spring 2026 Environmental Education Internship at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC). This full-time, paid internship provides college students, recent graduates, and graduate students with hands-on experience in environmental education, science communication, and outdoor learning. Interns have the opportunity to work directly with K–12 students, teachers, volunteers, and live estuarine animals in an immersive outdoor setting.

Based on SERC’s 2,650-acre campus along the Chesapeake Bay in Edgewater, Maryland, this program offers participants the chance to gain practical skills in environmental education, participate in public engagement programs, and contribute to meaningful projects focused on local ecosystems. On-site housing is provided at no cost for interns who need it.

About SERC

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is a research facility of the Smithsonian Institution, located in Edgewater, Maryland, on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Its 2,650-acre campus serves as a living laboratory for long-term research on forests, farmland, wetlands, shorelines, and estuaries. The site includes laboratories, offices, education and waterfront facilities, as well as dormitories for interns and guest housing for visitors.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis.

The institution values a diverse workforce, recognizing that varied educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds enrich its programs and daily operations.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: January 4, 2026
• Internship Period: March 30, 2026, and ends June 12, 2026 (11 weeks)
• Funding Type: Paid internship
• Organizer: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)
• Eligible Countries: All nationalities
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Undergraduate juniors/seniors, recent graduates, graduate students
• Focus Areas: Environmental education, science communication, outdoor learning
• Duration: 11 weeks
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: United States (Edgewater, Maryland)

Benefits

This internship program provides the following benefits:

• Weekly Stipend of $700
• On-site dormitory housing is provided at no cost
• Hands-on professional experience in environmental education and science communication
• Exposure to public engagement programs and live estuarine ecosystems

Qualifications and Requirements

The ideal interns, including undergraduate juniors/seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students, are those who meet the following requirements:

• Experience working with K–12 students or in environmental/outdoor education
• Interest in science, nature, and the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Comfort handling live animals and entering water in chest waders
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Flexibility and adaptability for varied schedules and programs

Key Responsibilities

Interns will:

• Assist with and lead K–12 field trip programs
• Support teacher professional development workshops
• Help care for turtles, fish, and other educational animals
• Maintain educational equipment and teaching spaces
• Collaborate with volunteers and education staff on public engagement
• Participate in two required Saturday programs
• Complete an independent project selected in coordination with SERC staff

Required Documents

The interns must provide the following documents:

• Completed SERC Education Internship Application Form
• Letter of interest
• Three references

How to Apply?

• Fill out the SERC Education Internship Application Form.
• Email a letter of interest and your resume (including three references) to Karen McDonald: McDonaldK@si.edu.
• Ensure all materials are submitted by January 4, 2026.

For questions regarding accessibility or accommodations, applicants may contact RichardsonHF@si.edu or review the official SERC website.

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