The Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) is accepting applications through April 7 for two paid summer internship positions at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

Each year, DENIN works in partnership with DNREC to provide internship opportunities in environmental policy. The focus of each project is determined by DNREC based on state environmental needs, and the intern works under the mentorship of DNREC personnel. DENIN assists with intern recruitment and provides a $4,000 stipend for the 10-week experience.

“Since 2011, DENIN has worked closely with DNREC to offer internships at the intersection of environmental science and policy,” said Jeanette Miller, associate director of DENIN. “Our students work side by side with experienced environmental professionals and make policy recommendations to DNREC leadership.”

The internships begin June 5 and continue through Aug. 11, 2017, culminating in a presentation of findings and policy recommendations to DNREC leadership.

The two positions offered this year include the following:

• Creating an inventory of wetland carbon stocks and mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware. This multidisciplinary and comprehensive internship includes interaction with the DNREC divisions of coastal programs, energy and climate, and wetland monitoring and assessment. It has two primary objectives: (1) to compile an inventory of wetland carbon sequestration and standing stocks from the different coastal habitat types found throughout Delaware using an intensive literature review, and (2) to conduct an economic evaluation and policy review on the inclusion of wetland restoration and protection as a carbon emissions reduction strategy for Delaware.

• Approaches to ecological revitalization of contaminated sites. Under the oversight of the Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances, this internship involves reviewing current law and regulations in the region and comparing various mechanisms to accomplish a revitalization goal. The work will involve surveying brownfield developers, designing a public outreach plan and making recommendations regarding implementation of policy, guidance and best management practices toward ecological revitalization or enhancement and sustainable remediation.

More complete descriptions of the two positions, including qualifications and application instructions, may be downloaded from the program website.

Advanced undergraduates or graduate students may apply by visiting the online application site. Applicants should specify which of the two positions they are applying for in a cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position.

Other required application materials include a resume detailing their educational and professional experiences and the name and email address of one reference. All applications will be acknowledged and some applicants may be invited for an interview.

Questions regarding the internships or the application should be directed to Miller at jeanette@udel.edu.

The DNREC internship program is made possible by funding from the National Science Foundation EPSCoR program and the state of Delaware.