Internships/Jobs – Department of Human Ecology

Internships for Credit (Fall 2026)

11:374:481 (Internships in Watershed Management)
11:374:484 (Internships in Sustainability)
Fall 2026 – Must be registered for credit by 10/16/2026

These are credit-only (not paid) internships.
Internships are not open to first semester freshman.
Internships may not be used for accreditation requirements.
Requirements for internship credit are listed here.

To apply for the internship, send the following as separate files to Dr. Jack L. Harris
(jackharr@sebs.rutgers.edu) in an email with the name of the internship in the subject line:

A cover letter of interest which includes the name of internship, why you are
interested, why you think you are appropriate for the internship, prior experience in
communication, and response to skills needed/preferred in the posting.
Resume
Unofficial transcript
If you are invited to interview, and then offered the internship, you must submit the completed contract to Dr. Harris to receive an SPN to register for the course. Only students who have interviewed, been offered the internship, and completed the contract will be given an SPN to register. Questions? Email Dr. Harris at jackharr@sebs.rutgers.edu.

Fall 2026 Internships in Watershed Management 11:374:481
Students participating in the Watershed Management program will be expected to meet as
group, in-person with Dr. Harris 1-2 times over the course of the internship to share
information and ideas and identify larger, connected, and interrelated issues impacting
New Jersey Watersheds. Internship host sites and community partners may be invited to
participate as well.

Green Infrastructure Intern, City of Perth Amboy, Department of Economic and Community
Development; City Planning
Number of Positions Available: 1
Location: City of Perth Amboy
Description
The Green Infrastructure Intern collaborates across city departments and with community
organizations to assess and report on the current state of Green Infrastructure in the City
of Perth Amboy and to connect people and organizations to these efforts. The intern will
help assess the current state of green infrastructure, including an assessment of the
current tree canopy and the completion of an inventory of all green infrastructure and its
current state. The Green Infrastructure Intern will also identify and communicate green
infrastructure best practices utilized in other cities and relevant case studies, including the
types of social and social infrastructure (human and social capital) needed to support
Green Infrastructure. Interns may also help in the development of a framework of Green
Infrastructure offsets for restricted site developments. The goal of the internship is to
develop high quality reports and briefing materials on Green Infrastructure for city agencies
and community organizations engaged in managing stormwater and flooding issues in the
city.

Scudder Preserve Conservation Intern, Monmouth Conservation Foundation
Number of Positions Available: 1
Location: Middletown NJ, Hybrid, requires 5-10 hours per week on site
Description
Scudder Preserve is a 90 Acre preserve located in the Navesink Watershed adjacent to
Monmouth County parkland. It is the first property owned completely by the Monmouth
Conservation foundation with active preservation and restoration efforts underway. The
selected intern will play a crucial role in these early efforts.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Assist in front-of-house bed work and explore the concepts around utilizing native
  plants and ornamental (noninvasive) plants.
  - Create educational content and signage around this
- Assist in gathering info for the Arboretum signage and tree tagging
- Assist in installing kiosks throughout the property
  - Potentially aid in creating content for the kiosks (thinking of a small blurb on
    habitat connectivity on the Huber Woods Trail sign)
- Participate in minimal trail building efforts
- Explore ideas and create and/or write up/plan for a native food forest at Scudder
- If time allows, assist in the placement of camera traps and educational
  material throughout the preserve.
Water Quality Internship, Clean Ocean Action — Rally for the Waterways
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Long Branch NJ, Raritan Bayshore
Description:
The Water Quality Intern will support Clean Ocean Action’s Rally for the Waterways
Program focused on reducing pollution in New Jersey’s coastal watersheds. COA has been
coordinating the Rally for the Waterways Program since 2016, which is based on the
strategy of “Finding and Fixing” sources of pathogen pollution to improve the water quality
for fishing and other recreational uses. This Program engages Community Science and labbased
water quality monitoring to collaborate with municipalities to implement pollution
reductions strategies as well as educate the local communities. This internship is multi5
faceted and will provide hands-on experience in community science, water quality
sampling and analysis, GIS mapping, municipal stormwater programs research, and
outreach efforts among communities and municipal entities. The Water Quality intern will
work under the direction of the Water Quality Research Director on various aspects of the
Rally Program primarily in the Bayshore region (Raritan Sandy Hook) in New Jersey. Key
focus areas are as follows: •
- Water quality sampling and analysis for pathogen source track-down in the watershed including upstream waterways
- Data analysis and mapping using GIS
- Municipal stormwater management policies research •
- Outreach and Education efforts
Qualifications •
- Pursuing a degree in Physical/Environmental/Marine Sciences or Engineering
- Laboratory Experience (Chemistry/Bio)
- Proficiency with Microsoft applications and Google applications including Google Earth • Familiarity/Experience with ArcGIS a plus •
- Knowledge of water quality issues and threats a plus.
- The successful candidate must be comfortable conducting field work, including in wet weather. The candidate must have reliable transportation to travel to field sites, and to COA’s office in Long Branch, NJ. Familiarity with project area is a plus.
  Internship Supervisor
  Swarna Muthukrishnan, PhD Water Quality Research Director
  smuthukrishnan@cleanoceanaction.org
Watershed Management Intern, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership (LRWP) (If
interested, contact Dr. Harris for a more detailed description of the projects)
Positions Up to 3
Location: Hybrid/Remote
Focus Areas: Municipal Database Management, Science Communications & Outreach,
and Civic Science Support
Key Responsibilities
- Database Audit & Updates: Systematically review, update, and maintain the LRWP
  Municipalities Database to ensure accuracy across all Lower Raritan Watershed
  municipal contacts, officials, and environmental commissions.
- Stormwater & Environmental Policy Tracking: Link municipal entries with
  stormwater management compliance tracking, local environmental initiatives, and
  municipal contacts relevant to LRWP outreach.
- Partner Mapping: Assist in identifying key municipal leads for local civic science
  outreach and potential environmental restoration projects.
  LRWP Priority 2: Communications & Social Media Outreach
- Public Data Reporting: Help develop and schedule clear, engaging social media
  posts and web updates for general audiences.
- Bilingual Content Creation: Support the translation and adaptation of outreach
  materials, blog posts, and public messaging into Spanish to broaden community
  engagement.
- Blog Posts & Stories: Write blog posts and narrative summaries highlighting LRWP
  community events, civic science work, and local watershed health findings.
- Event Promotion: Develop promotional campaigns for upcoming LRWP events.
  LRWP Priority 3: Civic Science & General Program Support
- Volunteer Support: Assist in streamlining communication and management
  systems for volunteer Streamkeepers and civic scientists across LRWP monitoring
  sites.
- Event Participation: Attend and assist with LRWP community events, field
  trainings, or cleanup efforts as schedule allows.
- Administrative & Board Support: Assist with meeting minute preparation and
  general administrative tasks as needed
Qualifications & Core Competencies
- Technical Skills: Familiarity with database/spreadsheet management (Excel and
  Google Sheets) and social media publishing tools.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and science communication skills to
  translate technical data into accessible public content; comfortable with email and
  phone call outreach to municipalities to verify and update environmental planningrelated
  information.
- Bilingual Ability (Preferred): English/Spanish bilingual capability is desirable to
  support Spanish-language outreach, translations, and volunteer materials.
- Interest/Background: Academic or professional background in Sustainability,
  Environmental Studies/Policy, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Communications, or
  related fields.
- Self-Motivation & Organization: Ability to work independently, manage data
  systems, and assist with volunteer engagement.
  LRWP Priority 1: Municipalities Database Refinement & Management
  Intern Supervisor
  Dr. Heather Fenyk, hfenyk@lowerraritanwatershed.org
Data Management & Analysis Intern, Oceanport Environmental Commission/WaterWatch
Committee
Positions Available: 1
Location: Hybrid, Some availability onsite in Oceanport NJ is needed
Position Overview:
The WaterWatch Environmental Internship is designed for motivated college students (3)
who wish real-world experience protecting local water resources while building
professional skills in data management and digital archiving of collected records. Interns
will play a vital role in the Commission’s WaterWatch program by organizing, digitizing, and
maintaining critical environmental records. This hands-on position combines
environmental stewardship with technical data work and is structured to grow with the
students throughout their college career.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the WaterWatch program by scanning and digitizing disparate paper
  documents and organizing into an ODBC compliant database (Microsoft) including
  digital documents (historical water-quality reports, monitoring logs, permits, maps,
  and correspondence)
- Convert scanned materials into structured, ODBC-compatible formats for secure
  archiving and future database integration
- Design and maintain simple relational databases (using Microsoft Access, Excel
  advanced features, or basic SQL tools) to track water monitoring data, project
  timelines, and archived records
- Use Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to create reports,
  data summaries, charts, and presentations for Commission meetings and public
  outreach
- Perform routine database maintenance, including data validation, backups, and
  basic queries to ensure accuracy and accessibility
- Assist with occasional field-related data entry (water sample logging, photo
  documentation) when needed during summer months
- Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for improving data workflows and
  public WaterWatch reporting tools
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Currently enrolled undergraduate college student (rising sophomore or above
  preferred; Environmental Science, Biology, Computer Science, GIS, or related major
  a plus)
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel and
  Word)
- Demonstrated ability or willingness to learn simple database design and
  maintenance
- Experience or quick aptitude for document scanning, OCR processing, and
  organizing files into ODBC-compliant formats
- Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and ability to handle confidential
  records
- Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and as part of a small
  team
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check (if field work is
  involved)
  Internship Supervisor Joe Foster, Oceanport Planning & Zoning Board, Oceanport
  Environmental Commission, Oceanport WaterWatch Committee
Internships in Sustainability
11:374:481

Monmouth County Planning Board
Positions Available: 3
Location: Freehold, NJ
Easement Stewardship
Assistance Analyze existing land stewardship documents and reorganize them so they can
be incorporated into the Landscape land conservation software system that the Division of
Planning will be implementing. These documents are currently in paper and/or digital form
and encompass deeds, photographs, surveys, and reports. The Environmental and
Sustainability Section staff will provide training on easement monitoring and stewardship
so the intern can understand the context of the assignment.
GIS Map Accessibility
Compliance Revise a number of public-facing GIS maps to meet WCAG (Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines) compliance guidelines that took effect April 2026. The guidelines
address accessibility in online content and encompass elements such as fonts, colors,
and captions. Experience with ArcPro, Story Maps, and ArcGIS Online is necessary for this
project. Maps to update include: CRS Activity 440 – Flood Hazard Self-Service Web
Mapping Web Application; Environmental Planning Features Web Application; Wastewater
Management Plan Viewer Web Application; Watershed and Water Pollution Awareness
Story Map; and Highwater Mark Initiative Story Map.
Trends Analysis for Monmouth County Master Plan Update
The intern would help prepare the sustainability-focused section of a trends analysis for
the county’s pending Master Plan update. On July 20, 2026 the Monmouth County Planning
Board adopted the Comprehensive County Master Plan Existing Conditions Report. The
intern would conduct research and prepare text and graphics to expand upon the emerging
trends outlined in the report. Specific topics focus on agriculture, open space and
recreation, and the environment. All work products need to include easy-to-find references
and documentation so that Planning Division staff can review source material.

NJ Green Teams Intern, Department of Human Ecology
Positions Available: 3+
Location: Hybrid; Cook Campus, Some availability to do onsite work for assigned
communities is helpful.
Description
The NJ Green Teams Intern(s) will work with Rutgers faculty engaged in efforts to develop or
expand Municipal Green Teams working on Sustainable Jersey Certifications. Interns will
be assigned to a specific municipality and engage in a variety of research, data
management, and writing activities that support application development and broader
stakeholder engagement efforts within their assigned communities. Interns will meet in13
person at least once a month on the Cook Campus to share information and insights and
develop a best practices repository for Sustainable Jersey certification that can be used in
subsequent semesters and by multiple municipalities.
Internship Supervisor
Dr. Jack L. Harris, jackharr@sebs.rutgers.edu

Sustainability Communication and Outreach Intern, Department of Human Ecology,
Sustainability Learning & Minor.
Positions: 1
Location: Hybrid, Cook Campus
Description
The Sustainability Communication and Outreach Intern works with the Sustainability Minor
Program Director to increase the visibility of sustainability learning at Rutgers School of
Environmental and Biological Sciences across the campus, university, and state. The
primary role of the intern will be to further develop and maintain the sustainability learning
website at Rutgers SEBS and develop a robust social media presence. Interns should be
comfortable with interviewing, writing, and video development as well as having strong
technical skills in web publishing and development.
Skills: Experience with WordPress or Drupal and/or the Rutgers Web Development
Environment. Strong writing skills, students having completed Environmental Writing:
Rhetorical Strategies for Complex Ecological Issues, Storytelling about Science, or
Visualizing Information: Storytelling with Data will be given preference. Extensive
Experience with Adobe, Canva, Capcut, and similar digital creation tools are a plus, as is
strong project management or storyboarding experience. Interns should be comfortable
interviewing individuals at different stages of experience and career.
Internship Supervisor
Dr. Jack L. Harris, jackharrr@rutgers.sebs.edu

Sustainable Business Researcher, George Street Co-op
Number of Positions Available: 1
Location: Hybrid, George Street Co-op, 89 Morris Street, New Brunswick
Description
The George Street Co-op is a non-profit natural foods store owned and run by its members. We
sell vegetarian foods with the greatest nutritional value possible, and only minimal processing
or additives. Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op and choose from our excellent
selection of fresh organic produce, bulk foods, vitamins & herbs, body care and earth-friendly
products, gifts, and more. It is one of the only and longest running Co-ops in the state of
New Jersey.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Product research – identify and assess more sustainable environmental products that
  are in demand to co-op members
- Supplier research – Identify products in demand at co-op and call manufacturers to
  identify different supply options
Health and Nutrition Researcher, George Street Co-op
Number of Positions Available: 1
Location: Hybrid, George Street Co-op, 89 Morris Street, New Brunswick
Description
The George Street Co-op is a non-profit natural foods store owned and run by its members. We
sell vegetarian foods with the greatest nutritional value possible, and only minimal processing
or additives. Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op and choose from our excellent
selection of fresh organic produce, bulk foods, vitamins & herbs, body care and earth-friendly
products, gifts, and more. It is one of the only and longest running Co-ops in the state of
New Jersey.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Research common health conditions and providing evidence-based lifestyle and
  nutrition recommendations that address health conditions
- Identify products sold at co-op that are part of the health and nutrition
  recommendations
- Work with manager to develop and implement these products in a usable
  app/computer program
Stakeholder Assessment Researcher, George Street Co-op
Number of Positions Available: 1
Location: Hybrid, George Street Co-op, 89 Morris Street, New Brunswick
Description
The George Street Co-op is a non-profit natural foods store owned and run by its members. We
sell vegetarian foods with the greatest nutritional value possible, and only minimal processing
or additives. Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op and choose from our excellent
selection of fresh organic produce, bulk foods, vitamins & herbs, body care and earth-friendly
products, gifts, and more. It is one of the only and longest running Co-ops in the state of
New Jersey.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Develop and field a survey for shoppers to assess satisfaction with product supply,
  price, service, etc.
- Develop and field a survey of co-op members about their volunteer experiences,
  satisfaction with their member experiences, product supply, prices, etc.
- If time is available, survey committee members about committee processes,
  experiences and effectiveness
Co-op Policy Researcher, George Street Co-op
Number of Positions Available: 1
Location: Hybrid, George Street Co-op, 89 Morris Street, New Brunswick
Description
The George Street Co-op is a non-profit natural foods store owned and run by its members. We
sell vegetarian foods with the greatest nutritional value possible, and only minimal processing
or additives. Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op and choose from our excellent
selection of fresh organic produce, bulk foods, vitamins & herbs, body care and earth-friendly
products, gifts, and more. It is one of the only and longest running Co-ops in the state of
New Jersey.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Research alternative forms for co-op organizations (B-corps, non-profit, co-op) and
  their legal forms
- Audit websites of other similar size co-ops for membership policies, volunteer policies,
  discount structures. For those not online – call and email co-ops for their policies.
- Contact similar size co-ops to identify and assess programs and their effectiveness.

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Internships for Credit (Fall 2026)