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Climate Science Communication Internship, Mount Washington Observatory, Appalachian Mountain Club, and Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study
January 19, 2025 4:37 pm
Position Title: Climate Science Communication Internship
Organization: Mount Washington Observatory, Appalachian Mountain Club, and Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study
Position Overview: This unique internship is a collaborative effort between the Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS), Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), and Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study. Each organization contributes to public understanding of the weather, climate, and ecology of the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. The focus of this internship will be on creating a yearly almanac that effectively communicates changes to the climatology and biology of the White Mountains to a general audience.
This is an immersive internship for 14 weeks, with participants expected to know they will work multiple weeks in a row. Interns will be given one week off per month but may choose to remain in housing from the AMC or MWOBS during this time, or with our partners in Mount Washington Valley where MWOBS has a home share program. Time off will also be given weekly on an ad hoc basis as each organization’s work flow and schedules allow.
Candidates will be hired to work collaboratively with a Climate Science Research Intern. Your role will be to write and organize the climate data compiled by your colleague to produce and design a yearly almanac on the climatology of the White Mountains. Part of this work will include coordination with each organization’s communications teams to conduct a contest for artists to interpret parts of the almanac and to generate communications products related to it. Please clearly specify in the second two essay questions of your application the name of the internship for which you are applying.
Duties:
Duties of Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Interns
- The work schedule is 40 hours per week, with some options for flexibility within a pay period to accommodate longer fieldwork days.
- Fieldwork is not the primary focus of this position; occasional fieldwork supports the goal of a
broader understanding of climate-relevant patterns and impacts.
- Present information about the project and partners to public audiences at AMC facilities or as
opportunities arise (e.g., local meetings/conferences)
- Contribute to social media and outreach activities led by AMC’s Marketing & Communications
team
- Participate in periodic AMC Communications Team meetings, as shared scheduling allows
- Duties include day hikes in the Appalachians on trails, or into remote Wilderness to collect
samples and observe plants
- Experience and comfort with backcountry navigation and working in remote field settings
- Other duties as needed and assigned by a supervisor.
Duties of Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) Interns
- Planning and completing the annual almanac in collaboration with MWOBS, AMC, and other
partner staff.
- Work a full ten-hour work day while on shift, including attending weekly meetings, recording
hours and (with staff) setting and revising personal goals.
- Gaining competency performing observations and learning basic rules to coding METAR
observations. This will involve a careful study of both the KMWN Station Weather Manual and
the FMH-1 as well as shadowing observers.
- Learning the procedure to independently provide MWOBS weather station tours.
- Aiding in Extreme Mount Washington Museum operations including interpretation of exhibits
and general interaction with visitors.
- Contributing to the digital and print content produced daily at MWOBS including weekly blog
and social media posts. This will include photography and video production to document and
publicly communicate field work and highlight a chronology of weather and events at the
summit or images of other summit events.
- Participating in frequent discussions with staff from each partner organization to plan and
execute science communications outcomes for the almanac.
- Taking part in both map discussions and the recording of forecasts under the tutelage of the
summit staff, with an eye toward contributing to the White Mountains Higher Summits and
other regional forecasts.
- Helping with making the summit presentable for visitors, guests, and members.
- Exploring the summit, the buildings, and the surrounding mountains and trails.
- Other duties as needed and assigned by a supervisor.
Qualifications: The below qualities and skills are not required from applicants and many will be taught during the course of the internship. All interested students are encouraged to apply. However, candidates with preexisting competencies in these areas will be given preference in the application process.
- Interns should either have completed or be in process with an undergraduate or graduate degree in meteorology, science or climate communications, journalism, science education, or a related discipline
- Curious and inquisitive, with a willingness to ask questions. Takes the initiative to help the team
when needed, good at problem-solving.
- Ability to be on-call for both day and night shifts
- Friendly and clear with public requests for help, excellent communication skills.
- Good at observation of surroundings, safety, and the natural environment.
- Able to analyze charts, tables, and data with a focus on synthesizing a report.
- Willing to understand METAR code, know why it is used, and how to code weather conditions.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interactions with team members
and the public.
- Understanding of scientific processes and results.
- Familiarity with software tools relevant to meteorology, including weather modeling software,
GIS systems for terrain analysis, or data logging software.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite a plus
- Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided).
- Experience and comfort with backcountry navigation and working in remote field settings.
- Passion for conservation of the outdoors and commitment to all our organization’s missions
How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.
Posted by hopelangseth
Categories: Full time, Internship
Tags: Academic, Climate, Communications, Science
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