OCSCD’s Involvement in Conservation
Ocean County Soil Conservation District’s involvement in conservation has expanded over the years, keeping pace with the continuing development and growth of Ocean County. Our mission is now multi-faceted, including the enforcement of the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, education and public outreach programs, and the research and development of techniques to improve soil health and water quality.
Internship Opportunities:
OCSCD has numerous internship projects and opportunities. Valuable experiences are available in natural resource management, public outreach, education and presentations, graphic design, clerical and office management and more!
Please see the internship descriptions below or contact the District for an updated list. If you have a specific idea for a project, and don’t see it listed, please submit it to the District for consideration and review. Interns are generally offered a stipend (currently $700.00) that is payable upon the successful completion of the requirements and the end of the semester that is meant to help offset the cost of tuition.
Internship Requirements:
All interns will be selected based on their application, transcripts, advisor approval, a professor recommendation and an interview with Ocean County Soil Conservation District staff.
- Complete an internship application
- Be enrolled in an accredited college
- Submit a copy of current transcripts
- Obtain a recommendation or endorsement from a professor or advisor
- Be organized, creative, and eager to work both in an office environment and in the field (depending on internship project)
- Hold a valid NJ Driver License
- Work well with others and be able to work independently
- Possess adequate computer skills for project responsibilities
OCEAN COUNTY SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT INTERNSHIP PROJECTS
Project Choices & Descriptions:
Below are listed specific projects and activities for which the District is seeking assistance. Internships can also be designed to meet the specific needs, requirements, skills and availability of a student. Please contact the District to discuss further.
1. Intern Title: Technical Assistant – Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Program
This position is akin to an entry level inspector position. The intern in this position will gain experience in the following areas:
Stormwater Management Basin (HXH )Database – Candidates will be entering Hydraulic and Hydrologic Data into a uniform state-wide reporting system. The project is a partnership between the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, NJ Department of Agriculture and the local Soil Conservation Districts. The project is being undertaken to assist these agencies in determining the locations of stormwater basins to assess their functionality for water quality purposes.
Candidates will also become familiar with reading and interpreting construction plans, specifically for drainage, grading and soil erosion and sediment control. Field work may include onsite inspections to see previously constructed stormwater basins and basins currently under construction, utilizing the most recent construction techniques.
Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Program – Interns will gain experience with the District’s Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Program. Some interpretation of aerial photography will be necessary. Candidates will also become familiar with reading and interpreting construction plans, specifically for drainage, grading and soil erosion and sediment control. Activities will include field inspections and hands-on experience with compliance procedures.
Questions? Contact Jean Baluski, Assistant Director, at 609-971-7002 ext. 118 or via email at
jbaluski@soildistrict.org
2. Intern Title: Education and Outreach Assistant
This intern will have the opportunity to assist with various District educational programs based on personal interest and availability. This position offers numerous opportunities to gain experience in public outreach, programming, grant writing and management, project design and implementation, media relations, and the annual Environmental Educators Roundtable held each spring. Agricultural and gardening related activities are included in the District’s overall conservation program. Internships in this area lend themselves to customizing based on the specific requirements and goals of the candidate. Candidates should consider the following potential tasks and projects:
Event Planning
OCSCD holds a number of training events throughout the year including an annual teacher training/professional development event – our Environmental Educators Roundtable. Planning for this event begins in the fall and culminates with the actual event at the end of April. Intern will assist the District Education Outreach Specialist in contacting the various partners/facilitators; developing the workshop choices and descriptions; creating and distributing the registration information, and coordinating volunteers.
Educational Resources Organization
OCSCD has an educational resources library which includes various print materials, classroom posters, curriculum, booklets, etc. General organization, inventory and cataloging of these materials is needed. This internship also involves developing themed outreach and teaching kits for use at various events. The intern will create and assemble the materials for conducting simple, hands-on demonstrations and “make and take” craft-type projects that lend themselves to teaching a variety of soil, water and natural resource concepts. All materials and supplies identified and needed to assemble the teaching/instructional kits will be provided by the District. This is a perfect opportunity for the student seeking a career in early childhood or elementary education.
Outdoor Classrooms
OCSCD has a long history of funding and developing Outdoor Classrooms throughout the County. Approximately 35 such projects were completed over the past 20 years. This internship will require developing a survey; contacting schools; identifying sites that still have active and maintained Outdoor Classrooms; obtaining updated photos, curriculum integration and activities using the Outdoor Classroom, and other details as determined. This internship will involve incorporating all information, photos, etc. into an interactive web page about Outdoor Classrooms in Ocean County. It will entail research and data simulation, as well as excellent computer skills and abilities utilizing graphics, photographs and other media.
Community Education
OCSCD conducts public education and outreach partly through tabling at festivals and events. This internship involves developing themed outreach displays for use at various events utilizing existing educational resources and other sources for ideas. Intern will create and assemble the materials for conducting simple, hands-on demonstrations of soil and water concepts, natural resource conservation, water conservation, soil health stewardship, and other topics using existing references and activities. These initiatives are to inform and motivate the public about the importance of conservation. This is an excellent opportunity to use your creative, artistic skills and gain first-hand experience in public education and outreach. By helping Ocean County Soil Conservation District to reach out to area organizations to set-up speaking engagements, you will learn the basics of communicating, messaging and working in the local community. You will also learn about basic public relations and media coordination.
Jersey-Friendly Yards
Jersey-Friendly Yards is a specialized website that offers gardeners and landscapers tools and resources to create native plant gardens, yards and landscapes. In partnership with Barnegat Bay Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, the District promotes the Jersey-Friendly Yards initiative through outreach programs, webinars and garden installation projects. This intern would assist with garden-related programs and projects that focus on native plants and healthy soil. Additional areas of focus include building website content, video and media production, and other innovative techniques that assist in the promotion and development of the Jersey-Friendly Yards initiative.
Questions? Contact Becky Laboy, Education & Outreach Coordinator, 609-971-7002 Ext. 114 or
education@soildistrict.org
3. Intern Position Title: General Clerical/Office Management
Project Description:
The District has numerous large files of documents that need to be scanned and linked to an Excel inventory
listing as pdf files for electronic archiving. These items include: Board meeting minutes and correspondence;
historical grant files, and other items as deemed necessary and identified. Developing a cataloging and
maintenance system for electronically saving files in the future would be integral to this internship.
Assistance with re-organizing files and record retention/destruction. Assisting in archiving and organizing photographs and slides. Basic computer familiarity and skills and experience with basic Excel creation required. Activities may also include general office duties as needed.
Questions? Contact Christina Mooney, Office Manager, 609-971-7002 Ext. 111 or cmooney@soildistrict.org
It is anticipated that these positions will require a minimum of 10-15 hours a week during the course of the semester. Each intern will receive a one-time tuition reimbursement stipend of $700.00 upon the successful completion of the internship. Interested applicants should submit a resume, copy of transcripts and the completed application. Information may be sent via mail or e-mail.
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