10 sought for BECQ summer internship program opportunity

The Division of Coastal Resources Management under the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality announces the annual Coral Real Initiative Summer Internship Program.

DCRM director Janice E. Castro noted that the program has worked since 2002 to raise student awareness of coral reef issues, threats, and the efforts to protect them.

Participants are given the chance to gain hands-on experience in resource management and are encouraged to pursue an education and career in an aspect of coral reef resource management.

Every year, 10 postsecondary students are awarded paid, project-based internships with natural resource agencies. Each intern is paired with an experienced mentor and is assigned to carry out a specific management project.

Castro said the internship program has shown great success, with many of its past interns returning for a second internship or as full-time employees.

BECQ administrator Eliceo Cabrera said the internship opportunity hones in on the International Year of the Reef observation.

“Coral reefs are a critical resource in our region and must be protected. Increasing awareness and cultivating interest in resource management and environment is a crucial step toward our sustainability efforts. I highly encourage our youth and community leaders to take advantage of this opportunity to work side by side talented and very knowledgeable resources managers and biologists,” Cabrera said.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said that the Coral Reef Initiative has inspired and trained many local environmentalists and advocates.

“The CRI internship has been a longstanding initiative that has steadily built a workforce that is enthusiastic and aware of precious resources. Our DCRM director is one of the products of this internship and continues to serve our community. I want to emphasize and recognize the economic, ecological, and cultural importance of coral reefs and I am very thankful for the CNMI Coral Reef Initiative, which works to protect and preserve these precious resources through biological monitoring, habitat restoration, research, enforcement, and education and outreach. I urge our students who are interested in preserving our resources and learning about our reefs to apply. I look forward to seeing our students put passion to action and explore practical and innovative solutions for conservation and sustainable use for future generations,” Torres said.

This summer, DCRM is looking for 10 CNMI-based college students, college students returning home for the summer, or college-bound high school graduates, with an interest in learning more about coral reef resource management.

The internship runs from June 2018 to August 2018, where summer interns work 20 hours a week and are paid $8 per hour. Interns will be given the opportunity to learn about coastal planning, coral reef and sea grass monitoring, shoreline monitoring, marine monitoring, enforcement, and community education and outreach.

To be considered, the following documents must be submitted by May 1, 2018 to the BECQ main office on Middle Road or via email at outreach@dcrm.gov.mp: CNMI Employment Application from the Office of Personnel Management in Gualo Rai or downloaded online at http://cnmiopm.net/resources/files/Employee%20Application.pdf, cover letter, resume, transcript, two letters of recommendation, police clearance (within the last three months), and a copy of valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport).

For more information, contact Jihan Younis at jyounis@dcrm.gov.mp or call 664-8500/01. (PR)