Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. 

 

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

 

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. 

 

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

 

The Coastal Sciences Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is headquartered at PNNL-Sequim, on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula. Our unique facility is the Department of Energy’s only marine research laboratory, and the capabilities of its researchers deliver science and technology critical to the nation’s energy, environmental, and security future.  

  

We focus on research related to marine and coastal resources, environmental chemistry, water resources modeling, marine engineering, environmental modeling and monitoring, and national security—the division is an emerging leader in three areas:  

• Enabling sustainable development of ocean energy  

• Understanding and mitigating long-term impacts of human activities, including climate change, on marine resources  

• Protecting coastal environments from security threats. 

Responsibilities

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory seeks a collaborative and enthusiastic Master’s intern to work on marine energy and other ocean-related research. The Master’s intern will work primarily on projects associated with environmental and socioeconomic effects of marine energy (wave, tidal, ocean current, thermal and salinity gradients). The successful candidate will help synthesize and interpret scientific information for interdisciplinary projects and disseminate that knowledge to stakeholders. The candidate may also work across projects in community engagement and aquaculture. A strong background in marine and environmental affairs, marine science, or related fields and strong communication (both written and oral) are needed to advance this emerging field. 

• Manage independent work assigned by team members.
• Demonstrate proactive communication while completing tasks.
• Positively contribute to team dynamics towards meeting project goals.
• Apply critical thinking to support and enhance knowledge management around marine energy

The selected candidate is expected to work part-time during the academic year, with a flexible schedule to accommodate coursework, and transition to full-time (40 hours per week) during the academic breaks. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must be matriculated/enrolled in a Master's program at an accredited college or university. 
• In a master’s program in marine science, earth, or environmental science, environmental or marine policy, ecology, oceanography, geography, natural resource management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with renewable energy technologies, such as marine energy, ocean observing technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy resource assessment.

• Excellent organizational and independent research skills as well as an aptitude for interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers/scientists as well as with international partners, community leaders and organizations, colleagues at the U.S. Department of Energy, and other stakeholders.

• Knowledge and experience engaging in science-policy processes.

• Knowledge and experience synthesizing and communicating scientific information for diverse audiences.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to work independently as well as with a team of scientists, engineers, and policy analysts.

• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary setting, with experience working across marine science, marine policy, and community engagement.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable. 

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). 

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
 

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

 

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

 

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication.  The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

 

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Regular Hourly:

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.

 

Temporary Hourly:

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.

 

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

 

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $20.87/Hr.
Maximum Salary

USD $31.30/Hr.