The Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) works to protect and restore the local marine environment through scientific monitoring, nearshore restoration projects, and community outreach. One of the MRC’s key focus areas is protecting submerged aquatic vegetation, including eelgrass, which is vital to healthy coastal ecosystems. To support this priority, the MRC conducts education and outreach at Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park in an effort to reduce impacts to the eelgrass beds surrounding the boat launch. To further these efforts, theMRC is offering two seasonal internship opportunities to assist with public engagement and outreach in Wildcat Cove.
BACKGROUND
In 2023, the MRC conducted eelgrass surveys in Wildcat Cove that documented damage to eelgrass beds surrounding the boat launch. In response, the MRC launched a social marketing campaign to protect eelgrass in Larrabee State Park, with a focus on reducing damage near the Wildcat Cove boat launch. The MRC partnered with a social marketing consultant to identify effective messages and key actions to minimize damage to the eelgrass beds. Research indicated that encouraging launch users to check tide charts, while also emphasizing the importance of eelgrass for local wildlife, were the most effective strategies. Using these findings, the MRC collaborated with a local designer to create educational posters and outreach materials to display at the boat launch kiosk and to distribute to park visitors. To strengthen and expand these efforts, the MRC will work with seasonal interns who will engage directly with launch users, promoting best practices to limit negative impacts to eelgrass beds in Wildcat Cove.
- Wildcat Cove Interns: The MRC is offering two internship opportunities to support education and outreach activities within Wildcat Cove during the 2026 summer season (June-August), with a focus on low-tide periods when eelgrass is most vulnerable to disturbance. Interns will interact with boat launch users, educating folks about the importance of eelgrass habitats and encouraging best practices to reduce damage to the eelgrass beds in Wildcat Cove. These positions require a variable work schedule aligned with low tide windows that vary from month to month and may include weekend and holiday work. A draft schedule of anticipated shifts is included with this posting.
Responsibilities Will Include:
Engaging with visitors that use the Wildcat Cove boat launch during low-tide periods to promote practices that minimize impacts to the surrounding eelgrass beds
Collaborating effectively and consistently with the co-intern to support project goals
Setting up traffic-control cones to guide boat launch users through a designated single-lane rout
Promoting appropriate beach etiquette and responsible interactions with intertidal organisms to reduce disturbance to intertidal habitats
Collecting, organizing, and analyzing observational data related to boat launch activity
Preparing a comprehensive summary report outlining collected data, key findings, and recommendations for future efforts
Delivering a final presentation of project outcomes to the MRC
For more information about the Marine Resources Committee, visit the MRC websiteLength of position:3 months, approx.30-60 hours per month.
•Completion of college-level coursework in one or more of the following areas: biology, ecology, environmental science, environmental studies, freshwater studies, hydrology, or related fields
•Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with limited supervision
•Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
•Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
•Strong communication skills and an interest in engaging with the public
•Consistent punctuality and the ability to meet scheduling expectations
•Reliable transportation to and from Wildcat Cove
•A driving record that meets County standards and possession of a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment
•Successful completion of a background check in accordance with county requirements
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with recreational boat launch activities (kayaking, boating, fishing, crabbing, etc)
Knowledge of intertidal habitats and organisms
Experience engaging with the public
Experience preparing written summary reports
Ability to safely and comfortably navigate mudflat environments
