Aquaculture Internship - Huntington, NY

Overview

In partnership with the Town of Huntington, Cornell Cooperative Extension has grown and planted over two million hard clams and oysters annually in the greater Huntington-Northport Bay complex. This paid internship program offers high school and college students an opportunity to learn about shellfish aquaculture techniques including grow-out procedures, measuring growth and survival rates, and monitoring environmental parameters such as water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll.

The internship runs in two four-week sessions:
July 1–31, 2026 and August 3–28, 2026; positions are full-time (30–35 hours per week). A mandatory orientation is required prior to the start of the position and may be virtual or held at the Riverhead or Huntington office.

• Work with the Cornell Shellfish Biologist at Gold Star Battalion Beach, Huntington, NY.
• Assist with maintenance and upkeep of FLUPSY.
• Gain hands-on experience in aquaculture.
• Assist with the collection of scientific monitoring data for shellfish and water assessment.
• Assist the educator with maintenance and upkeep of touch tanks and aquarium display tanks.
• Assist educator with providing general information for the public.

• Town of Huntington resident currently enrolled in high school or college.
• Ability to follow instructions carefully.
• Ability to work with others or alone with some supervision.
• Ability to interact effectively with the public.
• Ability to work outdoors under potentially adverse field conditions and perform physical tasks as needed.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs. and heavy gear.
• Knowledge of natural science, plant science, or marine science.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.

• Enrolled in a science or marine science concentration program with a local high school.
• Familiarity with or experience in scientific sampling and marine science.
• Having a driver's license and a vehicle.

Salary: $17.00 per hour

Schedule: Non-Exempt – Temporary:
Session 1:
July 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026;
Session 2:
August 3, 2026 – August 28, 2026

Relocation or VISA sponsorship not available.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.