Coastal Conservation Research Program
The Coastal Conservation Research Program (CCRP) is a 10-week summer internship program for undergraduate students hosted at The Wetlands Institute on the Cape May Peninsula of southern New Jersey. Located on 6,000 acres of coastal salt marsh and in close proximity to Atlantic coast barrier island and Delaware Bay beaches, The Wetlands Institute promotes research, education, and conservation through a variety of community-engagement projects, educational programs, and field studies focused on coastal birds, diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs, coastal and wetland ecosystem dynamics, and more.
CCRP interns receive mentorship from research scientists with a variety of specializations; contribute to long-term monitoring of salt marsh species; develop skills in experimental design, fieldwork, and data analysis as they conduct independent research projects; gain valuable hands-on experience working with wildlife; and build a vital foundation in science communication as they participate in public outreach activities and present their project results at our annual Intern Symposium.
CCRP interns will have the opportunity to participate in projects that may include:
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- Diamondback Terrapin Research and Conservation
- Surveys of Coastal Breeding Birds
- Wetland Monitoring in Coastal Salt Marshes
- Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Research and Conservation
- Eastern Box Turtle Monitoring
Application, Eligibility, and Contact Information
The CCRP internship is expected to run for 10 weeks from late May to early August. Applicants must be available for the full duration of the program. The internship period in 2026 is expected to start no earlier than May 25 and end no later than August 4. Interns work a 40 hour/week schedule and are compensated at NJ Minimum Wage. Schedules may include weekends and holidays, early mornings and evening hours. Housing is not provided; applicants must live or be able to commute locally. Two years of college and reliable transportation are required. Students applying for a research internship should be completing their sophomore, junior, or senior year at a college or university and be interested in biological research as a career.
The application period for 2026 is now OPEN.
All applicants must submit a complete application package consisting of the following:
- Completed application form
- Resume
- Copy of your college transcript (unofficial copy is accepted)
- Statement of Interest (2-pg max) to explain why you would like to participate in our internship program and describe your interest for the projects outlined above, and related skills or background
- One letter of recommendation, preferably from a college faculty member
See application for submission details. Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Applications must be submitted by February 9, 2026.
For additional information or to submit your application, contact:
Lisa Ferguson
Director of Research & Conservation
The Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
email: research@wetlandsinstitute.org