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Job Opening- Swim Guide: Lead Water Quality Intern

LEAD INTERN

Sound Rivers is seeking a full-time intern, who will work with the Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper coordinating volunteers, and collecting and analyzing water quality samples. This experience is an excellent opportunity for a public health, chemistry, biology, or environmental science student who wants to demonstrate skills in leadership and project management with measurable outcomes.

Data collected will be used in the Waterkeeper Swim Guide, a recreational water quality monitoring and education program. Citizen scientists collect and analyze water samples from popular recreation areas to inform the public of areas with safe swimming conditions.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please email a cover letter and copy of your résumé to Matt Butler matt@soundrivers.org. Applications are due by March 23rd, though applications will be considered as they are received. This internship provides a $4,000 stipend for 14 weeks of full-time work.  The position will be based in Washington, NC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Lead Intern will be tasked with leading the program, under the supervision and direction of Riverkeeper staff. The position involves recruitment, coordination and training of volunteer sample collectors, performing lab and field work, managing data, and distributing results to the public. The position is both demanding and incredibly rewarding. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for clean water, charisma, leadership skills, and an above average attention to detail. No prior knowledge or experience in water quality monitoring is necessary; training will be provided.

REQUIREMENTS

• Strong attention to detail and organization
• Ability to adhere to strict, but simple, Quality Control measures
• Ability to lift and carry cooler full of ice, bend over to collect samples multiple times a day, and maintain a steady hand in the lab
• Familiarity with Excel and ability to keep accurate records
• Ability to teach others
• Willingness to drive your own car up to 200 miles per week to collect samples (mileage is reimbursed at a rate of approximately $0.38/mile, and typical weekly mileage for the Lead Intern will vary from 0 to 100 miles per week)
• Commitment to the goal of improving water quality through citizen science

SCHEDULE

May 14th to August 17th – start and end dates negotiable

40 hour/week work schedule with flexible hours. The weekly work schedule below is just an example.  Some nights and weekends may be required to fulfill the duties of the position.

EXAMPLE WEEK

Monday – Prep field equipment. Perform lab maintenance. Update records.

Tuesday – Coordinate volunteers for sample collection.

Wednesday – Collect samples from volunteers.

Thursday- Perform lab work on approximately 10 samples.

Friday – Analyze samples, record and distribute results to public.

ABOUT SOUND RIVERS

Sound Rivers was founded in 2015 with the merger of the Neuse River Foundation and the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, two of the state’s oldest grassroots conservation organizations. The mission of Sound Rivers is to monitor, protect and enhance water quality and related ecosystems in the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico River basins while supporting environmental justice. This union creates a powerful advocate, uniting with concerned citizens to work to protect these two cherished waterways.