Seasonal Water Monitoring Field Intern

Surface Water Monitoring Program based in Providence, RI Seeks Seasonal Interns*  for Paid Work

(May-October, start/end dates negotiable; some positions mostly fieldwork, other positions may be more office based) 

RIDEM Office of Water Resources is seeking qualified applicants for positions this summer to aid in water monitoring efforts. A Seasonal Water Monitoring Field intern assists in water quality monitoring and ecological field surveys in surface waters by calibrating sampling equipment, obtaining field samples, and delivering samples to the analytical laboratory; making and recording field measurements and observations; assists in field assessment of freshwater wetlands and marina pump out facilities; assist in compiling and entering environmental monitoring data into electronic databases; and other duties as required.

 Duties may include, but are not limited to: safely sampling lakes, streams, or rivers; collecting water, aquatic plants, or insects; entering, organizing, reviewing, and filing data; preparing for public meetings or field work; conducting site reconnaissance; evaluating riparian habitats; researching policy and regulations; identifying invasive plants; interacting with public; coordinating volunteers; completing GIS analyses; maintaining sampling facility and equipment; and distributing outreach materials.

Recommended Qualifications: Preferred applicants have completed a bachelor’s degree by July 2024 in an environmental science related field. The candidate should possess excellent communication, organizational, and navigational skills and is familiar with computer applications (MS Office, GIS applications, statistical software) and related equipment (GPS units, water quality meters, copiers, scanners, digital camera, microscopes). Must show initiative in the office and represent RIDEM in a responsible, professional manner. Candidates able to identify freshwater aquatic plants or invertebrates and/or have previous experience in any of the following focus areas are especially encouraged to apply: community outreach, policy, data collection, data entry or databases, water quality sampling, lakes, rivers, wetlands, soils, and/or hydrology. 

Field positions require flexibility, positive attitude towards teamwork as well as ability to work independently. All field applicants must be able to swim and possess a valid driver’s license (vehicle will be provided for field transportation). For some positions experience boating (motor) or paddling (canoe/kayak) is preferred, including lifting 30 lbs. overhead to load canoes onto SUVs with assistance. Fieldwork often requires working safely in undesirable conditions. Candidate must traverse variable terrain with sampling gear, avoid contact with poison ivy, accommodate being wet or muddy, and tolerate flying/biting insects, wildlife, intense sun, high/low temperatures, and inclement weather. 

*Time Commitment: Field candidates must be available to work full time during the summer, preferably through the end of October, though some positions could end in August. All seasonal interns are expected to work 35 hours per week paid at $18.25/hour, generally Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (may have weekend days or evening events, total hours per week not to exceed 35 hours). Seasonal interns do NOT receive benefit packages or housing. 

For more job details visit the website below. Recruitment begins Spring 2024.