To Apply: Please submit a resume, three references, and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position by March 31, 2023. Applications will be reviewed after submittal. You can submit your materials electronically to Aimee Petras; apetras@frwa.org
Position Description: Water Quality interns work in the field, laboratory, and office on projects, including weekly water quality sampling in the Farmington River and tributaries; laboratory analysis; stream temperature monitoring; and road-stream crossing assessments to identify problematic stream crossings, habitat connectivity issues and crossings in need of retrofit or replacement. The Water Quality interns also conduct community outreach (live and online) to promote safe and responsible river recreation; and assist with FRWA’s “River Smart” stormwater pollution reduction outreach activities. Water Quality interns are based in FRWA’s office in Simsbury, CT. Responsibilities are typical for entry-level professional positions in watershed associations. The position entails travel throughout watershed towns as needed, including into Massachusetts. Some days require traveling up to 100 miles. Laboratory work and indoor work are both located in Simsbury. Interns generally work around 16 hours per week, depending on need and weather, for up to 16 weeks from late May or early June through late August. Indoor work is expected to be done in the FRWA office, to allow interaction with team members and understand the basic operations of a non-profit watershed organization, but one can work remotely on days there is no fieldwork. Interns will participate in: Water monitoring. FRWA water monitoring helps to identify high quality waters for preservation and flag high-risk waters for protection and mitigation projects. Long-term monitoring helps us understand changes correlated with hydrology, land use and climate. As FRWA shares water monitoring data with the CT DEEP that is used as part of state compliance with the Clean Water Act; data collection and analysis is therefore held to a high standard. Monitoring is ongoing throughout the season. The work of interns includes training; collecting water samples from the field; laboratory preparation and analysis of samples for bacteria, deploying and retrieving instream sensors; data download; and data quality assurance and entry. Other tasks may include field collection of benthic macroinvertebrates, lake sampling for cyanobacteria, or a special research project. Stream crossing assessments. Interns will work with FRWA staff to evaluate road-stream crossings (culverts and bridges) in the lower Farmington River to identify problematic stream crossings, habitat connectivity issues and crossings in need of retrofit or replacement. The process flags crossings vulnerable to failure in extreme storm events and evaluates culverts and bridges for their ability to allow passage of fish and aquatic animals. We follow the protocol of the North Atlantic Aquatic Continuity Collaborative (NAACC), used by other agencies and organizations throughout the
Northeast. Data are uploaded to a shared regional database for viewing and analysis. Interns undergo mandatory training and testing in the protocol; obtain and record data at field sites; and assist with reviewing and uploading data.
Public education and outreach. This may entail face-to-face interaction with recreational users to encourage safe practices and good river etiquette, maintaining a lively online presence for FRWA on our website and in social media, and participating in programs, events, and field trips for youth and the general public. A high priority is assisting with FRWA’s “River Smart” outreach program. Its objective is to engage people in adopting practices that reduce polluted stormwater runoff.
Desired Qualifications:
•Majoring in environmental science or similar field is preferred
•Science education and a passion for protecting the natural environment
•Great communication skills
•Excellent organizational skills
•Experience working with data
•Ability to relate to a wide variety of people from different backgrounds
•Good at working independently and with a team
•Must have cell phone and email access
•Access to a car and a clean driving record
•Flexible schedule
Terms and Compensation:
This is a seasonal, hourly internship for an average of around 16 hours per week, depending on need and weather, for up to 16 weeks from late May or early June through late August. This is a temporary position that does not include benefits. Reimbursement for work-related travel is provided at the federal mileage rate. Wages range from $15 to $17/hr, depending on experience. School credit is offered as an alternate. Schedule is negotiable however work during regular business hours is preferred, occasional evenings and weekends are necessary (approximately twice a month).
FRWA is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Farmington River Watershed Association Background:
Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 1953. Our mission is to preserve, protect, and restore the Farmington River and its watershed lands through research, water monitoring, habitat restoration projects, education about rivers and water issues, and advocacy for sound water policies at all levels. Our water monitoring program, organized by highly qualified staff, provides reliable data to CT DEEP. As opportunities arise, we work to restore streambanks and aquatic habitats for fish and wildlife, for example by removing dams or restoring native plant communities. We also help towns with river management, stormwater pollution reduction education and mapping projects. More information can be found on our website, www.frwa.org.
Experience Information
- Apply By
- Mar 31, 2023
