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.
About the internship
Sound Rivers is seeking multiple full-time interns who will work with the Riverkeepers 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 Swim Guide, a recreational water quality monitoring and education program. Volunteer scientists collect and analyze water samples from popular recreation areas to inform the public of areas with safe swimming conditions.
The Water Quality Intern will be tasked with leading the program, under the supervision and direction of Riverkeeper staff. The position involves volunteer recruitment, coordination, and training of volunteer sample collectors, performing lab- and fieldwork, managing data, and distributing results to the public. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for clean water, charisma, leadership skills, and an above-average attention to detail. While desired, prior knowledge or experience in water quality monitoring is not required; training will be provided. Interns will have additional learning opportunities outside of the Swim Guide Program as time allows.
The proposed start and end dates are May 11th to August 14th, though these are negotiable. An approximately 30-35 hour/work week is expected but there is some flexibility in hours. Some nights and weekends may be required to fulfill the duties of the position. Compensation will be approximately $5,000 for 14 weeks of full-time work. The positions will be based in Washington, Raleigh, or New Bern, North Carolina.
Requirements
- Strong attention to detail and organization
- Ability to adhere to strict, but simple, Quality Control measures
- Ability to lift and carry a cooler fill 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 $0.45/mile, and typical weekly mileage for the Water Quality Intern will vary from 0 to 100 miles per week)
- Commitment to the goal of improving water quality through volunteer science
To apply
E-mail a cover letter and resume to Katy Hunt at lowerneuserk@soundrivers.org by February 21, 2020, though applications will be considered as they are received. Note your preferred location in your cover letter.