Water Quality Intern

POSITION IDENTIFICATION

The Water Quality Intern is a non-exempt, full-time (40 hours/week), temporary position with a $550 weekly stipend. Start/end dates are flexible; prefer late-April/early-May – late August 2025.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Water Quality Intern supports a range of activities that further The Watershed Center’s mission to advocate for clean water in Grand Traverse Bay and act to protect and preserve its watershed. As part of the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup, she/he/they will operate and maintain TWC’s trash collection equipment (BeBot, PixieDrone, Gutter Bins) and characterize the waste collected. The Water Quality Intern will work with local entities to find locations to operate the equipment, as well as coordinate beach clean-up events and other ways to engage the public and educate them about these efforts. She/he/they will assist TWC staff with additional activities related to data collection/entry, water quality monitoring, and local policy and advocacy work. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential to effectively interact with the public and supporters of TWC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Represent TWC as part of the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup (50%)

• Transport, operate, and maintain beach (BeBot) and marina (PixieDrone) cleaning equipment.
• Work with owners/operators of local beaches and marinas to find locations to deploy the BeBot and PixieDrone.
• Conduct up to 3 simple waste characterization events for trash collected from the BeBot and PixieDrone every week.
• Conduct at least 1 detailed waste characterization event for trash collected from the BeBot and PixieDrone every week.
• Coordinate at least 1 beach cleanup event for volunteers with the BeBot and PixieDrone every month.
• Coordinate and engage volunteers while at beach cleanup events.
• Take pictures and videos when using the equipment to assist with outreach and education.
• Educate people about the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup and how they can keep plastics out of the Great Lakes.

Manage trash collecting devices at 2 local Meijer stores (10%)

• Maintain 20 stormwater system collection bags (Gutter Bins) at Acme and Traverse City Meijer stores.
• Conduct at least 3 detailed waste characterization events for trash collected from all Gutter Bins.
• Take pictures and videos when maintaining the Gutter Bins to assist with outreach and education.

Assist with field work and research (40%)

• Enter data into appropriate databases.
• Provide data and/or information for use in TWC’s social media, website, and other media outlets.
• Maintenance of automated water quality monitoring stations.
• Assist with spring Adopt-A-Stream program by preparing equipment, coordinating sampling events, and participating in training program.
• Provide staff with support in field and office research and analysis.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned by staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Extremely detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Able to work flexible hours, including occasional evening and weekends.
• Excellent prioritization and multi-tasking abilities.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working outdoors independently in various weather conditions.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Access to a vehicle able to tow a trailer less than 30 feet.
• Ability to tow and maneuver a trailer less than 30 feet.
• Exhibit professionalism, with superior social and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• High school diploma with excellent academic performance.
• Able to bend, pull, and lift 50 pounds consistently throughout the course of a workday.