Water Quality Intern

The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District is hiring a Water Quality Intern. This is a temporary, seasonal position (May – October) for 30-40 hours per week, starting at $17.50/hr, and takes place on-site in Chanhassen, MN. This position provides technical support and assistance in the protection, improvement and management of the surface waters within the District, and will involve assisting the Water Quality department with the operation and maintenance of a watershed-wide monitoring program for lakes, streams, stormwater ponds, and wetlands. 

CLASSIFICATION:

Temporary, Seasonal Position (May – October) without benefits – FLEXIBLE start/end dates
30-40 hours per week (Occasional Weekends and Evenings)
Up to 3 positions
Starting at $17.50 per hour-$18.50 per hour (Depending on Qualifications)

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

Provide technical support and assistance in the protection, improvement, and management of the surface waters within the District. This position will involve assisting the Water Quality department with the operation and maintenance of a watershed wide monitoring program for lakes, streams stormwater ponds, and wetlands.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in planning, coordinating and conducting RPBCWD’s streams and lakes chemical, biological, hydrological data monitoring following quality control protocols to ensure efficient and effective data collection
• Assuring that monitoring data is collected in timely manner and within the guidelines of the RPBCWD’s water quality monitoring program
• Assist in the collection of AIS data – fisheries, aquatic vegetation, and zebra mussels
• Managing large water quality data sets and assist in providing data interpretation
• Assist in preparing an annual water resources report
• Provide superior customer service and interaction in a friendly, professional manner
• Willingly collaborate and assist watershed staff; provide directions to volunteers
• Perform miscellaneous office duties as required
• Assist with special projects and other responsibilities as assigned

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and QUALIFICATIONS:

• A student who is currently enrolled or has recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in the field of natural resources, water resources, biological studies, environmental science, limnology, hydrology, civil engineering, fisheries, or related field
• Familiarity with water quality related collection protocols and water quality related equipment (e.g., water quality sondes, Flowtracker, automated samplers, electrofishing, etc)
• Course work or experience with water quality monitoring, chemistry, fisheries, or related field
• Strong organizational, written, and oral communications skills
• Ability to work well with a team and independently as needed
• Must be proficient with MS Office Suite
• Ability to develop and maintain a working knowledge of the District’s operations and policies
• Maintains a flexible attitude toward job responsibilities and procedural changes
• Knowledge of ArcGIS
• Identification of common MN fish, aquatic plants, and AIS

ACTIVITY AND FIELD WORK COMPONENTS:

• This position requires a valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Must be able to trailer and launch a boat
• Ability to lift and carry approximately 50-75 pounds over uneven surfaces and slopes
• Working outdoors under all weather conditions
• Installation of equipment in the field and in the water
• Working in waters with waders

ABOUT THE DISTRICT:

The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District is a local government unit charged with protecting, managing, and restoring water resources. It encompasses all the land that drains into any of the three creeks in its name. At 50 square miles, it includes parts of seven cities (Bloomington, Chanhassen, Chaska, Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Shorewood), and two counties (Carver and Hennepin).The District is led by residents and water professionals. Five managers (four appointed by the Hennepin County Commissioners and one by Carver) serve three-year terms directing District activities. The District partners with local communities to identify top priorities and plan, implement, and manage efforts to protect clean water. The District works to educate and engage community members in this stewardship.