Water Quality Research Internship (Spring 2026)

TITLE: Water Quality Research Internship (Spring 2026)

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Volunteer

HOURS: 8-16 hrs/wk between 9-5 Monday-Thursday, January – May 2026. Must be available one full day/wk

REPORTS TO: Research Manager

APPLICATION DUE: December 19, 2025; applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Water Quality Research Internship will provide an intern with field and lab experience relating to water quality monitoring, analysis, and data management at a nonprofit. This is an unpaid position, with the purpose of providing an intern with experience and practice, which will expand the skills and knowledge they have acquired from previous education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attain experience with field sampling methods and laboratory procedures
• Learn techniques for macroinvertebrate collection and identification
• Implement laboratory procedures and learn analytical techniques
• Gain competence in laboratory safety and best management practices
• Assist with urban watershed water quality monitoring
• Hands-on experience with long term Savannah River continuous monitoring
• Learn to communicate verbally and in writing with other team members in a scientific manner
• Learn data management and record keeping techniques
• Obtain experience with water quality analysis

Responsibilities of Phinizy Center and mentor:

Provide intern with the necessary orientation, administration, safety, and operational guidelines essential to the internship

• Provide intern with on-site supervision, mentorship, and instruction
• Record attendance and maintain records of work completed
• Offer evaluation of internship and work completed as needed
• Provide intern with appropriate laboratory and field safety precautions including PPE, lab safety training, etc

DESIREABLE INTERN PREREQUISITES

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Junior or Senior undergraduate or graduate in Biology, Ecology, or recent graduate

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Demonstrate strong work ethic and the ability to foster teamwork
• Task-oriented, an appreciation for native habitats, and be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Knowledge of standard office practices and basic computer skills, and ability to apply such knowledge of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations
• Be punctual and demonstrate good time management skills

License(s) or Special Requirements:

• Must be able to work a minimum of 8-16 hours a week Monday-Thursday for 9-12 weeks. Must be available one full 8 hr day/wk
• Must have transportation to and from the place of work (Phinizy Center for Water Sciences)
• Must have a current valid driver’s license or valid form of ID
• Ability to pass a background check

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands, Hazards, and Working Conditions: The intern will have to meet these requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, to succeed in this position.

While performing the duties of this position, the intern is frequently required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle and reach; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The intern must be able to lift and/or move at least 50 lbs.

While performing the duties of this position, the intern is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. Fieldwork will take place outside, and the intern will be exposed to the outdoor elements such as heat, rain, and insects. Hiking, carrying field equipment and wading (with waders) will be required. Lab work may occasionally include performing tasks involving toxic or cause chemicals, and proper lab safety is expected.