Water Resources Intern

INTERNSHIP SUMMARY

The Water Resources Intern will assist with District projects, support community engagement efforts, and gain hands-on experience in field monitoring and maintenance. Intern will develop technical skills in GIS and data management and lead an outreach initiative aligned with the District’s Education and Outreach Plan. A special project may be pursued based on the intern’s interests and program needs.

POSITION TITLE:  Water Resources Intern

SALARY: $21.00 per hour

HOURS: 40 hours per week

TERM: Summer position, May–August 2026 (10-12 weeks; flexible start and end dates)

LOCATION:

Prior Lake–Spring Lake Watershed District
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Outreach (40%)

• Develop a social media campaign on an environmental or District topic.
• Lead planning efforts for one outreach event supporting the 2026 Education and Outreach Plan.
• Assist staff with communications through website and social media updates.
• Provide staff support at public outreach events.

Field Monitoring & Maintenance (40%)

• Perform regular maintenance tasks such as vegetation and debris removal at outlet structures, water quality project sites, restoration areas, and stream sampling sites.
• Collect daily precipitation gauge readings.
• Assist with water quality and flow sampling for lakes and streams.
• Assist with carp management activities, including tagging, tracking, and removal efforts.

GIS & Data Management (20%)

• Streamline and update GIS datasets.
• Organize and maintain photo archives.
• Support data entry and mapping workflows.

Other Duties

• Additional administrative, outreach, and field tasks, as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of one year of college towards a degree in environmental science, biology, water resources, or related field.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for work responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently outdoors in variable terrain and weather conditions.
• Ability to lift/carry/operate equipment (up to 50 lbs).
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills.
• Possess strong organizational and time management skills.
• Familiarity with ESRI products (ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online).
• Ability to navigate using aerial maps.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

DESIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience creating effective outreach content, such as writing newsletters, managing social media pages, and/or creating content using Canva.
• Experience with water monitoring equipment such as multi-parameter Sonde, Secchi, ISCO flow modules, telemetry level-loggers, etc.
• Ability to safely drive, launch, maneuver, and trailer a boat; hold a valid MN Watercraft Operators Permit.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.