Job Type: Paid Internship
Salary Details: $19/hr – 30 hr flexible work week
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) is a public water supply utility located in New Haven, Connecticut. The RWA supplies an average of 43 million gallons of water daily to 15 municipalities, serving a population of approximately 430,000. As a steward of the environment, the RWA maintains and manages 26,000 acres of watershed and aquifer lands, encompassing 10 active drinking water reservoirs and 7 active wellfields.

Working in the Environmental Planning Department, the Aquatic Resource Intern will conduct field water quality sampling, ground water monitoring, analysis of water samples, and assist with day-to-day departmental operations. The intern will be trained on standard operating procedures and execute proper collection, transportation, and analysis of water quality data from reservoirs, streams, diversions, and groundwater sources. The candidate will enter data, compile reports, and perform rudimentary analysis of acute and long-term trends in water quality. Following a training period, the ideal candidate will work independently, operating equipment and trailering watercraft to sites as needed. In addition to departmental duties, there will be opportunities for the applicant to learn about other environmental aspects of the organization, should they exhibit a strong aptitude for the position.

Position is an internship with the intention to transition to a full time salaried position upon completion of a degree and following a favorable review period. 

Anticipated start date January 2024. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Collect field data associated with the raw water monitoring program, including water quality sampling on RWA reservoirs, water quality measurements at remote stream locations, and groundwater monitoring.
  • Data entry, data analysis, and QA/QC.
  • Perform laboratory analysis and prepare samples for analysis at internal and external laboratories.
  • Maintain and calibrate environmental field instruments and remote water quality monitoring instrumentation.
  • Operate and coordinate maintenance of boat, motor, and other field equipment.
  • Perform macrophyte and invasive species surveys as needed and remain cognizant of current and emerging aquatic invasive species present in the Northeast.
  • Conduct work in accordance with all RWA safety policies. Enforce those policies with outside consultants and contractors.
  • Assist fulltime staff with other watershed management and monitoring initiatives as needed.
  • Other duties as necessary to accomplish the strategic initiatives and mission, vision, and values of the organization.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Educational Requirement

  • At least four (4) semesters of college level education with a natural resource related track (i.e., environmental science, marine science, biology, ecology, natural resource management, geology, chemistry, limnology, statistics) . Course work in aquatic sciences or statistical analysis desirable. 
  • Strong demonstrable interest in water science, natural resource management, and/or environmental instrumentation.

Experience/Skills/Abilities:

  • Valid Connecticut state driver’s license.
  • Ability to work in aquatic environments including lakes, streams, and marshes under adverse conditions. Must be able to swim.
  • Lift, carry, and deploy heavy field equipment; utilize water quality instrumentation, drive pickup truck, prolonged sitting.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Access). Familiarity with GIS applications preferred.
  • Familiarity with biology, chemistry, physical sciences, and analytical procedures.
  • Ability to problem solve and work independently.
  • CT DEEP Safe Boating Certificate or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire date.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply at South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authorities website https://us231.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/sccrwa/Posting/View/582

Questions may be directed to William Henley – whenley@rwater.com