Water Quality Technician Internship, Columbia Riverkeeper (PDX)

Organizational Overview: Columbia Riverkeeper (Riverkeeper) is a successful nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Columbia River watershed. Riverkeeper has offices in Hood River and Portland, Oregon. Riverkeeper is a leader in high-profile campaigns to protect our region from fossil fuel infrastructure, toxic pollution, the Hanford Nuclear Site, and other threats facing Columbia River communities and salmon habitat. 

Location: Portland, OR 

Status: Paid Internship (part-time, temporary, non-exempt)

Hours & Duration: 10 to 15 hours per month from May through September 2025. The internship is independent and the schedule is flexible.

Position Description: Help promote healthy river contact and inform the public on safe places to swim. Riverkeeper seeks a responsible individual to serve as the Water Quality Technician from May to September (10-15 hours/month) in Portland, OR. Technicians will become experts in E.coli and harmful algal bloom monitoring techniques and sampling methods. Prior experience with E.coli or algal bloom monitoring is not required. Attention to detail and ability to work independently is a must. Experience gained through this position will greatly benefit persons looking to further a career in water resources. 

Responsibilities:

• Collect water samples from Columbia River sites twice monthly to test for E.coli
• Process samples at Riverkeeper’s Portland, OR, office
• Follow a strict sample collection and processing protocol
• Monitor for harmful algal blooms
• Enter data and manage Riverkeeper’s E. coli database
• File accurate and timely data report with the Science & Education Director
• Post-up-to-date results on Riverkeeper’s Swim Guide app

Qualifications:

• Ability to swim and cognizant of safety precautions when wading in the river
• Work independently and with limited oversight
• Detail-oriented regarding equipment, field protocols, and data entry
• Passion for rivers and clean water
• Represent Riverkeeper in a positive manner
• Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and willingness to drive to multiple sites along the Columbia River to collect samples 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel

*A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, BIPOC, and other candidates from most-impacted communities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s welcome. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Working Conditions: This role requires considerable driving with a large portion of time spent traveling between sampling sites. The position also involves working alone near water and potentially working alone in an office building. While not required, it is possible to coordinate lab work to be in the office when it is staffed if willing to limit work to regular business hours and coordinate with Riverkeeper staff.

Compensation: $20 per hour not to exceed $1,500 total. Reimbursement for travel mileage is available. 

Application deadline: April 11, 2025

How to apply: Email a cover letter, resume, and at least three references, to Lorri@columbiariverkeeper.org with the subject line “Water Quality Technician (Portland).” If possible, please combine the cover letter, resume, and references into a single PDF attachment titled “Last Name.First Name, WQ Tech Portland.”

Columbia Riverkeeper is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.