TITLE:  Dr. Marc J. Taylor Watershed Science Intern 

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1 (funding contingent)

TERM: Planned for June – August (8 weeks); Candidates must be able to work for the entire term

LOCATION:  Pomperaug River Watershed; Housing not provided; Remote work not available

WORKWEEK / HOURS:  Monday through Friday, generally 35 hours/week; some weekend work required

WAGES:  Dependent on funding availability; but not less than CT’s current minimum wage ($16.35/hr)

REPORTS TO:  Community Engagement Coordinator and Executive Director

OVERVIEW

The Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition (PRWC), located in Woodbury, CT, is accepting applications from undergraduate and graduate students pursuing environmental careers for its Dr. Marc J. Taylor Watershed Science Intern position. The Watershed Science Intern will serve as an ambassador of PRWC and for its work to protect the Pomperaug River, its tributaries, and aquifer make Southbury, Woodbury, Bethlehem, and neighboring towns a vibrant place to live, work, and recreate. For 25 years, PRWC has been working tirelessly to protect, sustain, and restore the water resources of the Pomperaug Watershed through community-wide education initiatives, on-the-ground conservation work, watershed science and research, and advocacy at the state and local level.

The Watershed Science Intern will support PRWC’s scientific research, community outreach, and environmental stewardship and advocacy initiatives that may include, but are not limited to, water quality monitoring and assessments, invasive plant management (aquatic and terrestrial), compiling and analyzing data from PRWC’s watershed research initiatives, and generating reports and maps from collected data. In 2025, emphasis will be on the analysis of PRWC’s stream temperature data collected between 2012 and 2024 as well as PRWC’s bridge/culvert data collected in 2024. 

Additional activities will include collection of water quality data, documenting the presence/spread of invasive water chestnut in the Pomperaug Watershed, and removing water chestnut plants from local waterways. The season will consist of work performed in a professional office environment as well as full days outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun) and paddling on open water. Tasks supporting other initiatives may also be assigned.

The ideal candidate is a motivated, mature, and skilled individual who enjoys a mix of outdoor field work and office assignments and is comfortable interacting with residents of all ages. Candidates should demonstrate a solid work ethic, understanding of the scientific method and organizational skills, as well as a positive attitude and a commitment to the environment. Daily access to a personal vehicle is required (mileage reimbursement for non-commute, personal vehicle travel will be provided). 

EXPECTATIONS

Intern expectations include, but are not limited to the following abilities:

• Respectfully represent Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition in the development, coordination, and completion of various conservation projects
• Maintain good communication and professional relationships with Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition staff, board, program partners, and the general public
• Adhere to all staff, safety, and program procedures and policies including applicable elements of the PRWC employee handbook
• Ensure a safe, professional work environment for project team members including volunteers
• Engage in professional development activities, as needed, to obtain/renew necessary knowledge, skills, and best practices for resource management practices

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Complete high priority conservation projects such as water quality sampling and data analysis, invasive aquatic  species tracking removal
• Compile and analyze data from PRWC’s watershed research initiatives and generate reports and maps from collected data
• Coordinate with supervisory staff on project logistics and implementation
• Routinely prepare and maintain monitoring equipment and supplies before and after projects
• Maintain strong relationships and communication with project partners and colleagues
• Complete tasks that involve heavy lifting (40+ pounds), repetitive motion, walking/hiking while carrying equipment and supplies over uneven terrain including streambanks and river channels while wearing chest waders; Perform physical labor that includes lifting, bending, kneeling, paddling on open water and working with hand-held equipment for 2- to 3-hour intervals
• Working outdoors in various weather conditions including hot and cold temperature, sun and rain
• Using a computer at a seated work-station in a professional office 
• Other assignments that support PRWC’s scientific research, outreach, and environmental initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS & ELIGIBILITY
Candidates should possess, at a minimum, the following:

• Strong interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education 
• Commitment to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human and natural communities
• Ability to work responsibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
• Capacity to perform strenuous physical labor such as carrying 40+ pounds, including equipment associated with duties (e.g. kayak), over uneven terrain, and wear chest waders for hours at a time
• Understanding of the scientific method and best practices for field safety and ability to adhere to field data collection protocols and data quality objectives 
• Strong organization, data management, and analysis skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) or Google equivalents
• Familiarity with ArcGIS, handheld GPS, and EpiCollect5 technologies will be considered a plus
• Experience collecting and processing data will be considered a plus
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license and daily access to a personal vehicle 
• Knowledge of native and invasive terrestrial and aquatic plants is helpful
• Candidates holding current CPR and First Aid Certifications preferred
• Personal access to and ability to transport a canoe or kayak is a huge plus!
• Eligibility to work in the United States

EOE STATEMENT

Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the bases of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other status or class otherwise protected by law.