Watershed Science and Restoration Intern
OARS, the Watershed Organization for the Sudbury, Assabet & Concord Rivers
OARS is seeking a science intern for a paid summer internship, also available to students earning academic credit or a stipend from an educational program, with possible continuance into the fall semester.
OARS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit watershed organization based on Concord, MA, founded by concerned community members. OARS has guided, advocated for, and monitored the transformation of our three (Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord) rivers from clogged watercourses with foul-smelling biomass to the scenic rivers we all know and love today.
The OARS ecological restoration program is currently working on several interdisciplinary projects, including dam removals, invasive plant management, and culvert assessments. OARS water quality program also manages a large and long-running water quality sampling program. We routinely collaborate with local communities, regional planning agencies, and state agencies.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The internship position will work jointly with the water quality and ecological restoration program managers. The schedule is hybrid (in-person and remote) with significant field work within one hour driving distance of Concord, MA. The intern will also assist with gift and membership processing, working with the Development Team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
-
- Assist with water quality data formatting and reporting
- Get certified to conduct culvert assessments using NAACC protocols, carry out field assessments, and train others in the methodology
- Assist with general water quality and ecological restoration program needs
- Donor database entry and updates, and handling the coordination, assembly, and physical mailing of membership and gift acknowledgments
POTENTIAL SKILLS GAINED
-
- Culvert assessment certification (paid for by OARS)
- On-the-ground field experience that makes a real difference for the environment
- Networking opportunities within watershed organizations, as well as with state, local, and federal agencies
- Learn about water quality and environmental issues related to environmental science, climate resilience, and advocacy
- Professional experience working with a small non-profit organization
- Non-profit fundraising
The ideal candidate should have a majority of these qualifications. We recognize that not all candidates will have all skills. We encourage interested candidates to apply.
Must have:
- Highly independent, flexibility in handling various tasks, and self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision on field-based and remote tasks
- University-level coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, environmental planning, engineering or a related field
- Experience and interest in scientific fieldwork, especially water quality monitoring and ecological restoration
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Access to a vehicle and valid driver’s license
Desired:
- Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software (watershed management and special data display), Google map creation, coding software or other computer skills
- Willingness to work some evening and weekend hours
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in these fields
Competitive pay. The position may be full time (40 hours) or part time. Benefits may be offered if full time.
Based on the intern’s interest and university policies / program requirements, there is the possibility to earn academic credit.
Please email BOTH Heather Conkerton (hconkerton@oars3rivers.org) and Abby McCarthy (amccarthy@oars3rivers.org) your resume and a cover letter that addresses your qualifications, how this internship fits into your career plans, and why you want to work with OARS. Please specify your preference for either full time or part time. Please include your name and “Summer Internship” in the subject line (i.e., Heather Conkerton – Summer Internship). Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The start and end dates of the internship are flexible.
OARS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, or sexual orientation.
