Sound Rivers is seeking multiple full-time interns, who will work with Riverkeepers coordinating
volunteers, and collecting and analyzing water quality samples. This experience is an excellent
opportunity for a public health, chemistry, biology, or environmental science student who wants
to demonstrate skills in leadership and project management with measurable outcomes.
Data collected will be used in the Swim Guide, a recreational water quality monitoring and
education program. Volunteer scientists collect and analyze water samples from popular
recreation areas to inform the public of areas with safe swimming conditions.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please email a cover letter and copy of your resume to Katy Hunt at
lowerneuserk@soundrivers.org. Applications are due by February 21st, though applications will
be considered as they are received. This internship provides compensation of approximately
$5,000 for 14 weeks of full-time work. The positions will be based in Washington, Raleigh, or
New Bern, NC. When submitting applications, please note your preferred location.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Water Quality Intern will be tasked with leading the program, under the supervision and
direction of Riverkeeper staff. The position involves volunteer recruitment, coordination and
training of volunteer sample collectors, performing lab and field work, managing data, and
distributing results to the public. The position is both demanding and incredibly rewarding. The
ideal candidate will possess a passion for clean water, charisma, leadership skills, and an
above average attention to detail. While desired, prior knowledge or experience in water quality
monitoring is not required; training will be provided. Interns will have additional learning
opportunities outside of the Swim Guide Program as time allows.
REQUIREMENTS
• Strong attention to detail and organization
• Ability to adhere to strict, but simple, Quality Control measures
• Ability to lift and carry cooler full of ice, bend over to collect samples multiple times a day, and
maintain a steady hand in the lab
• Familiarity with Excel and ability to keep accurate records
• Ability to teach others
• Willingness to drive your own car up to 200 miles per week to collect samples (mileage is
reimbursed at a rate of approximately $0.45/mile, and typical weekly mileage for the Water
Quality Intern will vary from 0 to 100 miles per week)
• Commitment to the goal of improving water quality through volunteer science
SCHEDULE
May 11th to August 14th – start and end dates are negotiable. An approximately 30-35
hour/week work schedule with some flexibility in hours. The weekly work schedule below is just
an example. Some nights and weekends may be required to fulfill the duties of the position.
EXAMPLE WEEK
Monday – Prep field equipment. Perform lab maintenance. Update records.
Tuesday – Coordinate volunteers for sample collection.
Wednesday – Collect samples from volunteers. Perform lab work on approximately 10-20
samples.
Thursday – Collect samples from volunteers. Perform lab work on approximately 10-20 samples.
Friday – Analyze samples, record and distribute results to the public.
ABOUT SOUND RIVERS
Sound Rivers was founded in 2015 with the merger of the Neuse River Foundation and the
Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, two of the state’s oldest grassroots conservation organizations.
The mission of Sound Rivers is to monitor, protect and enhance water quality and related
ecosystems in the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico River basins while supporting environmental justice.
This union creates a powerful advocate, uniting with concerned citizens to work to protect these
two cherished waterways