Water Quality Monitoring Intern

Water Quality Monitoring Intern 

Seasonal Position 

Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) is seeking one seasonal intern to join our staff in preserving and improving water resources and related ecosystems in eastern Ramsey County and western Washington County, Minnesota. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience in the field of water quality monitoring, with additional learning and networking opportunities.  

DURATION: An intern is needed from early April (or as soon thereafter as possible) through the end of September (with the potential to work later into the fall). 

HOURS: Initial work hours are flexible but must be full-time (40 hours per week) during the summer months. The expected schedule for this internship is Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. 

SALARY: $20.00 per hour 

APPLICATION: Send resume in PDF format no later than March 1st, 2026 by e-mail to office@rwmwd.org or by mail to Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District at 2665 Noel Drive, Little Canada 55117. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

Lake, stream, and BMP sampling: (50%) The intern will aid in the collection and processing of water samples from lakes, ponds, streams, as well as from the inlets and outlets of BMP sites and other water bodies of interest to the District. Both discreet samples as well as stormwater samples from ISCO automated samplers will be collected. The intern will also collect other relevant physical and chemical data using a multiparameter sonde as well as other specialty equipment. 

Equipment maintenance and remote data collection: (20%) The intern will help with the upkeep of ISCO automated samplers with routine maintenance, power supply maintenance, and other maintenance issues that arise from remote use. The intern will also utilize ISCO software remotely to collect data from samplers and transport and upload it to the district database. 

Storm sewer inspections and maintenance: (20%) The intern will travel to District-owned storm sewer pipes and inspect their grates for any blockage formed by natural materials or garbage. Any blockage will be cleaned off to ensure proper flow through of storm sewer systems. 

Stream flow measurements: (5%) Intern will assist full-time staff in deploying FlowTracker streamflow measurement equipment in selected streams in order to collect streamflow measurements used in the refinement of rating curves. 

Other special projects as directed: (5%) The intern will have opportunities to shadow other RWMWD programs and to educate K-12 students about water quality. The intern will also aid with miscellaneous projects designed to maintain and improve the district water quality program.  

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

Able to work outdoors, possibly under extreme conditions (cold, rain, and heat).  

Work well both individually and in a team environment.  

Be diligent in the collection of monitoring data.  

Requires frequent lifting of items weighing up to 50 pounds and walking in rough terrain. Individual must provide their own outdoor work clothing, rain gear, boots, etc.  

Proficiency with Microsoft Office software.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: 

Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) embraces and values diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. RWMWD seeks to recruit, promote, and retain employees that reflect the community we serve.   

No individual shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, religion, age, political affiliation, disability, familial status, veteran status, national origin, or other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law.