Drinking Water Quality Associate- Internship

City of Portsmouth's Water Division is seeking a Drinking Water Quality Associate for the Spring and Summer of 2026! This internship is located at the Portsmouth Water Treatment Facility in Madbury, NH and will provide hands-on experience in water resource management, environmental monitoring, and treatment facility process control. This is an excellent opportunity for students pursuing studies in environmental science, biology, chemistry, engineering, ore related fields. 

Hours: 12-40 hours a week. Intern will likely begin part-time in March 2026. A full-time schedule of 40 hours a week is expected during the summer, with the possibility for part-time work in the fall. 
Schedule: Monday-Friday: 7:30am-3:30pm with flexibly during the school calendar year.
Pay rate: $19.00 per hour.

NATURE OF WORK
This position will assist the Water Division with water quality sampling and analyses for compliance, non-compliance, and treatment facility process control programs. Sampling activities include stream and reservoir monitoring, treatment and supply source sampling, and further collections throughout the water distribution system. The position requires considerable physical activity such as equipment hauling, boat operation, sample collection in vegetated areas, and walking to remote well locations. Incumbent will be required to use City vehicle to drive to bacteria testing sites in Portsmouth, Newington, Greenland, New Castle and the Pease Tradeport.

This position also involves analyses of many general water quality parameters in a laboratory setting; located in the Portsmouth Surface Water Treatment Facility in Madbury NH, where the position will be based.

 

SUPERVISION
Incumbent works under the general supervision of the Assistant Water Resource Manager and Water Quality Specialist II. 

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.

1. Assist the Water Quality Specialist II with environmental, compliance, non-compliance, and operational control sampling and analyses.

2. Perform field work such as water sample collections, on-site water quality testing, and stream gauging.

3. Travel throughout distribution system area to collect samples for the programs such as the Lead and Copper Rule compliance monitoring, Total Coliform Rule compliance monitoring, and the corrosion control program.

4. Assist with water quality data entry and compilation.

5. Assist with source water protection program mapping and windshield surveys.

6. Assist with shoreline protection survey, site cleanup activities, and sign posting.

7. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
An incumbent in this position consistently demonstrates a(n)...

1. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, City staff, and government officials at all levels.

2. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word operating system including word and excel.

3. Ability to work independently and pay close attention to detail.

4. Strong organizational, written and oral communication skills.

5. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, City staff, and government officials at all levels. 

 

ENVIRONMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT
Primary duties of this position involve: water quality monitoring through sample collections and analysis, inspecting and performing analyzer maintenance, and data compilation and trending.  Work is performed inside labs, outside in all weather conditions, inside treatment plant, in confined spaces, at field locations, and inside vehicles.  The person in this position will constantly be working around machinery and equipment to assess and maintain proper operation of equipment and facilities.  Current position includes some limited physical requirements including frequently moving and transporting equipment, supplies, and tools weighing up to 50 pounds, and possible exposure to hazardous chemicals, gases, and conditions.
 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates currently majoring in Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Forestry, Biological Science or other related majors and candidates with a science background are encouraged to apply. 

Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license with a good driving record.

(The above descriptions are illustrative.  They are intended as guides for personnel actions and are not complete itemizations of all facets of any job.)

 

DISCLAIMER
The essential functions and duties described herein are normal for this position. They are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similarly related or a logical assignment to or extension of the position. Other duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor. The City of Portsmouth is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The City is committed to providing access to equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our Human Resources Director by phone 603-610-4478.

 

APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Finalist must complete pre-employment screening, drug testing, & background check.