Dr. Marc J. Taylor Summer Intern

TITLE: Dr. Marc J. Taylor Intern

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1 to 2

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

WAGES: Dependent on available grant funding; but not less than CT’s current minimum wage ($15.69/hr)

REPORTS TO: Executive Director; coordinates with other staff as needed

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 Intern position. The Dr. Taylor Intern will serve as an ambassador of PRWC, whose mission is to ensure plentiful high-quality water in the Pomperaug Watershed communities through the use of science and education.

The Dr. Taylor Intern supports PRWC’s scientific research, community outreach, and environmental stewardship and advocacy initiatives that may include but are not limited to road-stream crossing assessments, water quality monitoring and assessments, invasive plant management (aquatic and terrestrial), hands-on education programs, planning/facilitating workshops, participating in water resource management meetings, and leading volunteer conservation projects.

In 2024, the majority of the season will consist of road-stream crossing assessments which involves full days outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun) while wearing chest waders and walking in rivers and streams and roadways in order to take and record measurements of these structures. Aquatic invasive plant removal will be another key focus area for this season. Tasks supporting other initiatives may also be assigned.

The ideal candidate is a motivated, mature, and skilled individual who enjoys a majority of outdoor field work with some 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 road-stream crossing assessments, water quality sampling, river clean-ups, community outreach, riparian habitat improvement, invasive aquatic and terrestrial plant species removal, erosion mitigation, and storm drain marker installation

● Participate in relevant pre-site visits and planning, coordinating with project sponsors, as needed, and managing implementation of project goals according to accepted best practices and standards

● Coordinate with supervisory staff on project logistics and implementation

● Compile project logs and reports detailing achievements and results of watershed assessments

● Routinely prepare and maintain tools/equipment 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 packs/tools/gear over uneven terrain including streambanks and river channels while wearing chest waders. Perform physical labor that includes lifting, bending, kneeling, 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

● Other assignments that support PRWC’s scientific research, outreach, and environmental initiatives

● May lead volunteers in conservation projects

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 tools associated with duties (e.g. shovel, saw, etc.), 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

● Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license and daily access to a personal vehicle

● Knowledge of both native and invasive terrestrial and aquatic plants is helpful

● Candidates holding current CPR and First Aid Certifications preferred

● Eligibility to work in the United States

HOW TO APPLY: Qualified and interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references as a single PDF document that includes your last name in the file name by email to outreach@pomperaug.org. Please include “Dr. Taylor Internship Application” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 1, 2024 or until the position is filled.

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.