About this position
TITLE: Water and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (WECL) Intern
LINE OF BUSINESS/DIVISION: Conservation Services/Freshwater Institute
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt/Part-Time (20 hours/week)
REPORTS TO: Water and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Manager
NUMBER OF POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: None
LOCATION: Shepherdstown, WV
DURATION: This is a part-time internship lasting 16 weeks, with the intern working no more than 20 hours per week.
THE CONSERVATION FUND
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.
JOB HIGHLIGHTS
The WECL Intern will analyze water and wastewater to support research needs and regulatory requirements for projects related to aquaculture and wastewater treatment. This is a part-time (up to 20 hours/week) internship.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
· Collect samples for water quality testing.
· Perform chemical, physical, microbiological, and biological analysis of water and wastewater. Analyses include: Total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, processing and enumerating bacteria, color, turbidity, total phosphorus and nitrogen, pH, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite, and others as needed.
· Operate laboratory instruments/equipment such as pH and dissolved oxygen meters, spectrophotometers, and autoclaves.
· Assist in developing new test procedures using standard reference materials or new instrumentation and write Standard Operating Procedures for new tests.
· Work in the field as necessary.
· Perform clean-up and maintenance in the laboratory and assist others outside of the lab on other areas of the campus as needed.
· Extract and record data in Microsoft Excel or similar software.
WHAT WE NEED YOU TO HAVE
· Currently pursuing a diploma or Bachelor’s in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
· Prior experience in a laboratory setting, such as in college-level science courses.
· Ability to work independently, while maintaining high standards of quality required for research and manuscript publication in peer-reviewed journals.
· Sensitivity to animal welfare issues.
· Proficiency with Office 365 computer applications.
WHAT WE’D LIKE YOU TO HAVE
· Basic understanding of lab safety and procedures.
· Interest in water chemistry.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
· This position requires standing for long periods of time and the ability to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height. The WECL intern will possibly work in wet, hot, and/or humid conditions.
· 80% of work is performed around water or in wet, hot, and/or humid conditions.
· Estimated travel – 5-10%.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The pay rate is $18 - $20/hour, and it does not include benefits.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The Conservation Fund encourages you to apply.
The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.
Salary Information
Requirements