IEC 2023 Seasonal Interns

 

IEC Job Description

IEC 2023 Seasonal Interns

1/19/2023

TITLE: IEC 2023 Seasonal Interns

EMPLOYER: Interstate Environmental Commission (IEC)

LOCATION: Interstate Environmental Commission laboratory in Brooklyn, New York; western Long Island Sound boat surveys which depart from Port Washington, New York; and boat and land-based water quality monitoring surveys throughout New York-New Jersey Harbor.

BACKGROUND:

JOB SUMMARY: Assist with field, laboratory, and office work associated with IEC’s seasonal water quality monitoring activities in throughout the tri-state area. Activities are generally water quality oriented, but can cover a wide range of environmental issues, according to program needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Interns will participate in one or more of the water quality projects outlined below. It is anticipated that interns will be assigned primarily to one project, based on experience and interest, but may support other projects as needed. All intern positions require field work and laboratory work, with field work typically starting in the early morning, with extensive driving around the New York City metropolitan area.

Long Island Sound Monitoring Seasonal Intern:
  • • Intern will participate in boat-based surveys, utilizing portable monitoring equipment (YSI multi-parameter sondes) to take field measurements and collect ambient water samples. Western Long Island Sound boat surveys depart as early as 5:00am (sunrise- dependent) from Port Washington, New York up to twice a week.
  • • Assist with the preservation and transport of samples to the laboratory or laboratories and the filtration and processing of samples for shipment and storage, as required.
  • • Assist with laboratory analyses of water samples in accordance with established procedures and methods.
  • • Assist with pre-sampling calibration of equipment (YSI EXO 1 multiparameter meters), and post-sampling calibration checks, data downloads, and maintenance.
  • • Perform laboratory preparation of bottles, coolers, equipment, quality control activities, and housekeeping, as necessary.
  • • Additional fieldwork, laboratory analyses, data entry, report generation and office work, as necessary.
New York Harbor Monitoring Intern:
  • • Harbor monitoring surveys occur weekly, and incorporate both land and boat-based water sample collection (boat surveys currently depart from Staten Island, NY and Carlstadt, NJ). Monitoring utilizes portable monitoring equipment (YSI multi-parameter sondes) to take field measurements and collect ambient water samples. Position requires field work up to three days per week, with sampling starting as early as 6:00 am.
  • • Assist with the preservation and transport of samples to IEC laboratory or contract laboratories and the filtration and processing of samples for shipment and storage, as required.
  • • Assist with laboratory analyses of water samples in accordance with established procedures and methods.
  • • Assist with pre-sampling calibration of equipment (YSI Pro DSS or YSI EXO 1 multiparameter meters), and post-sampling calibration checks. • Perform laboratory preparation of bottles, coolers, equipment, quality control activities, and housekeeping, as necessary.
  • • Participate in public education, outreach and information activities to promote and educate the public on regional water quality issues and projects
Coordinated Volunteer Pathogen Monitoring Program Intern:
  • • Participate in and support IEC’s volunteer pathogen monitoring program in near-shore areas in the IEC District.
  • • Assist with sample transport of pathogen samples collected by monitoring groups (primarily from North Jersey) to IEC’s laboratory in Brooklyn, New York.
  • • Assist with laboratory analyses of pathogen indicators (enterococcus, fecal coliform, e. coli) in accordance with established laboratory procedures and methods (membrane filtration and multiple -well IDEXX methods).
  • • Assist with pre-season and monthly inspections and maintenance of equipment (YSI Pro DSS multiparameter meters), pre-season and mid-season field training and audits with monitoring groups.
  • • Perform maintenance, data downloads, calibration checks, and maintenance of continuous monitoring data loggers.
  • • Additional fieldwork, laboratory analyses, data entry, report generation and office work, as necessary.
  • • Perform laboratory preparation of bottles, coolers, equipment, quality control activities, recordkeeping and housekeeping, as necessary.
  • • Participate in public education, outreach and information activities to promote and educate the public on regional water quality issues and projects.

 

EDUCATION: Minimum of 3 years towards a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, biology, or closely related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS: Ideal applicants will be highly motivated, detail-oriented, and flexible with a strong interest in water quality issues, willingness to work in laboratory and field settings.

Required:

  • • Strong interest in environmental issues and desire to learn
  • • Strong desire and ability to work outside, on a boat, under a variety of environmental conditions, as well as in a laboratory setting.
  • • Ability to follow directions and guidelines outlined in IEC’s Standard operating procedures, Project Plans and other documents; attention to detail
  • • Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to multi-task
  • • Strong communication skills
  • • Strong computer skills, particularly Excel
  • • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; quick learner
  • • Experience driving in and around the tri-state area (NY, CT, and NJ)
  • • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds

Desired:

  • • Prior field and laboratory experience
  • • Prior experience with multi-parameter sondes, specifically YSI EXO1, YSI EXO2, YSI ProDSS, and associated software
  • • Experience with MS Access, ArcGIS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This is a paid position; hourly pay is between $21.00-$23.00/hour, commensurate with experience. It is estimated that the position will be a full-time, seasonal position, requiring 37.5 hours (4-5 days per week), with some flexibility. This is an in-person position; this position does not include a remote work option. The approximate start date is May 1, 2023 with an estimated end date of October 31st, 2023, with some flexibility in start and/or end dates to accommodate academic schedules and personal schedules. This position does not include benefits, other than statutory benefits such as workers compensation, social security taxes and unemployment insurance. Duties will occur at multiple workplaces including the IEC’s Laboratory located in Brooklyn, NY and boat surveys departing from Port Washington, NY and Brooklyn, NY and Carlstadt, NJ (Hackensack River). Occasional weekend work may be required in order to process samples.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Fieldwork may begin in the early morning (5:00-6:30am, as some projects are sunrise-dependent) and occurs in all weather, including heat, sun, and rain, with little to no shelter.

Requirements: A valid driver’s license and access to own transportation is preferred. Mileage (at standard IRS reimbursement rates), tolls and meals for field work and sample transport will be reimbursed in accordance with IEC’s travel policies.

Apply: To apply, send a cover letter and resume by March 3rd, 2023 as indicated at the top of the page. Please reference position number 23-001 in the e-mail subject line.

 

Please submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@iec-nynjct.org. Your application will be reviewed to determine if your qualifications possess the right match for the position.

 

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