Water Quality Testing Lab Intern

Job Description

Water Quality Testing Lab Intern

Category: Part-Time Hourly
Department: Science & Engineering
Location: North Branch, NJ
Type: Part-time Internship
Posted: Apr 26, 2022
Closes: Open Until Filled
Position ID: 146807

About Raritan Valley Community College

Ranked by BestColleges.com and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) has proudly served as an academic and cultural hub for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for 50 years. The College has received national recognition for its dedication to community service, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. RVCC is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute, 3M Observatory, a 1,000-seat Theatre, and an Honors College for high-achieving students, among other distinguished facilities.

RVCC offers over 90 associate degrees and certificates, alongside career training programs, small business assistance through its Small Business Development Center, professional development courses, and enriching personal development classes for adults and youth. The College is situated at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For more information, please visit www.raritanval.edu.

Job Description

Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is seeking dedicated interns to join its Water Quality Testing Laboratory. These interns will play a crucial role in assisting with water quality sampling and analysis activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in collecting water samples from streams and various other water bodies both on campus and within the local community.
• Conduct laboratory analysis of collected samples to determine nitrogen, phosphorus, and bacterial concentrations.
• Actively participate in a research project focused on the downstream transport of cyanotoxins originating from harmful algal blooms in the Raritan River Basin.
• Receive comprehensive training on specialized lab instruments used for analyzing nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as the established procedure for measuring bacterial concentrations.
• Under the supervision of faculty, communicate and coordinate effectively with research collaborators.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of laboratory supplies.
• Contact vendors to obtain necessary price quotations for lab materials.
• Assist in establishing written protocols for various laboratory analyses.
• Document and troubleshoot instrument performance issues.
• Provide periodic status updates to the supervisor.
• Document all work meticulously through spreadsheets, written reports, and photographic/video records.
• May be asked to assist in the preparation of grant proposals.
• May assist in outreach efforts to local environmental organizations to solicit new business for the lab.
• Opportunity to present research results at conferences and workshops.

Requirements

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• Current RVCC student or a recent RVCC alumnus/alumna.
• Demonstrated interest in environmental science and/or ecology, including topics such as water quality, stream and ecosystem health, stream restoration, and watershed management.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to meticulously follow directions.
• Proficient working knowledge of word processing and basic spreadsheet programs and functions.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within small groups.
• A plus: Prior experience collecting environmental samples in the field.
• A plus: Prior experience with laboratory analytical equipment.
• A plus: Mechanical and/or field experience/skill.

Additional Information

Duration and Compensation:

• This internship is designed to run year-round.
• Interns are expected to work approximately 5-10 hours per week during the summer months.
• During the academic semester, interns are expected to work approximately 3-7 hours per week, with occasional flexibility for more hours as needed to complete sampling and analysis tasks.
• Interns will be compensated at a rate of $15 per hour.
• Scheduling will be negotiated directly with the supervisor to accommodate academic commitments.

Application Instructions

As a New Jersey First Act Employer, new employees must establish a primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their start date, unless an exemption applies.

RVCC’s starting salary is commensurate with educational qualifications and relevant experience. We also offer an attractive benefits package. To review eligible health, wellness, and benefits offered, please click on the following link and scroll down: RVCC Human Resources Benefits

For consideration of the above position, please submit your cover letter and resume online by clicking the “apply now” button. We regret that due to the volume of applications, we are unable to respond to each and every resume received. Only those candidates of interest will be contacted directly.