Stormwater Water Quality Internship

The Stormwater Water Quality Internship provides an opportunity to gain experience and learn about the City of Raleigh Stormwater Management Division. This internship will assist the Water Quality section with field work and office tasks. The position’s main objective will be field collection of benthic macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) in the field.

Under the supervision of the Senior Water Quality Specialist, the Incumbent will provide biological and ambient water quality field data collection; operation of sampling equipment in streams; data entry and quality assurance/quality control; support data analysis; and assistance with education and outreach events.

Biological field data collection includes performing biomonitoring at Raleigh stream locations, using various techniques to collect benthic macroinvertebrates, collecting data with water quality meters, completing electronic data forms, sample preparation and preservation, etc. Additionally, the internship may provide the opportunity to shadow tasks associated with the implementation of the City’s Stormwater Management Plan.

This is a time limited part time job opportunity, ideally having flexible, part‑time hours beginning in late May or early June 2026 and to end in late August or early September 2026 (not to exceed 100 hours).

• Collects biological and ambient water quality field data and/or assists with sample preparation and preservation
• Follows safety measures and guidelines for sampling
• Assists with field equipment calibration and preparation, such as labeling sample containers and organizing equipment
• Enters, updates, and organizes database information. Performs quality assurance/quality control for data collected
• Assists with basic data analysis for benthic macroinvertebrate data
• Assists with volunteer and outreach events as needed, such as stream cleanups and volunteer training workshops
• This position will require the use of a City owned vehicle to perform field work

High School Diploma or GED and at least 1 year of related college level coursework

Seeking candidates interested in Water Quality, Stormwater Management, Natural Resources, etc., either working towards a college degree or with a college degree in a related field

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire

• Standard practices, methods and materials of assigned work
• Basic organizational and record‑keeping principles
• Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices
• Uses and properties of supplies and equipment
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment)
• Customer service principles
• Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment
• Utilizing modern technology and relevant software

• Following directions and meeting standards
• Providing attention to detail in assignments
• Accurate data collection and record keeping
• Proofreading and error correction
  
  Maintaining and updating data and documentation
• Reading reference manuals and following standard operating procedures
• Operating assigned tools and equipment
• Organizing and maintaining records and files
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications
• Providing customer service
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction

Positions in this class typically require: balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Work is performed both outside in the field and in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to extreme temperatures.