Michael Gonzales Environmental Science Intern

Job Closes:
March 13th, 2026

The Michael Gonzales Memorial internship was established in 2012 to honor Michael Gonzales, former Deputy Director of Technical Services at the San Antonio River Authority. This internship opportunity is awarded to a highly motivated outstanding undergraduate student from a Texas institute of higher education. It is designed to stimulate interest in careers in environmental sciences among groups underrepresented in these professions.

The candidate selected will intern with the San Antonio River Authority Environmental Sciences Department (ESD) in San Antonio, Texas. The intern must be a current member or become a member of the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (TCAFS) prior to the conclusion of the internship. The River Authority will assist the selected intern with the application process and/or application fees if necessary.

Safety is #1 at the River Authority: We expect every employee:
1) Strictly follow safety policies, rules, and safe work methods.
2) Promptly correct or report safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Immediately report injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
3) Make regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous safety improvement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Conduct routine water quality collections throughout the San Antonio River basin.
• Collect fish, habitat, and benthic macroinvertebrate data to assess stream health.
• Learn how to identify fish and benthic macroinvertebrates of the San Antonio River basin.
• Use kayaks or other small watercraft to conduct freshwater mussel surveys using a variety of methods, oftentimes in remote locations.
• Assist biologists with data collection, data processing, and report writing in support of routine monitoring and other projects.
• Become familiar with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) sampling protocol in support of the Clean Rivers Program.
• Make unbiased observations of aquatic and riparian conditions.
• Assist with the calibration, operation, and maintenance of ESD field instruments.
• Prior to the conclusion of the internship, present to ESD staff on their experience with the River Authority.
• Perform related work as required.

• This position does not directly supervise any employees.

Candidates for this internship must meet the following qualifications:

• Enrolled at an accredited college or university for at least one semester after completion of internship (Individuals graduating in Summer 2025 are not eligible for this position).
• Have a minimum total cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

• Official or non-official transcripts.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals with academic or professional experience with the candidate.
• A 500-word essay discussing professional goals, motivations, and passions.
• Resume.

• None

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Aquatic species of Texas
• Aquatic and ecological theories and principles
• Microsoft Office
• Laboratory Information Management System

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents
• Communicating orally and in writing
• Ability to swim
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and SARA Core Values of Stewardship, Integrity, and Excellence.

Work Environment and Physical Effort:
Sedentary, Medium, Heavy. Physical effort requirements:
Sedentary involves sitting most of the time. Medium involves exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally. Heavy involves exerting up to 100 pounds of force…