Intern, Water Quality Summer Research Assistant

Mission:

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.  

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary

Join Woodwell’s Water program as a Water Quality Summer Research Assistant Intern for the summer of 2025. This internship is a collaboration between Woodwell Climate and the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s (BBC) Baywatchers Water Quality Monitoring Program.  The Baywatchers Program is one of the longest running and most successful coastal water quality monitoring programs in the U.S. It monitors more than 200 stations during July and August and has been operating since 1992.  As an intern at the Center, you will be provided with overall knowledge of scientific and operational programs of the Center as well as the knowledge you will gain working directly with your team. Interns will be provided challenging assignments, feedback, and opportunities to learn and contribute to our organization's success. 

Responsibilities include, but not limited to: 

• Perform complex water quality analyses under the supervision of a Research Associate

• Sample receiving, sample analyses, data management

• Assists Research Associate in sample receipt, sample management and bottle prep for

• water collection

• Maintains organized and up-to-date digital (files, spreadsheets) and printed

• (laboratory notebooks and related documents) records for tracking information

• including sample data

• Prepares computer spreadsheets, input data, performs mathematical calculations and

• basic quality analysis and quality control protocols

• Works under general direction of Research Associate and within standard operating procedures

• Use various water quality analytical equipment and ensure the equipment is in proper working condition

• Performs other duties as assigned

• Open to receive guidance from experienced professionals and learn new techniques and tools

• Drive to off-site sample collection points 

Must have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Some working knowledge of water quality analytical techniques and requirements

• Some experience with the operation, calibration and maintenance of analytical equipment, including fluorometers, spectrophotometers, nutrient auto-analyzer (e.g., SEAL), elemental CN analyzer

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and provide organized, thoughtful, and thorough analysis

• Excellent listening and communications skills (written, verbal and interpersonal)

• Proficiently perform computerized word processing, comprehension, summarizing and writing/editing

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments and the general public

• Completed college level courses in Chemistry, Biology, Geology or Environmental Science. Prior experience in water quality analyses, sampling techniques and requirements are desired

• Willingness to complete Safety Training 

• Must have valid drivers license

Qualifications:

• Enrolled and/or appropriate coursework within Environmental Science, Ecology, Botany, Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Marine Biology or Natural Resources

Physical Requirements

In the office and lab:

• Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, sitting

• Ability to lift 25 - 50 pounds

• Ability to communicate

• Ability to kneel, bend, and carry items

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time

• Frequent phone use required

• Ability to use computer

• Repetitive movements

• Air, train, vehicle travel to attend meetings/event

• Exposure to hazardous materials in the laboratory

In the field, the physical requirements of this role include:

• Air, train, vehicle travel to access field locations

• Driving a vehicle or ATV to access field locations

• Walking, hiking, climbing to access field locations

• Paddling, canoeing to access field locations

• Standing and sitting for sustained periods

• Frequent bending, squatting, and kneeling

• Reaching overhead

• Climbing ladders

• Use of manual and power tools including shovels, saws, drills, and hammers

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs up to 10 times/day

• Ability to carry up to 50lbs up to 10 times/day

• Ability to push/pull up to 50lbs up to 10 times/day

Work Environment

The functions of this role are conducted in:

• A variety of environments, both indoor office, lab and outdoor

Hours of Work

• This role is paid on a hourly basis. Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek.

Application review will be ongoing

Desired Start Date:  June 16, 2025 to September 5, 2025  (90 days maximum)

Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, temporary, hourly, non-exempt position, the salary range is the minimum wage, determined on state employee works or comes funded by specific program. Internship will not exceed more than 90 days.

Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts Onsite

Application Instructions: To apply, please complete the application, attach your resume and cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position in a single PDF to our career’s portal. Please reference your name on your resume/cover letter. Resumes without cover letters will not be reviewed.

Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell’s work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100 staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work. 

Woodwell is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Woodwell

WE NEED ALL VOICES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our lifetimes. Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) understands that the climate crisis—from causes to consequences—is inextricably linked with persistent social injustice. Effectively addressing either requires addressing both. The climate crisis demands that we bring to bear all of the knowledge, expertise, innovation, and creativity that we can collectively muster, and those who have been marginalized and disproportionately impacted must be heard.

The work Woodwell does—the questions we ask, the ways we seek answers, and the strategies we put forward—is stronger when shaped by a diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. We strive to welcome, respect, and amplify differing voices. We value individuals as they are, with all their differences in race, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, and mental and physical abilities.

Woodwell acknowledges that our organization, and the scientific community more broadly, have a long way to go in living up to these ideals. We approach the work of improving our organization with the same ambition and commitment to systemic change that we bring to addressing climate change.

We will inevitably make mistakes, but we will continue to listen, learn, and do this critical work. We understand that this work requires an ongoing commitment from each and every one of us. We are actively engaged in building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive culture within our organization, and in fostering greater diversity in climate science.