CYANOBACTERIA MONITORING INTERN

CYANOBACTERIA MONITORING INTERN
SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking applicants for the position of Cyanobacteria Monitoring Intern (Intern II, Work Study) for the Lakes and Ponds Program within the Department of Sustainability and Resilience. Under the direction of Lakes and Ponds Program Coordinator, the Cyanobacteria Monitoring Intern will work with staff to collect and process water quality samples collected by Worcester Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative (WCMC). This individual will work onsite to deliver samples from volunteers to the onsite laboratory, analyze laboratory samples and data, and write reports on the findings. The position will require the ability to visit sampling sites twice a month, will work in-person with flexible scheduling and hours, which will occasionally include evenings and weekends. The position will require programmed time necessary in the lab, as well as one pre-determined Saturday morning a month and one pre-determined Monday morning a month in person during the duration of the internship. This position is part-time and temporary and will run from May 2025 - November 2025, subject to the availability of funding.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Prepare and run water quality samples for analysis using a spectrometer.
• Analyze water quality results and create charts and graphs in MS Excel.
• Assemble monthly reports using water quality data collected by WCMC volunteers and analyzed by the Lakes and Ponds Program.
• Attend one Saturday WCMC Session per month and one Monday WCMC Session per month May through October.
• Interact with volunteers and assist with volunteer tasks.

SECONDARY ELEMENTS:

• Conduct research on public education projects on a topic of interest, such as urban flooding, goose management, data management, or invasive species.
• Develop educational materials to communicate water quality topics to the public.
• Occasionally collect water samples from shore independently (approx. 2-3 hours/week) and travel to various locations across the city, mileage is reimbursable.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of general environmental issues and interest in lake health.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint familiarity with the internet.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
• Strong record keeping skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under all circumstances.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with other employees and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to think creatively and offer suggestions for improvements to programs and operations.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to swim, and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to travel to sampling sites.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Current enrollment in secondary education, educational background, training, or experience in the natural sciences, engineering, or other related field
• Excellent communication skills
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preference given to Worcester residents or students enrolled in Worcester colleges
• One (1) year of experience in water quality, the natural science, or other related field
• One (1) year of experience in a public-facing role, such as customer service or volunteer coordination

SALARY: $17.50 hourly, part-time, temporary, non-benefitted.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.