Three ICPRB Spring/Summer 2022 Internships
The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin’s (ICPRB) mission is to enhance, protect, and conserve the water and associated land resources of the Potomac River basin and its tributaries through regional and interstate cooperation. ICPRB has openings for up to three interns for the spring and summer semesters. The start and end dates are negotiable, approximately March to August, 2022. All internships will be completed no later than August 31, 2022. These are paid, part-time, temporary positions with flexible working hours. Pay is $17/hr.
Submit an electronic cover letter and resume to info@icprb.org by January 21, 2022.
ICPRB is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to maintain a diverse workforce. No applicant or employee will be discriminated against on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, or any other non-job related factors. Individuals shall be considered for employment and advancement solely on the basis of qualifications and abilities for specific positions.
ICPRB is located in Rockville, Maryland. Learn more at www.PotomacRiver.org.
Science/Technical Intern (2 positions available)
The primary tasks of these internships are to revise and enhance the existing water quality data sources inventory, assist with watershed modeling activities of the Water Resources section, and/or provide field support for the Aquatic Habitats section. The following projects and associated tasks will be divided between two interns based on skill sets, interest, and project needs. Modifications may occur based on project needs and to create a positive experience for the interns.
Water Quality Data Sources Inventory – As part of the implementation of the Potomac Basin Comprehensive Water Resources Plan, ICPRB maintains an inventory of water quality data sets available through many agencies and organizations throughout the basin. Internship tasks may include updating information currently contained in the inventory and obtaining data for additional sources.
Field Support – Each year ICPRB assists Potomac Basin states to inform data gaps in water quality and biology across the basin. In summer 2022, ICPRB field staff will conduct a trout telemetry study and a ground water dye study. There will be opportunities to work on the Potomac River and its tributaries in Western Maryland and the West Virginia panhandle. Field work will include collecting water quality, biological, and geospatial data as well as digitizing and inputting field data into databases so that it is suitable for analysis. There are also opportunities for technical, quantitative analysis depending on candidate interest and skills.
Watershed Modeling – ICPRB staff work collaboratively with basin jurisdictions to better understand and quantify watershed processes. Assistance is needed obtaining water quality data for multiple Maryland watersheds and subsequently preprocessing the data using Spatial Tools for the Analysis of River Systems (STARS) in ArcGIS for use in SSN (R package) models. This task may also involve supplementing a related literature review on SSN model development.
Minimum Education: Undergraduate seniors majoring in a relevant environmental science field. Graduate students majoring in environmental science or a related field preferred.
Qualified applicants will have some combination of the following skills and abilities: Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Access, ArcGIS, and/or R. Experience with reference management software like Zotero, Endnote, or Mendeley preferred. For field work, must be able to work outside in challenging weather and field conditions and must be able to lift and carry 40 pounds over uneven terrain. Interns will be able to work from the convenience of their own remote office using their own computer except if/when assigned field work. Must be authorized to work in the United States.
The interns are expected to participate in regular calls with their supervisor and project teams.
Graphic Design Intern (1 position available)
The primary task of this internship is to work closely with ICPRB scientific staff to produce attractive written technical materials. Examples of recent ICPRB reports are available online here, here, and here.
Products that the intern may produce include a watershed assessment of the Little Pipe Creek in Carroll and Frederick counties, Md.; a summary of state-reported water uses in the Potomac basin; communication materials for a spring 2022 Potomac basin PFAS conference; and a refresh of the DWSPP logo. The intern may also, depending on qualifications and interest, assist with the development of the periodic Source Water Protection Newsletter.
Minimum Education: Undergraduate seniors or graduate students majoring in graphic design, communications, or a related field.
Minimum Qualifications: Must be proficient in Adobe InDesign. Familiarity with Canva and Mailchimp is preferred. Example design product(s) will be requested during the candidate selection process. Intern will be able to work from the convenience of their own office using their own computer. The intern is expected to participate in regular calls with their supervisor and project teams. Must be authorized to work in the United States.
