STU_CES_Watershed_Innovation_Lab_Internship

The Center for Environment and Society (CES) is looking for two Washington College students to serve as Spring 2026 paid interns in the Watershed Innovation Laboratory. The interns will report to Dr. Chelsea Peters, Director of Watershed Innovation, at Semans-Griswold Hall. Responsibilities will vary across days and weeks, but will include:

Primary Responsibilities

• Researching water quality and quantity in the Chester River using archival data and partner datasets (e.g., ShoreRivers).
• Deploying, calibrating, and maintaining InSitu AquaTroll and VuLink multi-parameter water quality sensors (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity).
• Visiting field sites across Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties—travel may be by car or by boat.
• Analyzing environmental data using Excel and/or Python.

Additional Opportunities (as time allows)

• Refining K–12 lesson plans for CES watershed education programming.
• Conducting research on watershed and water quality questions (e.g., groundwater influence on SAV, septic system impacts, wetland permanence).
• Maintaining hydrologic and environmental lab equipment.
• Assisting with the construction and deployment of weather stations across the watershed.
• Creating environmental maps using ArcGIS Pro.

What You’ll Gain

This internship provides hands-on fieldwork, laboratory experience, data analysis training, and professional practice in collaborative watershed science. It is ideal for students interested in hydrology, geology, ecology, data science, physics, GIS, and environmental research.

To apply, please upload ONE FILE that includes (1) a cover letter explaining your interest, (2) your resume, (3) the name of one faculty/staff reference from the college, and (4) your Fall 2025 semester availability including class, job, sports, etc. commitments. The same letter can be used for all internships sponsored the Center for Environment and Society as long as it includes each internship that you are interested in and how it aligns with your academic interests, career goals, and why you are a good fit for the position. 

• Ability to work independently, stay organized, and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills.
• Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of conditions.
• Experience with Excel and/or a programming language (not required).
• Ability to travel to/from Semans-Griswold (approx. 30-min walk / 10-min bike from campus).
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle or willingness to become certified to drive campus vehicles.

Additional Info

• Intern will be paid $15/hour
• Hours: 6–10 hours per week
• Schedule: To be arranged upon hiring (must have some 3–4 hour blocks available M–F, 8AM–5PM)
• This internship is hosted by the Center for Environment and Society and will be based at Semans-Griswold Environmental Hall.