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Seasonal Internship Opportunity

Water Quality Intern

Summer 2026

 

To Apply:

Please submit a resume, three references, and a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position by March 27th, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after submittal. You can submit your materials electronically to Paige Vichiola-Silva; pvichiola@frwa.org

 

Position Description: 

Water Quality interns work in the field, laboratory, and office on projects, primarily weekly water quality sampling in the Farmington River and tributaries and laboratory analysis. The Water Quality interns also conduct community outreach (live and online) to promote safe and responsible river recreation; and assist with FRWA’s “River Smart” stormwater pollution reduction outreach activities. 

 

Water Quality interns are based in FRWA’s office in Simsbury, CT.  Responsibilities are typical for entry-level professional positions in watershed associations. The position entails travel throughout North Central CT, Northwestern CT, and Western MA, with some days requiring up to 100 miles of travel. Laboratory work and indoor work are both located in Simsbury. Interns generally work 10-15 hours per week, depending on need and weather, for up to 16 weeks from early June through mid to late August. Indoor work is expected to be done in the FRWA office, to allow interaction with team members and understand the basic operations of a non-profit watershed organization. 

 

Interns will participate in:

 

Water monitoring. The work of interns includes training; collecting water samples from the field; laboratory preparation and analysis of samples for bacteria, deploying and retrieving instream sensors; multiparameter meter use; data download; and data quality assurance and entry. Other tasks may include field collection of benthic macroinvertebrates, lake sampling for cyanobacteria, or a special research project. FRWA water monitoring helps to identify high quality waters for preservation and flag high-risk waters for protection and mitigation projects. Long-term monitoring helps us understand changes correlated with hydrology, land use and climate. As FRWA shares water monitoring data with the CT DEEP and MassDEP, that is used as part of state compliance with the Clean Water Act; data collection and analysis is therefore held to a high standard. Monitoring is ongoing throughout the season. 

 

Public education and outreach.  This may entail face-to-face interaction with recreational users to encourage safe practices and good river etiquette, maintaining a lively online presence for FRWA on our website and in social media, and participating in programs, events, and field trips for youth and the general public. A high priority is assisting with FRWA’s “River Smart” outreach program. Its objective is to engage people in adopting practices that reduce polluted stormwater runoff. 

 

 

 

 

Desired Qualifications:

  • Majoring in environmental science or similar field is preferred 
  • Science education and a passion for protecting the natural environment
  • Great communication skills 
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Experience working with data
  • Ability to relate to a wide variety of people from different backgrounds 
  • Good at working independently and with a team
  • Must have cell phone and email access 
  • Must own a car and have a clean driving record

 

Terms and Compensation:

This is a seasonal, hourly internship for 10-15 hours per week, depending on need and weather, for up to 16 weeks from early June through mid to late August. This is a temporary position that does not include benefits. Reimbursement for work-related travel is provided at the federal mileage rate ($0.725/mi). Wages range from $18 to $19/hr, depending on experience. School credit is offered as an alternative. The schedule is Monday to Wednesday mornings into early afternoon, with occasional work on Thursdays and weekends for educational or special research projects. 

 

FRWA is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

 

Farmington River Watershed Association Background:

Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 1953. Our mission is to preserve, protect, and restore the Farmington River and its watershed lands through research, water monitoring, habitat restoration projects, education about rivers and water issues, and advocacy for sound water policies at all levels. Our water monitoring program, organized by highly qualified staff, provides reliable data to CT DEEP and MassDEP. As opportunities arise, we work to restore streambanks and aquatic habitats for fish and wildlife, for example by removing dams or restoring native plant communities. We also help towns with river management, stormwater pollution reduction, education and mapping projects.  More information can be found on our website, www.frwa.org.