Intern - Surface Water Quality (Summer)

Sdsoybean; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Sdsoybean is offering a Summer Surface Water Quality Internship in Pierre Brookings, SD. It combines field investigations and data analysis to evaluate Fishable/Swimmable classifications for South Dakota waters. Expect hands-on monitoring, data handling, and collaboration with a team of environmental scientists.

The internship runs May–August, with field travel and overnight stays typical. Applicants should be enrolled as students and prepared for outdoor work in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• Interest or academic background in environmental science, biology, ecology, or a related field.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and rugged terrain.
• Willingness to travel and stay overnight during field assignments.

Responsibilities

• Assist in field assessments of streams and wetlands to support beneficial use classification reviews.
• Collect water quality data as part of a team of environmental scientists.
• Operate and maintain field equipment, including multi-parameter water quality meters and fish sampling gear.
• Participate in fish collection, identification, and habitat assessments.
• Conduct fieldwork in variable weather conditions and rugged terrain.
• Travel for fieldwork, including overnight stays (2–3 days per trip).
• Perform office-based tasks such as data verification using GIS tools and environmental databases.

Skills

Environmental science

Biology

Ecology

GIS software

Statistical software

Tools

GIS software

Statistical software

Job description

Intern - Surface Water Quality (Summer) - 37518

Pierre, SD or Brookings, SD | Agriculture and Natural Resources | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

22.53 - 22.53 US per hour

Posted 15 days ago

Description

Session: Summer (May - August)
Position Title:Surface Water Quality Intern
Hiring Manager: Sean Kruger
Agency:Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location: Pierre and/or Brookings, SD
Minimum Salary: $22.53/hr

Position Description:
This internship supports the Surface Water Quality Program in evaluating the recreational and fish life propagation use classifications of South Dakota’s waters—commonly referred to as “Fishable/Swimmable” designations. The role involves both field and office-based work, offering hands‑on experience in environmental monitoring and data analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in field assessments of streams and wetlands to support beneficial use classification reviews.
• Collect water quality data as part of a team of environmental scientists.
• Operate and maintain field equipment, including multi‑parameter water quality meters, velocity meters, and fish sampling gear.
• Participate in fish collection and identification, physical habitat assessments, and water sampling.
• Conduct fieldwork in variable weather conditions and rugged terrain.
• Travel for fieldwork, including overnight stays (typically 2–3 days per trip).
• Perform office‑based tasks such as data verification using iNaturalist, GIS tools, environmental databases, and statistical software.

Candidates should have an interest or academic background in environmental science, biology, ecology, or a related field. The position requires the ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and rugged terrain. Applicants must be willing to travel and stay overnight during field assignments, typically lasting two to three days. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively as part of a team are essential. Familiarity with GIS, data analysis tools, or biological identification is beneficial but not required.

Qualifications:
Applicant must be enrolled as a part-time/full-time student at a college, university, or technical institute at the time they apply. By the start of the internship, the student should have completed one year (nine months) of their chosen program.

All students are encouraged to apply, but preference may be given to applicants with a standing of junior/senior, South Dakota residents, and students of South Dakota institutions.

*Positions can be filled prior to the closing date.*