Summer Surface Water Quality Intern - Fieldwork & Data

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dakota State Government seeks a Surface Water Quality Intern for the Summer session (May–August) in Pierre and/or Brookings. The role blends fieldwork with data analysis to support fishable/swimmable classifications of waters, under the Surface Water Quality Program.

Applicants must be enrolled as a student for the upcoming term (minimum 6 credits). Travel for field assignments (2–3 days) is required, with strong teamwork and attention to detail essential for success.

Qualifications

• Applicant must be enrolled as a part-time or full-time student for the upcoming semester.
• Minimum of 6 credit hours required to be eligible.
• Interest in environmental science, biology, ecology or related field.

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.

Job description

South Dakota State Government seeks a Surface Water Quality Intern for the Summer session (May–August) in Pierre and/or Brookings. The role blends fieldwork with data analysis to support fishable/swimmable classifications of waters, under the Surface Water Quality Program.

Applicants must be enrolled as a student for the upcoming term (minimum 6 credits). Travel for field assignments (2–3 days) is required, with strong teamwork and attention to detail essential for success.