Stream Monitoring Internships (2 Openings)
Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) is a non-profit conservation organization located in Bedminster, New Jersey. RHA was founded in 1959, has been collecting high quality data as part of its award-winning Stream Monitoring Program for over 30 years. RHA produces an annual surface water quality report card that is shared with local and regional decision-makers throughout North and South Branch Raritan River Watershed Region (WMA8) to help inform watershed planning, prioritize restoration activities, help direct climate resilience plans, and address sources of pollution. Data is utilized by NJDEP and EPA for regulatory purposes, stream antidegradation categories and to inform public policy. In 2022, RHA launched a long-term monitoring program, called the Raritan Headwaters Sentinel Climate Stations. This includes 5 Mayfly Enviro DIY Climate Stations to collect and transmit continuous data on stream temperature, conductivity, and water depth.
About the Internships: RHA is seeking candidates for 2 Stream Monitoring Intern positions for the summer of 2023. The interns will assist with the Stream Monitoring Program, including the following tasks:
- Prepare for and attend stream monitoring training sessions (2 evenings remote, 2 Saturday in person) for beginners
- Assign stream monitoring sites to volunteers, maintain schedule and update site descriptions
- Coordinate volunteer pick up/drop off of equipment, data sheets and samples
- Assist with stream monitoring
- Assist with quality check of returned data sheets and samples
- Perform data entry
- Clean and maintain field and lab equipment; inventory and store equipment at the end of the stream monitoring season
- Service and maintain climate stations
- Download climate station data as needed, and assist with quarterly data retrieval
- Prepare water samples for the lab and fill out chain of custody forms
- Assist with chemical monitoring including use of in situ and YSI probes and lab analyses
- Reports to the Watershed Scientist, Surface Water
Qualifications: Qualified applicants will be working towards a degree or will have recently completed a degree in biology, ecology, environmental policy, or a related field; must be comfortable working outdoors, communicating with volunteers, and be highly organized; familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel required; and should be living within commuting distance of Bedminster, NJ.
Hours: 10-30 hours/week (varies)
Compensation: Hourly rate plus mileage
Start Date: Mid-May (training in mid-April)
End Date: Mid-July (flexible)
How to Apply: EMAIL ONLY. Please send cover letter, resume, and contact information for two professional references to Emily Mayer at emayer@RaritanHeadwaters.org. Include “Stream Monitoring Intern application” in subject line. Applications will be accepted through March 5th, and interviews will begin in March. For more information, email Emily or call 908-234-1852 x315
Seasonal Environmental Educator
About the Position: The Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA), a non-profit conservation organization located at Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve in Gladstone, NJ, is seeking enthusiastic and creative Environmental Educators for the spring and summer of 2023, to participate in our programs for School Groups and summer Nature Day Camp.
RHA Educators teach programs for students in pre-k, elementary and middle school at Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve in Gladstone and at schools throughout Somerset, Hunterdon and Morris County. This position is a part-time, flexible schedule. Programs are held on weekdays between the hours of 9 am to 2 pm.
Responsibilities: Teach outdoor environmental education programs to school groups and at our Nature Day Camp.
- Implement provided environmental lesson plans in the classroom and in outdoor settings. Programs include field trips, stream exploration programs, and summer camps.
- Option to collaborate on new lesson plans and programs.
- Attend orientation and training sessions.
- Assist with clean up and organize educational supplies after each use.
- Pick-up, drop-off, and/or transfer educational supplies as required.
- Be reasonably available as a substitute in case another educator calls in sick.
- Part-time, flexible schedule.
Qualifications: The following qualifications are preferred; however, any combination of these will be taken into consideration:
- Experience working with children in an educational setting and outdoors.
- Completed or working toward a Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, life sciences or other related majors.
- Strong knowledge of natural resources.
- Good organizational skills and time management.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong interest and enthusiasm for the natural environment and desire to share it with others.
- Strength of cooperation and teamwork.
- Must have own reliable transportation.
- Strong spirit of teamwork.
Hours: Flexible, varied. Generally, ranges from 3-20 hours per week.
Compensation: $21/hour
Start Date: March 1, 2023 (flexible)
End Date: August 18, 2023 (flexible)
How to Apply: EMAIL ONLY: Please e-mail cover letter, resume and two references to Lauren Theis at LTheis@raritanheadwaters.org
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
For more information please email LTheis@raritanheadwaters.org or call 908-234-1852 x314