Summer Intern - Watershed Protection Applied Watershed Science Intern

City of Austin • Austin, TX

1d • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. Under general supervision, this position assists in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government. Job Description: Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest. Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs. Assists, as necessary, with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses. Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving. Assists with special projects. BRANCH OVERVIEW: Modeling, Monitoring, and Compliance Branch: The Modeling, Monitoring, and Compliance Branch oversees the Floodplain Office, the Modeling Division, and the Environmental Monitoring and Compliance Division. The Floodplain Office develops enhanced hydrologic and hydraulic models to evaluate flood hazards across the Austin area using climatological and hydrologic data. The Environmental Monitoring and Compliance Division designs and conducts research to improve understanding of Austin’s creeks, rivers, lakes, aquifers, and other surface and groundwater systems. The division also responds to hazardous environmental spills and performs inspections of stormwater control measures. Scientists within the division perform routine monitoring of water quality and biological communities to ensure regulatory compliance and to identify ecosystem management issues throughout the greater Austin metropolitan area. POSITION OVERVIEW: The position will assist with field collection of water quality samples and creek discharge, supporting maintenance, calibration and operation of creek monitoring equipment, and aid in data management, including GIS data. This position will include a large component (>50%) of field work within the Austin-area creeks. This position will also participate in a variety of ongoing projects related to hydrology, water quality, biological monitoring, and hydrogeology.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university undergraduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to create clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Responsibilities

• Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.
• Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.
• Assists, as necessary, with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.
• Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.
• Assists with special projects.
• Assist with field collection of water quality samples and creek discharge
• Supporting maintenance, calibration and operation of creek monitoring equipment
• Aid in data management, including GIS data.
• Participate in a variety of ongoing projects related to hydrology, water quality, biological monitoring, and hydrogeology.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED