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Water Quality Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$76K - $103.90K/yr

Analyze water quality and watershed data using GIS and statistical methods, creating detailed ... Provide technical guidance and informal mentoring to junior engineers, designers, and interns.

Water Resources Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

$76K - $103.90K/yr

Analyze water quality and watershed data using GIS and statistical methods, creating detailed ... Provide technical guidance and informal mentoring to junior engineers, designers, and interns.

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Water Quality Internship information

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$11

$19

$29

How much do water quality internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for water quality internship in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Quality Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Quality Intern, you typically need coursework in environmental science or chemistry, a basic understanding of water sampling techniques, and familiarity with laboratory safety. Experience with water testing equipment, data analysis software like Excel, and knowledge of regulatory standards (such as EPA guidelines) are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a willingness to learn help interns stand out in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective teamwork, and support compliance with public health and environmental regulations.

What are some typical projects or tasks that a Water Quality Intern might work on during their internship?

As a Water Quality Intern, you can expect to assist with sampling and testing water in the field and laboratory, record and analyze data, and help prepare reports on water conditions. Interns often work alongside environmental scientists and engineers, gaining hands-on experience with water quality monitoring equipment and data management software. You may also participate in community outreach or educational initiatives. This role provides valuable exposure to real-world water management challenges and is a great stepping stone for a career in environmental science.

What is a Water Quality Internship?

A Water Quality Internship is a temporary position, often for students or recent graduates, that provides hands-on experience in monitoring and improving water quality. Interns typically work with environmental agencies, labs, or water treatment facilities to collect water samples, conduct laboratory analyses, and assist with environmental reporting. The role helps interns develop practical skills in environmental science and gain insight into careers focused on protecting water resources. It often serves as a stepping stone to full-time positions in environmental science or engineering fields.

What is the difference between Water Quality Internship vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater Quality InternshipWater Quality Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in environmental science, biology, or related fieldsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in environmental science, chemistry, or related fields; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentMostly in labs, field sampling sites, or offices; supervised learning experienceFieldwork and lab analysis; hands-on testing and monitoring of water sources
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by environmental agencies, consulting firms, or water utilities; entry-level learning rolesWater utility companies, environmental agencies, consulting firms; operational roles in water quality monitoring

In summary, a Water Quality Internship is a temporary, learning-focused position for students or recent graduates, while a Water Quality Technician is a more experienced, operational role involving hands-on water testing and analysis. Internships provide foundational exposure, whereas technicians perform ongoing water quality assessments to ensure safety and compliance.

More about Water Quality Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Quality Internship jobs? Cities with the most Water Quality Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Quality jobs? The most popular types of Water Quality jobs are:
What states have the most Water Quality Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Quality Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Quality Internship job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 47% Physical, and 53% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Drinking Water Program (Lakeville) Intern - UNPAID

Drinking Water Program (Lakeville) Intern - UNPAID

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Lakeville, MA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water. Our work impacts every aspect of people's lives and is critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. MassDEP is the lead agency for safe management of toxics and hazardous materials, promotion of waste reduction and recycling, preservation of the state's wetlands and coastal resources, air quality monitoring and pollution reduction, and so much more.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

Job Description:

The intern will work with DEP staff to ensure that various water quality data complies with the drinking water regulations and was entered into the water quality database, then parse and consolidate the from PDFs.   

Your work will ensure that critical information is not only preserved but also easy to find, share, and use. By parsing, tagging, and digitally filing PDFs, you'll help create a living, searchable knowledge base that supports decision-making and keeps our records intact.

Job Duties:

  • Review the water quality data received in PDF format prior to eDEP upload of water quality data was required.  Flag data that is outside of the Drinking Water Regulations.

  • Enter into our database water quality data that was not entered.

  • Parse PDF documents using specialized tools to extract text, metadata, and key information.

  • Organize and digitally file documents into our structured archive system for easy retrieval.

  • Apply consistent naming conventions, tags, and metadata to ensure accuracy and searchability.

  • Collaborate with the team to refine workflows and improve efficiency.

  • Perform quality checks to ensure files are complete, accurate, and properly indexed.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to organizing information.

  • Familiarity with PDF editing or parsing tools (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Creative-Cloud-bonus if you've used them before).

  • Comfort working with file management systems and cloud storage platforms.

This internship is unpaid and designed to support students or recent graduates seeking practical experience in the field. Interns may be eligible to earn academic credit through their college or university.

Position Information:

  • Contracted Student Intern: Drinking Water Program (Lakeville) Intern

  • Start/End Date: 6/15/2026 - 10/16/2026

  • Weekly Hours: 22.5 hours

  • Number of Openings: 1 position

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition. 

Qualifications - External

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

 Minimum Requirements: NONE

 Please see the Preferred Qualifications above.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.