Water Quality Sampling Intern Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Salary : $67,541.00 - $88,575.00 Annually
Location : Town Hall, Chapel Hill, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26/27-02054
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Division: ENGINEERING
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Max Number of Applicants: 100
Summary
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described here.Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned that are not specifically spelled out in this job description, but which may be reasonably considered to require similar knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Summary of Position:
The purpose of this position is to perform advanced technical and professional work relating to a variety of environmental functions and activities in support of the mission and goals of the Stormwater Management Division.
CANDIDATES SHOULD INCLUDE A RESUME AND A COVER LETTER THAT DESCRIBES WHY THEY ARE INTERESTED IN THIS POSITION AND THEIR EXPERIENCE WORKING IN STORMWATER MANAGEMENT.
THIS POSTING MAY CLOSE WITHOUT NOTICE.
Essential Functions
What you can expect to be doing (Essential Functions):

• Designs and manages stormwater GIS databases and data collection procedures.
• Conducts field stream classifications using NCDEQ methods and additional Town requirements; prepares maps, field forms, and summary documents; updates and maintains the stream classification mapping database in GIS and the archival filing of related documentation; assists with enforcement of stream buffer violations; and maintains familiarity with State and Town buffer regulations and policies.
• Develops and implements stormwater program activities associated with the Town's municipal NPDES permit and Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Strategy.
• Manages field inventory and mapping of stormwater drainage infrastructure.
• Performs data analysis and prepares reports, maps, and presentations for a wide range of audiences.
• Designs, manages, and administers water quality monitoring program, including stream and riparian assessments; collects and analyzes water chemistry data using field meter, test kits, and laboratory samples.
• Coordinates and conducts benthic macroinvertebrate sampling in support of measuring water quality status and trends prepares Quality Assurance Program Plans and technical reports and ensures QA/QC of collected data; maintains familiarity with current issues in water quality monitoring methods and practices. Plans and manages stream monitoring and assessment programs to identify water quality stressors and restoration opportunities.
• Coordinates contracts related to water quality.
• Coordinates and performs stream condition assessments (e.g., erosion risk, habitat quality, geomorphic condition).
• Maintains familiarity with and knowledge of local ecosystems, ecoregions, biotic communities (both aquatic and terrestrial), urban ecology, aquatic species, plant species, invasive species, geology, soils, geomorphology and stream function.
• Represents the Town at regional stakeholder meetings concerning water quality.
• Provides technical assistance to residents, developers, and Town staff; participates in special events and educational presentations; communicates and coordinates activities with stakeholders and groups; prepares reports for elected officials and the general public; and makes presentations to stakeholders and the general public.
• Develops and interprets policies, procedures, and regulations related to water quality and stormwater management.
• Assists with the illicit discharge program, including dry weather screening of major outfalls; participates in enforcement review proceedings with Town staff; coordinates and trains Town staff on spill detection, response, and documentation.
• Assists with the good housekeeping and pollution prevention program
• Assists with evaluating water quality sampling results and makes recommendations regarding target pollutants and potential illicit discharges.
• Assists with streamflow monitoring with Town sensors and arranges for monitoring with agencies such as the US Geological Survey.
• Assists in identifying grant opportunities and other funding sources, including the preparation of grant applications, and helps manage projects and contracts.
• Performs other duties as required.

Do you supervise or not?
This position may supervise and monitor the performance for other employees, or it may not.?
What are the physical demands?
The work may be a combination of office work (typically performed while sitting at a desk or table with intermittent standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping) and field work (including walking in the woods or brush; walking and working in and near busy streets; inspecting construction). The employee may occasionally lift light and heavy objects, and may work with equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity
Where and how do you work?
The work is typically performed in an office and in the field. The employee may be exposed to insects, noxious vegetation, traffic, noise, machinery with moving parts, electrically energized equipment, dust, dirt and inclement weather. The work may require use of protective devices such as hard hats, masks, goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and/or safety boots.
Minimum Qualifications
What do you need to know to do this job effectively?
Knowledge of:

• And experience with stream morphology, wetlands, aquatic science, and biology.
• NPDES municipal permitting requirements
• Hydrology, hydraulics and stormwater best management practices
• Relevant local, state, and federal policies, procedures, and regulations
• Soil erosion and sediment control requirements and practices
• Structural and non-structural stormwater control measures
• Water quality monitoring assessment practices, procedures, and equipment
• GIS software, and data collection, mapping, analysis and management
• Principles, practices and methods of supervision and customer service

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively (orally and in writing).
• Present to a wide variety of audiences with varying levels of expertise.
• Plan, organize, and manage complex projects.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Collect, compile, and analyze data.
• Analyze and interpret laws, rules, and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
• Promote a culture of workplace safety.
• Model behaviors that are consistent with our values of RESPECT.

What is education and/or experience do you need to be considered for this job?
Education
Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work and a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, biology, natural resources, environmental science or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
Experience
Minimum three (3) years of progressive work experience in biology, environmental science or a related field.
Preferred demonstrated experience with NC Division of Water Resources Surface Water Identification Methodology.
Supplemental Information
What are the safety considerations for this job?

• You will be subject to the policy.
• You will be subject to the Policy.

Here is other information you should know about the position:

• The possession of or the ability to obtain a valid driver's license issued by the state of North Carolina.
• Certification in NC Division of Water Resources Surface Water Identification Methodology preferred.
• This is not a Safety Sensitive position.

The Town of Chapel Hill has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.
The Town of Chapel Hill does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
The Town of Chapel Hill offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to regular full time and part time employees.
Health and Dental Insurance
Health and dental insurance are effective the first day of employment. The town will provide full-time employees group medical and dental insurance including family coverage. Employees and the town will share equally in the additional cost of the medical plan for dependent coverage if employees desire to purchase such coverage for family members. Employees are responsible for the full cost of dependent dental insurance.
Retirement Health Savings Plan
Employees hired after June 30, 2010, in a regular full-time or regular part- time position are required to participate in the Retirement Health Savings Plan. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 1%.
Paid Time Off

• Vacation/Annual Leave: Employees in regular full or part time positions earn between 12 and 26 days per year depending upon length of Town service.
• Sick Leave: Employees in full or part time regular positions earn 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees receive 6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave after birth or placement of a child in the home for adoption or foster care. This leave does not come from Employee's leave bank.
• Paid Holidays: There are 12 official Town holidays. Employees in full or part time regular positions are eligible for paid holiday time.
• Personal Leave: All employees in full or part time regular positions are granted 3 days of personal leave per year. This leave is non-cumulative

Local Government Retirement System
All employees in regular full or part time position are required to contribute to the retirement system. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 6%.
Supplemental Retirement Plans

• NC 401(k)-The Town makes a contribution of 5% to the 401(k) for all regular full and part time employees. There is no employee match required. Employees have the option of making contributions on a pre or post tax basis. The plan is administered by Empower.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan-Town of Chapel Hill employees have the option of making contributions to a 457. The Town does not make contributions to this plan. The plan is administered by MissionSquare.

Disability Insurance

• Town Provided: The Town provides both short term and long term disability insurance to all regular full or part time employees. The plan will pay up to 50% of the employee's base income up to $462 per week for non-job related injuries.
• Voluntary Short Term Disability: Employees have the option of purchasing supplemental disability insurance. This plan will pay employees a maximum of 25% of their base weekly earnings up to $400.

Life Insurance
The Town provides full and part time regular employees with an individual term life insurance policy. Employees have the option of purchasing additional life insurance for a small fee. Dependent life insurance is also available.
Direct Deposit
All employees hired after July 1, 2007 are required to have direct deposit.
Other Benefits

• Credit Union: Employees of the Town of Chapel Hill are eligible to open accounts at Civic Federal Credit Union.
• Parking is provided free of charge at or near worksites
• Annual longevity payment beginning with the 5th year of full or part time regular employment
• Tuition assistance is available upon completion of the initial probationary period
• Town has a Housing Assistance Program that assists employees secure housing in Town see the following https://www.chapelhillaffordablehousing.org/employee-housing

01
Did you attach your resume and cover letter?

• Yes
• No

Required Question