Water Quality Intern

This full-time internship position with Clean Ocean Action (COA) is an exciting opportunity for a student to learn and engage in actions to address pollution issues impacting water quality in coastal watersheds in New Jersey. COA has been coordinating the Rally for the Waterways program since 2016, which is based on the strategy of “Finding and Fixing” sources of pathogen pollution in coastal watersheds. This Program engages Community Science and lab-based water quality monitoring to collaborate with municipalities to implement pollution reductions strategies as well as educate the local communities. 

At present, the Rally Program focuses on water quality issues in three watersheds in Monmouth and Ocean Counties: 
1. Rally for the Two Rivers (Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers), 2. Rally for Deal Lake, and 3. Rally for Barnegat Bay (Toms River area). 

The Water Quality Intern (WQI) will primarily work on various aspects of coordination of Rally for the Waterways Program. The WQI will be working under the direction of the Water Quality Research Director and will assist the Water Quality Team (Community Science and Outreach Coordinator) with the following focus areas of the Rally for Waterways:

1. Water quality sampling and analysis for pathogen source track-down in the watershed including upstream waterways
2. Data analysis and mapping using GIS 
3. Municipal stormwater management policies and ordinances.

The WQ intern will perform the following functions:

• Assist with weekly water quality sampling independently and in coordination with volunteer community scientists primarily in the Two Rivers watershed, and in other Rally Program watersheds as needed. Sampling will also include wet weather events. 
• Transport samples to certify water quality laboratory and NJDEP’s Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring laboratory as needed
• Perform laboratory analyses for common fecal indicator bacteria in surface and recreational waters using IDEXX methods and monitor field water quality parameters (DO, pH, salinity, etc.). 
• Assist with scoping investigations to evaluate the feasibility of new sites for community science pathogen monitoring in the Bayshore area (Raritan and Sandy Hook back bays and tributaries)
• Assist with data collection in the laboratory and during field investigations and maintain thorough records
• Assist and coordinate volunteer engagement/outreach and community scientist training sessions
• Assist and participate in Rally public meetings and related municipal meetings when scheduled
• Adhere to all quality assurance/control protocols and standard operating procedures in the lab and in the field including equipment calibration 
• Assist with mapping using ArcGIS and Google Earth
• Track the Rally for the Waterways Water Quality reporting form in Survey 123 for water quality updates reported from the community 
• Assist the Water Quality team with monitoring of any other emergent issue such as menhaden die-off and algal blooms in these waterways – this may include conducting weekly community science monitoring for harmful algal blooms (HAB) in the Two Rivers watershed
• Develop graphs/charts/maps as needed using MS Office/Google/ESRI applications for use in community outreach and municipal engagement including Rally public meetings
• Monitor NJDEP’s Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program website and summarize the weekly water quality report for recreational beaches and Environmental Coastal Monitoring stations in New Jersey.  This report will be posted weekly on COA social media pages. 
• Represent COA and Rally for the Waterways at tabling/outreach opportunities in the summer
• Assist and participate in the Rally for Rivers Annual Eco Fest on June 6, 2026.

Specific Deliverables 

• A water quality story map of the Two Rivers Watershed incorporating Rally for the Waterways components using ArcGIS/Google Earth tools
• Heat maps evaluating bacteria water quality data in the Two Rivers watershed 
• Assist with compiling educational materials for Eco Fest including a new stormwater Rule (NJPACT-REAL)
• Weekly social media reporting on recreational/environmental coastal monitoring water quality monitoring by NJDEP.

At the completion of the internship, this intern will have a greater understanding and firsthand experience in: 

• Water quality issues in coastal watersheds
• Grassroots community engagement for pollution track down
• Outreach efforts to raise and improve awareness
• Scientific communication to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Physical/Environmental/Marine Sciences or Engineering
• Laboratory Experience (Chemistry/Bio)
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications and Google applications including Google Earth
• Familiarity/Experience with ArcGIS a plus
• Knowledge of water quality issues and threats a plus.

Requirements
The summer internship is full time and located at COA’s office in Long Branch, NJ. Location for programs and events related to the internship position will vary. Early start and late evenings, while not routine and usual, can occur, especially for water quality sampling and position-related events, programs, and meetings. Monthly stipend and travel expenses (excluding commuting) are paid. College credit (arranged by the student with the university/college) is available.

It is essential to the success of the programs and the overall internship experience that the applicant lives within close proximity to the Long Branch office to sustain commuting. No housing or transportation is provided. Usual office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday; however, the position requires flexibility and availability to work early morning and early evening hours, if needed. COA offers flexibility for excessive hours when necessary. The position requires use of a reliable vehicle, the ability to pack and deliver supplies, and a willingness to travel throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Business casual attire is expected and can vary depending on the activities. Position may include offsite work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and/or rain and wind. The start date is mid-May and the end date is mid-late August. 

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm and basic knowledge of environmental issues, organizational and communication skills, creativity, and willingness to work hard. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 
To apply, send (i) a cover letter (including local address), (ii) resume, (iii) a writing sample that reflects your written and/or visual skills, and (iv) a list of 3 references with affiliations and contact information to: Office@CleanOceanAction.org with “Water Quality Internship_YOUR NAME” as the subject line.  

About COA  

Clean Ocean Action is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to protecting marine water quality in the New York Bight (those waters between Montauk Point, NY, and Cape May, NJ, and extending to the continental shelf). COA spearheads campaigns with broad-based coalitions of boating, business, community, conservation, diving, environmental, fishing, religious, service, student, surfing, and women’s groups. COA identifies sources of pollution and takes actions to stop them using research, education, and citizen action. For more information about COA visit www.cleanoceanaction.org.

COA is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and staff members without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just to do the right thing, but because it makes the organization stronger.