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Stream Team Internship in Derry, NH

Savannah Dix

Town of Derry, NH, Conservation Commission, Beaver Lake Improvement Association, Beaver Lake Watershed Partnership, seeks an intern for summer 2013

PROJECT: Beaver Lake Watershed Stream Teams

Project Description: Using the NHRSAT (New Hampshire Rapid Stream Assessment Technique) to complete the creation of a baseline map assessing the Beaver Lake watershed in the areas of erosion and biological health.

Job Description:  This position serves as the stream teams leader for the Beaver Lake watershed, in Derry, New Hampshire.  As such, he/she will for a period of 10 hours per week over ten weeks, train and supervise a team of Pinkerton Academy high school students in the employment of the NHRSAT, compile and maintain a database which will yield a site assessment score for the Beaver Lake watershed and create a report on the findings.  Some pre-project meetings required during month of May.

Academic Qualifications:  It is preferred (but each candidate will be assessed on his/her merits) that the intern be a student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in an appropriate discipline, with:

  • Background in stream ecology, aquatic biology and environmental science;
  • Experience in the collection and identification of aquatic macro- invertebrates to the Family level, in wadeable streams;
  • Experience with topographic maps, terrestrial navigation, and terrain interpretation;
  • Experience with hand-held GPS data collection units;
  • Knowledge of watershed delineations, stream function and habitat characteristics, as well as an understanding of impacts to stream corridors and water quality from anthropogenic sources;
  • Clear understanding of point sources and nonpoint source pollution and how they each impact surface and groundwater resources; and the
  • Ability to recognize distinct changes and transitions within stream corridors.

Personal Qualifications:  It is preferred that the candidate demonstrates:

  • Ability to work independently;
  • Strong organizational skills;
  • Strong communication skills, especially with high school students;
  • Leadership and success in motivating volunteer forces to support projected goals; and
  • First-aid and CPR certifications;

IMPORTANT NOTE:  It is required that the student arrange for credit for this internship at the Institution where he/she is pursuing his/her degree.  Evidence of course registration, advisor’s approval and proof of institutional liability coverage required before the internship commences.

To Apply:  Please send a letter of application, a resume and contact information of at least two references (one academic and one other) to stream-teams@beaver-lake.org.  Telephone and personal interviews will be required if the candidate’s application progresses through the initial screening.

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED.