2026 Internship Opportunities

The Watershed Institute’s StreamWatch volunteer water quality monitoring program utilizes the help of trained community scientists to collect data on freshwater stream and lake conditions throughout central New Jersey. In 2021, we relaunched a new subprogram- the Bacterial Action Team (BACT) – to study the extent of fecal bacterial and toxic cyanobacterial contamination in our region. For 15 weeks during the summer, Watershed volunteers will collect weekly water samples from approximately 50 stream and lake sites for analysis in the Watershed lab for E. coli and nutrients and conduct a visual assessment of indicators of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and eutrophication. Data are shared with the public to encourage safe aquatic recreation during the summer and are also shared with NJ Department of Environmental Protection to assist with tracking HABs and placing regulatory restrictions on HAB-affected waterbodies.

In addition to supporting summer sampling and lab analyses, interns will complete an independent project that contributes to the advancement of the StreamWatch program. Past projects have included developing data visualization tools, analyzing historical water quality trends, and testing sampling methodology improvements. Each intern will have the opportunity to design a project that aligns with their interests and skills while addressing program needs, with guidance and mentorship from Watershed science staff. This component is intentionally self-driven to encourage initiative, creativity, and hands-on experience in community science research.

The students will be responsible for a mix of field data collection, lab data processing, and digital data quality assurance and analysis. The students receive and process water samples in the Watershed lab, including enumerating E. coli colonies using the IDEXX and Colilert/Quanti-tray method, nutrient concentrations using automated spectrophotometry, and turbidity using a benchtop meter.

The students will review data as it comes in from volunteers to identify hot spots, then visit those water bodies to collect additional data with handheld water quality meters. The students will conduct quality assurance on volunteer-collected data, manage the data set, share results with the public via ArcGIS mapping and SwimGuide app, and review time series data by location and watershed land uses. Depending on the time available, the student will also conduct a more thorough assessment of StreamWatch data, including chemical, biological, and visual data. The independent project component will be incorporated into the students’ weekly schedules alongside their core responsibilities, requiring them to plan and manage their time effectively.

None required; Background in biology, chemistry, environmental science or equivalent is a plus.

None required; Background in biology, chemistry, environmental science or equivalent is a plus.

Attention to detail is required for laboratory and data management work. Experience with lab practices, field work, and/or data analytics is a plus.

Field work can be strenuous in the summer months, with high temperatures and humidity, rain, mud, and poison ivy. Lab and computer work takes place in a temperature-controlled environment inside the Watershed Center.

Though we do have loaner laptops available if necessary, it would be helpful for students to bring their own laptops. Also, The Watershed Reserve is about 10 miles from Princeton University and not easily accessible by public transportation. Vehicular transportation for these positions is required.

• The 5-day weekly schedule is flexible, but this position requires in-person laboratory tasks every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday with field work approximately twice a week. Start and end dates are flexible.
  Attendance is also required at the Butterfly Festival event at The Watershed Institute on Saturday, August 2.
• Students will meet with internship mentors in the spring, prior to the internship start date. Reading materials may also be provided.
• Students are responsible for securing accommodations for the duration of their internship. On-campus summer housing is typically available the first week of June until the first week of August (details to become available in Spring 2026). If the internship falls outside of on-campus housing availability, students will need to secure alternate housing.