Water Resources Intern

PRIOR LAKE-SPRING LAKE WATERSHED DISTRICT (WWW.PLSLWD.ORG)

Our mission is to manage and preserve the water resources of the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District to the best of our ability using input from our communities, sound engineering practices, and our ability to efficiently fund beneficial projects which transcend political jurisdictions. 

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Position Title:                       Water Resources Intern

Hours:                                   Full Time, 40 hours/week

Salary:         $21.00/hour

Status:                                   Non-exempt (FSLA) 

Term:                Summer position, May - August (10-12 weeks; flexible start and end dates)

Location:                               4646 Dakota Street SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372

Applications Submissions:   Application review begins on February 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Submit cover letter and resume at tgostonczik@plslwd.org with the position title in the email subject line.

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INTERNSHIP SUMMARY

The Water Resources Intern will assist with District projects, support community engagement efforts, and gain hands-on experience in field monitoring and maintenance. Intern will develop technical skills in GIS and data management and lead an outreach initiative aligned with the District’s Education and Outreach Plan. A special project may be pursued based on the intern’s interests and program needs.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Community Outreach (40%)

• Develop a social media campaign on an environmental or District topic.
• Lead planning efforts for one outreach event supporting the 2026 Education and Outreach Plan.
• Assist staff with communications through website and social media updates.
• Provide staff support at public outreach events.

Field Monitoring & Maintenance (40%)

• Perform regular maintenance tasks such as vegetation and debris removal at outlet structures, water quality project sites, restoration areas, and stream sampling sites.
• Collect daily precipitation gauge readings.
• Assist with water quality and flow sampling for lakes and streams.
• Assist with carp management activities, including tagging, tracking, and removal efforts.

GIS & Data Management (20%)

• Streamline and update GIS datasets.
• Organize and maintain photo archives.
• Support data entry and mapping workflows.

Other Duties

• Additional administrative, outreach, and field tasks, as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of one year of college towards a degree in environmental science, biology, water resources, or related field.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for work responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently outdoors in variable terrain and weather conditions.
• Ability to lift/carry/operate equipment (up to 50 lbs).
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills.
• Possess strong organizational and time management skills.
• Familiarity with ESRI products (ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online).
• Ability to navigate using aerial maps.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

DESIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience creating effective outreach content, such as writing newsletters, managing social media pages, and/or creating content using Canva.
• Experience with water monitoring equipment such as multi-parameter Sonde, Secchi, ISCO flow modules, telemetry level-loggers, etc.
• Ability to safely drive, launch, maneuver, and trailer a boat; hold a valid MN Watercraft Operators Permit.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and Outlook. 

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This Job Description is intended to describe the general contents of and the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not intended to be, nor may it be construed to be, a complete and exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. It is subject to change as the needs of the District and the requirements of the position change. Additional or revised responsibilities and special projects may be assigned. This is not a contract nor does it imply a contract.