CYANOBACTERIA MONITORING INTERN

CYANOBACTERIA MONITORING INTERN
SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Cyanobacteria Monitoring Intern for the Sustainability and Resilience Department. The Cyanobacteria Monitoring Intern (Intern II, Work Study) will work with the Lakes and Ponds Program staff to process water quality samples collected by Worcester Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative (WCMC) volunteers, analyze data, and write reports on the findings. Under the direction of Lakes and Ponds Program Coordinator, the employee will work onsite in the laboratory to receive and analyze samples collected by volunteers. Personal transportation to get to sampling sites twice a month is required.

This position can be partially remote with some flexible scheduling, and hours may include evenings and weekends. However, there will also be some programmed time necessary in the lab and office, as well as one pre-determined Saturday morning a month and one pre-determined Monday morning a month in person during the duration of the internship. This position is part-time, up to 15 hours a week, temporary and will run from April 2026 – December 2026, subject to the availability of funding. The employee must be available to work onsite on designated days for the duration of the internship.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Prepare and run water quality samples for analysis using a fluorometer
• Record data in MS Excel and analyze water quality results through charts and graphs in MS Excel
• Assemble monthly reports using water quality data collected by WCMC volunteers and analyzed by the Lakes and Ponds Program
• Attend one Saturday WCMC Session per month and one Monday WCMC Session per month May through October, maintain organized equipment
• Interact with volunteers and assist with volunteer tasks
• Assist with outreach events such as volunteer invasive species removal and tabling at festivals
• Conduct side research or public education projects on a topic of interest, such as urban flooding, goose management, data management, or invasive species

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of general environmental issues and interest in lake health
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint familiarity with the internet
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail
• Strong record keeping skills 
• Ability to maintain professionalism under all circumstances
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with other employees and the public
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Ability to think creatively and offer suggestions for improvements to programs and operations 
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions 
• Ability to swim, and lift up to 40 lbs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Educational background, training, or experience in the natural sciences, engineering, or other related field
• Excellent communication skills
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Valid Driver’s License
• Access to reliable transportation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preference given to Worcester residents or students enrolled in Worcester colleges
• One (1) year of experience in water quality, natural science, or other related field
• One (1) year of experience in a public-facing role, such as customer service or volunteer coordination

SALARY: $17.50 hourly part-time, non-benefitted. 

To apply, please visit:  www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter on or before FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026, to:  City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA  01608. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to:  City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.