Marine Water Quality Laboratory (MWQL) Internship: Deadline February 15, 2024

Internship Opportunity:
If you have an interest in environmental monitoring, community science,
and learning practical field and laboratory analysis skills, the MWQL
internship is a great opportunity. The MWQL provides environmental
sample analysis for a wide range of clients in industry, research and
community science. The MWQL is accredited by the State of Maine for
several of our analytical protocols. The MWQL works with the Brady Lab’s
Maine Center for sustainable coastal resources at UMaine’s Darling
Marine Center. The MWQL is recruiting an undergraduate summer intern
to join our team. This position offers a unique chance to contribute to
local marine water quality monitoring, to learn various analytical protocols
including EPA Clean Water Act methods for marine water analysis, to work
with local community science water quality monitoring efforts, and to
learn practical laboratory skills.

Key Responsibilities:
• General Laboratory Duties: Learn and conduct day-to day laboratory tasks.
• Sample Analysis: Learn analytical protocols and environmental samples using various instrumentation including TOC, flow injection analyzers, elemental analyzers, fluorometers, and other instrumentation.
• Data Compilation and Analysis: Process and analyze data using a variety of applications.
• Environmental Monitoring: Assist local community science groups and the MWQL staff in collecting water quality samples.
• Collaboration: Opportunities exist to work with other segments of the Brady group when field assistance is needed.

Qualifications:
• Current enrollment in a relevant undergraduate program (e.g.,
marine biology, environmental science, biology).
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment in a safe, consistent and
conscientious manner.
• Ability to concentrate on the task at hand and focus on learning new
skills.
• Attention to detail, ability to organize work tasks and flexibility.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Cooperative and positive attitude.

Benefits:
• Gain experience in a State accredited laboratory.
• Learn analytical protocols as well as experience with quality control
and quality assurance programs.
• Gain practical hands-on experience with instrumentation and
laboratory equipment.
• Become familiar with field sample collection.
• Develop practical skills in data collection and organization, data
analysis, and environmental monitoring.
• Involvement and experience with community science organizations.
• Contribute to meaningful environmental monitoring and research.

Logistics:
Duration: This internship position is available for Mid-May – Mid-August 2024 with
the potential to extend into the Fall 2024 semester for UMaine Semester-
by-the-Sea students. *Housing in the fall may be limited.

Location: Darling Marine Center, Walpole, Maine, UMaine’s Marine Science campus.
Housing will be provided contingent on availability. 

 
Compensation: $15.80 / hour; 40 hours per week.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume, unofficial transcript, a
short cover letter, and a writing sample (coursework works) to Kathleen
Thornton, kthornton@maine.edu. Please include “MWQL Internship” in
the subject line.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

The Darling Marine Center is located on the Damariscotta Estuary. This is an
opportunity to spend your summer on the coast of Maine, learn practical
professional skills and contribute to ongoing environmental monitoring
efforts.