Job Summary: The Conservation Foundation is seeking a Watershed Intern for the summer field sampling season. The Watershed Intern will assist the Watershed Project Manager and the Watershed Scientist with the deployment and maintenance of continuous water quality sondes and the collection of water quality samples in Salt Creek, DuPage River, and the Lower Des Plaines River watersheds. The ideal candidate will have hand-on experience with the collection of samples from surface waters. Candidate must enjoy working outdoors during the warm summer months. Preference will be given to candidates who are available from mid-June through late-August 2026.

Reports to: Deanna Doohaluk, Senior Watershed Project Manager

Position Details:
     • Rate of pay is budgeted at $17.50/hour
     • Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel to sites required; mileage reimbursed at IRS rate
     • Ability to lift, carry, and move light to medium weight objects (up to 25 pounds)

Duties & Responsibilities:
     • Assist the Watershed Scientist with the deployment, retrieval, and maintenance of continuous water quality sondes.
     • Assist the Watershed Project Manager and Watershed Scientist with the collection of water quality data including flow,      stream cross sections, water column chemistry and benthic algae.
     • Assist the Watershed Team with the production of exhibits such as graphs, charts, and maps.

Education: Preference will be given to upper level undergraduate and graduate students in environmental science, biology, or related field.

Preferred Skills & Experience:
     • Strong Field sampling experience including the collection of water quality samples and/or deployment and maintenance of continuous monitoring equipment (classroom experience is acceptable)
     • Competence in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access is essential, competence with ArcGIS and Power BI preferred
     • Ability to analyze, interpret, and present data
     • Comfortable in the outdoors for long periods of time working in and on water and in varying weather conditions including heat
     • Self-motivated and desire to learn and ask questions

Timeline: Application Deadline – 5PM April 10, 2026
                Estimated Start Date – June 10, 2026 or earlier

The Conservation Foundation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and belongs. We seek to be an organization where each individual thrives and where unique views, beliefs and perspectives are respected and celebrated.

The Conservation Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.