Research Assistant Intern (Water Quality)

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.  

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary:

Join the Center’s 2026 Summer Internship Program on the Water team as a full-time field research assistant intern in aquatic ecology and water chemistry. The Research Assistant Intern will conduct field work on a project that measures water quality in Buzzards Bay estuaries using both wet chemistry and continuously-recording dataloggers. Field work will involve water collections in shallow estuaries, deployment, and maintenance of both loggers at fixed locations and loggers deployed on robotic gliders. Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes Scientists from the Woodwell Center, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and scientists at the Buzzards Bay Coalition, a regional non-profit organization. In this role, the intern will gain experience through field and laboratory work across fields including water chemistry, data management, and data analysis of the factors that control estuarine water quality.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to: 

• Perform complex water quality analyses under the supervision of a Project Laboratory Manager.

• Assists Project Laboratory Manager in sample receipt, sample processing including filtering, and bottle prep for water collections.

• Works under general direction of Research Associate and within standard operating procedures

• Maintains organized and up-to-date digital (files, spreadsheets) and printed (laboratory notebooks and related documents) records for tracking information including sample data.

• Prepares computer spreadsheets, input data, performs mathematical calculations and basic quality analysis and quality control protocols

• Perform mathematical calculations

• Provide organized, thoughtful, and thorough analysis

• Listen, communicate and work effectively with a diverse group of people

• Proficiently perform computerized word processing, comprehension, summarizing and writing/editing

• Assist in preparing for and organizing field surveys

• Perform quality control, organization, and analysis of field-collected plant and environmental data

• Performs other duties as assigned

• Assist in preparing for and organizing field surveys

• Work on site at the Woodwell Climate Science Center

Must have the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Prior experience in water quality analyses, sampling techniques and requirements 

• Hands-on expertise in the operation, calibration and maintenance of analytical equipment, including fluorometers, spectrophotometers, nutrient auto-analyzer (e.g., SEAL), elemental analyzer

• Sample receiving, sample analyses, data management, and any other related duties

• Demonstrated organizational skills, the ability to work as a member of a team, and the ability to communicate with colleagues and general public

• Ability to work independently as well as productively as part of a team

• Familiarity with best practices for field safety

• Basic proficiency with word processing, data management and presentation software Microsoft Office or Google Workstation (e.g., Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, and PowerPoint/Slides or equivalent programs)

• Capable of rigorous outdoor activity (lifting approx. 40 pounds, bending, carrying heavy equipment, and walking through uneven terrain.)

• Some experience with the R programming language preferred

• Must possess a valid US driver license for the last two years and qualify to drive Woodwell Climate Science Center vehicles 

Qualifications:

• Enrolled and/or appropriate coursework within Environmental Science, Ecology, Botany, Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Marine Biology or Natural Resources.

Physical Requirements:

In the field, the physical requirements of this role include:

• Standing and sitting for sustained periods

• Frequent bending, squatting, and kneeling

• Reaching overhead

• Ability to lift, carry, push/pull  up to 40 lbs up to 10 times/day

Work Environment:

The functions of this role are conducted indoors and some outdoors:

A variety of environments, but primarily indoors

Application review will be ongoing

Desired Start Date: June 2026 for 11 weeks

Hours of Work: This role is paid on an hourly basis. Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek.

Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, temporary, hourly, non-exempt position, with an hourly salary (based on Massachusetts minimum wage or equivalent state where the employee is located). Internship will not exceed more than 90 days.

Location: Falmouth, MA Onsite

Application Instructions: To apply, please complete the application, attach your resume and cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position in a single PDF to our career’s portal.  All resumes without cover letters will not be reviewed.

Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell’s work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work. 

Woodwell is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.