Summer Intern - Watershed Protection Applied Watershed Science Intern

Job Description:

Summer Intern - Watershed Protection Applied Watershed Science Intern

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Under general supervision, this position assists in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government.

Job Description:

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.
• Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.
• Assists, as necessary, with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.
• Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.

Assists with special projects.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to create clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university undergraduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

Notes to Candidate:

BRANCH OVERVIEW:
Modeling, Monitoring, and Compliance Branch:
The Modeling, Monitoring, and Compliance Branch oversees the Floodplain Office, the Modeling Division, and the Environmental Monitoring and Compliance Division. The Floodplain Office develops enhanced hydrologic and hydraulic models to evaluate flood hazards across the Austin area using climatological and hydrologic data. The Environmental Monitoring and Compliance Division designs and conducts research to improve understanding of Austin’s creeks, rivers, lakes, aquifers, and other surface and groundwater systems. The division also responds to hazardous environmental spills and performs inspections of stormwater control measures. Scientists within the division perform routine monitoring of water quality and biological communities to ensure regulatory compliance and to identify ecosystem management issues throughout the greater Austin metropolitan area.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The position will assist with field collection of water quality samples and creek discharge, supporting maintenance, calibration and operation of creek monitoring equipment, and aid in data management, including GIS data. This position will include a large component (>50%) of field work within the Austin-area creeks. This position will also participate in a variety of ongoing projects related to hydrology, water quality, biological monitoring, and hydrogeology.

Program Dates:

Summer Session: 6/1/26 - 8/7/26

Conditions of Offer must be met by: 5/1/26

Onboarding Session 1: 5/11/26

Onboarding Session 2: 5/14/26

Program Orientation: 6/3/26

Program Closeout: 8/5/26

SALARY RANGE:

$22.05

PHYSICAL WORK LOCATION:

505 Barton Springs Road, 78704

DAYS AND HOURS:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with some flexibility on the days and hours and the ability to telework with supervisor approval.

CRMINIAL BACKGROUND:
A criminal background investigation is not required.

EDUCATION:
Education verification will be conducted on the top candidate.

ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION (Please read carefully):
When completing the City of Austin Employment Application:
Include details on the application or prior or current work history with the City of Austin.

• A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the employment application, but do not substitute for a complete employment application.
• A detailed and complete employment application will help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
• Include details on the application of any previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications and relevant experience. Provide each job title and employment dates for all jobs on the application. Your work history should include duties you performed. “See Resume” is not acceptable and your application will be considered incomplete.
• Work history must include the month and year of employment and whether it was full or part-time work.
• Any relevant work history on the resume must also be reflected in the employment application in order to be considered.

CLOSING DATE:

Please be aware that the job posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-03-27