Blue Water Baltimore seeks a Water Quality Monitoring Intern for the summer 2026 season.

In this role, the intern will be given the opportunity to:

• Collect water quality samples while following all established protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Utilize in-field water quality monitoring equipment including YSI and Hydrolab instruments.
• Analyze bacteria samples with BWB’s in-house IDEXX bacteria monitoring system.
• Operate filtration equipment to prepare chlorophyll samples to be sent to an external lab.
• Learn how to calibrate and post-calibrate scientific instrumentation for use in tidal and non-tidal water quality monitoring studies.
• See the rivers and streams first hand in varying conditions, gaining valuable in-person experience observing variations in water quality related to current conditions.

If the intern chooses to pursue their boaters license, they will be invited to assist in operating the Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper monitoring/patrol boat, adhering to all applicable laws and BWB policies/procedures.

This role requires comfortability working in hot and humid conditions. When collecting nontidal stream samples, the Intern will be working in both urban areas and wooded areas, and will need to be comfortable navigating tall grass, hills and slippery rocks. When collecting tidal river samples, the Intern will be working on a boat, exposed to sun and wave motion, with exposure to moderate to loud noise from the engine.

To apply, applicants must submit a resume and answer the following questions below:

• Elaborate on experiences you have had as it relates to this position.
• What are you hoping to gain from this internship?
• How do you feel you can contribute to Blue Water Baltimore’s organizational mission?
• What environmental issues are important to you and what ways have you taken steps to be part of the solution? 

Please have resume and answers in one document and email to volunteer@bluewaterbaltimore.org 

The internship with Blue Water Baltimore will run for a period of up to 6 weeks, with the Water Quality Monitoring Intern working approximately 12 hours per week. Opportunities to assist with other work, such as volunteer events, may arise, and would be in addition to the set ~12 hours/week.

The internship period is set to run from June 1st - July 11th, but could be shortened or shifted depending on intern and staff availability.

Upon successful completion of the internship, the water quality monitoring intern will receive a stipend of $1,500.

Blue Water Baltimore works to restore the quality of Baltimore’s rivers, streams, and harbor to foster a healthy environment, strong economy, and thriving communities.