Water Quality Research Intern

Students will learn about all phases of Miner Institute’s nutrient management research program which aims to identify agricultural best management practices that enhance soil and water quality while maintaining farm profitability. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of research trials, as well as conduct their own independent research project. Students will gain experience in all aspects of the research process including, soil and water sample collection, field data acquisition, field equipment maintenance/ programming, laboratory instrumentation/analytical methods, as well as basic data management and application.
Weekly meetings provide opportunities for communication across disciplines for all research staff at Miner Institute. Students will also participate in a weekly seminar series. Students will be asked to work long hours on occasion, but no more than would be expected in a research facility as a graduate student or technician. Students may work approximately every other weekend.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Each student will write a research proposal and conduct an independent study focused on a specific research question in the area of nutrient management and water quality. Students will attend lectures with other research interns where topics such as scientific writing techniques, experimental design and applied statistics are discussed. Each student will work with a faculty member to plan, conduct, and summarize their independent project. At the end of the summer, oral and written reports will be presented.

ENROLLMENTS, CREDITS, & COMPENSATION

This program is available to students in their junior or senior year of study in agronomy, environmental science, or a related discipline. Students are encouraged to register for college credit at their home institution. Students are responsible for making arrangements for credits. This program is designed as a 4-credit course, although other arrangements may be made through the student’s home institution.
​Each student will receive a $3,500 stipend; this includes housing in a fully furnished apartment in the Middleton Miller Student Housing Complex and continental breakfast and lunch each weekday in our on-site cafeteria. A refundable $100 security deposit for the room is deducted from the first paycheck.

The 2026 semester runs from May 18-August 14, 2026.

To apply*, complete the Summer Experience Application and provide all required documents by February 15th to:

Laura Klaiber | Research Scientist | Email

Miner Institute

1034 Miner Farm Rd. | P.O. Box 90
Chazy, New York 12921

(518) 846-7121

(518) 846-8445 (Fax)

Required Documents:

A completed Summer Experience Application

A copy of college transcript

Two letters of recommendation, one from college advisor and one from a previous employer

Letter outlining career goals and reasons for application, include any research experience and skills

* Non-US residents should contact Miner Institute for additional details prior to completing application process.