Environmental Lab Intern - Paid

City of Delray Beach

Intern Job Description

Position Title: Environmental Lab Intern - Paid
Department: Utilities
Hours: Up to 29 hours per week
Pay Rate: $15.16/hr.

Summary of Position

The Environmental Lab Intern will support and assist the Utilities Department's laboratory functions, including the collection, analysis, and reporting of potable and non-potable water samples. The intern will gain hands-on experience with laboratory operation, standard testing procedures, and regulatory compliance as mandated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health. Under the supervision of the Environmental Laboratory Manager, the intern will assist in maintaining laboratory operations and SOP, ensuring quality assurance, and supporting the department's safety programs.

Essential Job Functions

• Sample Collection and Field Testing: Assist in the collection of potable and non-potable water samples and perform field testing both on-site and off-site in accordance with Florida DEP Standard Operating Procedures and CDB Quality Assurance Plan.
• Laboratory Analysis: Assist in conducting physical, chemical, and biological analyses on collected samples using EPA and SM approved methods, ensuring compliance with NELAP requirements.
• Data Management: Assist in maintaining and generating records of sample collection and analysis. Perform data entry and manage the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Equipment Maintenance: Prepare reagents, calibrate laboratory instruments, and ensure all analytical equipment is maintained in proper working order.
• Inventory Control: Assist in managing inventory levels of laboratory supplies and equipment, initiating requests for new or replacement materials as needed.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assist in ensuring the laboratory adheres to local, state, and federal regulations, including safety standards and quality control programs.
• Administrative Support: Assist in organizing and maintaining laboratory files, scan documents, and handle general inquiries, providing exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Safety Coordination: Assist in supporting the coordination of the laboratory's safety program, ensuring a safe working environment.
• Project Assistance: Contribute to special projects, research initiatives, and cross-departmental collaborations when needed.
• Other Duties: Perform any additional tasks as required to support the Utilities Laboratory objectives.

Learning Goals

• Technical Expertise: Develop proficiency in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and data analysis related to water quality testing.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Gain an understanding of environmental regulations and compliance requirements within a municipal utility setting.
• Professional Development: Enhance communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through practical, hands-on experience.
• Quality Assurance: Learn the principles of quality control and quality assurance in a laboratory environment.
• Safety Practices: Understand and apply laboratory safety protocols and procedures

Minimum Requirements

• Currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution or recent graduate majoring in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of laboratory practices, safety protocols, data management, and LIMs system.
• Basic written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Basic knowledge of laboratory instrumentation and standard testing procedures is preferred.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently required to sit, talk, or hear; use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to walk, bend, stand, and lift/move up to 45 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work is performed both inside a laboratory/office setting and outside in various weather conditions.
• Exposure to fumes, gases, chemicals, and solvents; work on slippery and uneven surfaces.

Selection Guidelines: 

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests might be required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement with the employer, and requirements of the job change. By signing below, I am indicating I have read and concur with the above description of my job.