Natural Resources Intern

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. TMWA has a highly skilled workforce who ensure the around-the-clock treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water for more than 450,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows.

We are looking to hire a Natural Resources Intern, to join our Natural Resources Department.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The incumbent works with the TMWA Natural Resources Team performing a variety of hydrology/hydrogeology related tasks. The incumbent is expected to work independently and at a paraprofessional level for TMWA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
We believe that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor TMWA to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

• Well monitoring and data collection from TMWA production wells and the associated monitoring well network (water level collection, groundwater sampling, transducer downloads, etc.)
• Surface water monitoring and data collection for regional water bodies and TMWA operated reservoirs (streamflow measurement, water sampling, equipment deployment, etc).
• Water system monitoring and collection from TMWA water system (treatment plants, water tanks and reservoirs, distribution system etc.)
• Assist in the running of soil column experiments (experimental design, setup and data collection.)
• Data analysis and entry including typical QA/QC protocols.
• Assist Senior staff with additional field items and office tasks as needed.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the minimum requirements is:

Experience: None required
Education & Training: Undergraduate student majoring in a field related to Natural Resources or Environmental Science. Must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language including reading, writing, and speaking English.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A valid Nevada (or California – depending on state of residency) Driver License at time of hire and continuing thereafter and ability to maintain insurability under TMWA’s vehicle insurance policy.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation during hire and periodically thereafter during employment.

This position is considered a safety sensitive position and employment is contingent upon the results of drug and/or alcohol testing which includes screening for marijuana. The presence of marijuana or other screened for substances on any employment related substance test may result in a refusal to hire or termination of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Competent using basic tools and equipment.
• Experimental design and lab experience preferred.
• Capable and willing to perform field tasks independently and safely.
• Be familiar with Microsoft Office programs. Strong Excel skills preferred
• Familiarity with basic database structure and management.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to be taught and to learn complex tasks related to the operation of a public water system.
• Be punctual regarding work hours established by TMWA.
• Be mentally and physically alert during working hours.

TMWA is an equal opportunity employer. It is TMWA’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. TMWA’s commitment to equal opportunity includes all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination.

All decisions affecting any terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, salary, disciplinary action, and an employee’s caregiving responsibilities, will be made without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

TMWA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@tmwa.com or 775-834-8207.

TMWA is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the health and well-being of our employees. That commitment is jeopardized when any of our employees illegally use drugs at home or at work, comes to work under the influence, possesses, distributes, or sells drugs in the workplace, or abuses alcohol on the job. As part of our commitment to safeguard the well-being of our employees and to provide a safe environment for everyone, TMWA has established a drug-free workplace policy.