Research Assistant – Intern

INTRODUCTION:
Racine Public Health Department -Laboratory is a learning institution. The overarching goal of this project is to conduct regulatory surface water quality monitoring and annual beach sanitary surveys at public recreational beaches in SE WI to identify pollution sources and/or conditions that may have an adverse impact on human and environmental health. This is a WDNR sponsored multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional effort extending from St. Frances (Milwaukee County) to Pleasant Prairie, WI (Kenosha County).

POSITION PURPOSE:
To ensure the sustainability of coastal and inland water resources as well as reducing public health risk associated with waterborne illness in the context of recreation through the collection of data on physical attributes, environmental conditions and potential pollution sources capable of adversely impacting water quality, including municipal infrastructure, avian populations, algal blooms and hydro-meteorological conditions. Delivery of annual regulatory monitoring data and beach sanitary survey reports to the WDNR and/or USEPA.

This position is May 21 – August 29, 2025 (15 weeks). Approximately 20-25 hours/week (M – F) but schedule may vary based on need. Offices closed May 26th,  June 19th and July 4th, 2025. Paid internship. Hourly rate is $19.77 for new hires.

Essential Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Collect surface water, storm water and sediment samples
• Collect hydro-meteorological data, e.g. wind speed/direction and rainfall
• Utilize field and lab-based equipment/techniques to quantify chemical and microbial constituents, e.g. E. coli, turbidity, conductivity and pH
• Conduct routine and annual beach sanitary surveys utilizing the USEPA Beach Sanitary Survey Tool for the Great Lakes
• Maintain internal and external databases
• Calibrate/maintain benchtop and field equipment
• Prepare media and reagents
• Perform GIS mapping and site photo-documentation

ASSOCIATED DUTIES:

• Perform other duties as assigned or required.
• Act as a first responder in a natural disaster or any public health, chemical, biological, nuclear or radiological event.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Valid driver’s license/reliable vehicle/minimum required car insurance
• Reliable transportation to, from and during work hours

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Enrollment in engineering, freshwater sciences, geosciences, biology, environmental science, or natural resource management program
• Previous experience with field sampling, basic laboratory skills, coastal processes, water quality parameters, and water safety

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat
• Strong organizational and time management skills; detail oriented
• Strong data entry and database management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to carry 35 pounds and work under inclement weather conditions
• Ability to walk/wade/swim in an open water/Great Lakes environment

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing, walking, sitting and stooping
• Kneeling, crouching, climbing, balancing and bending/twisting.
• Reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling (up to 35 lbs.).
• Handling, grasping, fingering, filing, typing and writing.

ENVIRONMENTAL / WORKING CONDITIONS
Office and wide variety of indoor/outdoor environments.

EQUIPMENT
Effective utilization and maintenance of computer workstations, associated equipment and software / database applications, copy center, fax machine, multi-line telephone system, cellular telephone, flashlight, digital / video camera, audio / visual and miscellaneous office / medical / inspection / laboratory equipment.

This job description is intended to identify essential duties and also illustrates other types of duties that may be assigned. It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties that will be required of an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments that an individual is required to perform. In addition to the responsibilities and duties listed, it is expected that employees maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Job descriptions are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the City of Racine.

The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.