Position: Environmental Science Intern
Organization: Oka Institute
Reports to: Assistant Director
Type: Temporary Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Job Overview:
The Oka Institute is seeking a motivated and dedicated individual to join our team as an Environmental Intern. This position offers an excellent opportunity for hands-on experience in environmental science and water quality research as part of an EPA STAR grant. The intern will assist the Environmental Specialist and other researchers with various tasks including water sampling, citizen science training, data collection and monitoring, water analysis at the CURL Lab on ECU campus, and outreach and education efforts. This role is designed to build essential skills in environmental data measurements, analysis, sampling techniques, and data management.
Responsibilities:
• Fieldwork: Assist in water sampling and environmental monitoring activities, sometimes in rugged and adverse natural settings.
• Data Collection and Monitoring: Support the implementation of citizen science projects by training participants and collecting data.
• Lab Work: Perform water analysis at the CURL Lab on ECU campus, following established protocols.
• Research Support: Assist researchers at the EAR site with environmental assessments and studies.
• Data Management: Enter collected data into databases and ensure the accuracy and reliability of records.
• Outreach and Education: Participate in educational outreach initiatives to promote environmental awareness and citizen science.
• Equipment Maintenance: Assist in maintaining sampling equipment to ensure consistency and accuracy in data collection.
Qualifications:
• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in environmental sciences, natural resources, watershed management, or a related field.
• Strong interest in environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
• Basic knowledge of water sampling techniques and environmental monitoring is preferred.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented with a strong willingness to learn and apply new skills.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments under varying conditions.
Experience:
Previous experience with field-based work and data collection is a plus but not required. Familiarity with GIS systems and tools for data collection, analysis, and mapping is preferred. Experience with drone operations for environmental monitoring is a plus but not required.
Work Environment:
• This position involves working both indoors (lab setting) and outdoors (fieldwork) in natural environments that may include rugged and adverse conditions.
TO APPLY: Applications should consist of (1) a detailed cover letter addressing the expectations of the position; (2) a current resume/curriculum vitae; (3) a list of three professional references with complete contact information and a notation describing the work relationship with each; and (4) a completed *Disclosure Statement.
Applications should be sent electronically to Employment Services at es@ecok.edu. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information about ECU, visit our website at http://www.ecok.edu.
***Please do not include a full Social Security Number on documents. Please provide only the last four (4) digits. We may never receive your information if a full Social Security Number is listed on any document. Our email system will reject emails if it detects a full Social Security Number, therefore Employment Services will not receive your information. ***
East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Employment Services Director, 1100 E. 14th St., Admin. 160, Ada, OK 74820, (580) 559-5260.