Intern, Chemistry, Quality Assurance/Field Operations

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference-in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary:

The Environmental Quality-Water group at Southborough has an opening for a Chemistry intern.

Posting Period: 1/7/2026 to 1/21/2026

Location: Southborough, MA

Salary: $19 - $22 per hour

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm

*Internship Duration: January - June

Key Responsibilities

• Assistance in remote sensing and acquisition of water quality data via in-reservoir buoys and on-line sensors;
• Assistance with calibration and deployment of sondes for water quality monitoring.
• Assistance with collection and analysis of samples for several collections including but not limited to:

1. Daily sampling at various MWRA treatment, transmission and distribution facilities
2. Daily laboratory testing of various water quality parameters from source and finished drinking water samples
3. Water quality complaint investigations, sampling and analysis
4. Occasional special projects including but not limited to pipeline sampling & testing

• Additional duties may include laboratory analysis of samples for routine and special water quality projects, long term trend data analysis, and troubleshooting failed equipment.
• Conduct unsupervised bench top repairs to a buoy-based remote under water profiler.
• Assist in upkeep and calibration of remote under water profiler and sondes within the Wachusett Reservoir.
• Assist in the calibration and maintenance of water quality monitoring analyzers within the MWRA system.
• Perform field water quality testing, as required.
• Assist in the collection of water quality samples, as needed.
• Assist with the maintenance and calibration field and laboratory testing equipment.
• Perform related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• The job requires frequently lifting and/or moving up to 10-pounds and occasionally lifting up to 50-pounds. Items include sample coolers, sondes, and depth samplers.
• The job includes work on or near an open reservoir in all weather conditions, and the ability to swim is desirable but not required.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and Access.
• The preferred candidate will be at least a junior in a college degree program in civil or environmental engineering, chemical engineering, electrical or mechanical engineering with some chemistry background. The ideal candidate should have excellent chemistry laboratory skills as acquired through collegiate coursework or experience.

Other Position Information

PCR: I3370004

Division: Operations

Department: Water Quality Assurance

Union/Grade: Non-Union/TEMPORARY

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or veteran status.