H2NOW Summer 2022 Metcalf Intern
This internship is part of the University’s Jeff Metcalf Internship Program. Please review the Metcalf Interns’ Responsibility Notice to learn more about program requirements for Metcalf interns.
Fellowship Award Amount: $4,000
Internship Time Commitment: 16-18 weeks, part-time
Location: Chicago, IL
Please make sure that if selected for an interview, you communicate to your prospective host organization/employer where you will be physically located during the internship as your location may affect your (or your host organization/employer’s) ability to pursue this opportunity.
If you are an international student, please make sure to visit the OIA website to familiarize yourself with your work authorization eligibility and requirements as soon as possible. If you’d like to make an appointment with your international adviser, please visit this page.
Overview:
Current, Chicago’s water innovation hub, helps solve the region's water challenges by identifying promising technological solutions from around the world and developing pilot projects to demonstrate them in real-world settings. H2NOW Chicago started as a microbial water quality monitoring pilot project in 2019 and has become one of the platforms for testing new water quality monitoring technologies. It also serves to educate the public about water quality in the Chicago River and is at the heart of River Lab – the new high-school curriculum developed by Current. The H2NOW Intern will assist Current’s staff with activities related to technology piloting, data analysis, and project communications.
Key responsibilities:
•Conducting water quality sampling and testing at 3 different locations on the Chicago River
•Cleaning sampling equipment, re-stocking supplies, and preparing sampling kits
•Coordinating with and training volunteers
•Managing data and conducting ongoing data analysis
•Conducting small research projects on new technologies and their applications
•Developing communications about the projects (blogs, social media posts, etc.)
•Supporting education and outreach efforts about H2NOW, including STEM education materials, H2NOW signage, community partnerships and events
Qualifications:
•Active student in an environmental sciences, engineering, or sustainability program
•Aptitude for, and interest in, applied water research, technology development, sustainable solutions, and/or commercialization of technology
•Knowledge of basic statistical analysis methods
•Ability to work independently with limited guidance
•Strong writing and communication skills
•Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, knowledge of statistical analysis packages such as R is preferred
•Experience with tutoring or training
Candidates must be located in the Chicago region and available for frequent in-person work for the duration of the internship
Time and compensation:
The H2NOW Intern will work on a part-time basis of 20-24 hours per week for 16-18 weeks from the beginning of May through August 2022, and should be available during normal work hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM). This position requires in-person availability. Morning availability is preferred. The intern may occasionally be asked to work on a weekend. Compensation will be in a form of a stipend equaling to $16-$18 per hour, depending on the level of education and experience, paid in biweekly installments.
Who are we?
•Current is a catalyst for better, cleaner water. Our mission is to grow the blue economy, accelerate innovation, and solve pressing water challenges.
•Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chicago, Current collaborates with corporations, universities, nonprofits and governments to develop solutions that would be too risky or even impossible to undertake alone. The need for our work is greater than ever because water is no longer just an issue; it’s a crisis.
•Current is more than a connector. We test new technologies and ideas. We’re an unbiased advocate for the best water solutions and policies. We stay on top of the latest in water technologies, knowing the field is rapidly changing. We independently assess these technologies. We recommend the best solutions for others to try or for us to pilot.
•We are also heavily invested in working to keep water in focus for our state and local policy communities and making the blue economy a pillar of our economic recovery.
•Learn more at www.currentwater.org.
Why work with us?
•Directly contribute to improving and protecting water in our region.
•Be part of a collaborative, diverse, creative, and high-energy environment.
•Build your network through participation at local events and meetings, and communications with national/international partners.
•We’re a small team – your work will have a measurable impact on our organization and will be a great resume-builder.
Who are we looking for?
•People who are passionate about water, equity, innovative tech solutions, and solving environmental challenges.
•Someone who wants to contribute to creating a blue economy where opportunities are available to those who need them most
•A purpose-driven individual who cares about sustainability, inclusive economic growth, and advancing impactful initiatives in the greater Chicago region.
•Someone who loves to learn – Current’s work sits at the intersection of environment and economic development and requires a curious individual who is not afraid to ask questions and make mistakes.
•Someone who is agile in a work setting, a creative problem solver, always looking for a challenge, and can work without constant supervision.
•Someone who values diversity in colleagues and community and contributes to a positive learning environment.