Northeast Ohio Water Economy Workforce Fellowship
The Water Economy Workforce Fellowship Program is a partnership between Cuyahoga County, the Student Conservation Association, and the NOAA Climate Ready Workforce Internship program.
In this internship, a resident will gain hands-on experience in the field of water management in northeast Ohio. Water management encompasses many economic and social activities, including watershed management, land use planning, industrial water products and technologies, and freshwater and wastewater utilities. This is one of the fastest growing sectors in northeast Ohio, and this internship program aims to prepare the workforce by offering introductory positions in utility, government, nonprofit and/or the corporate sector. The intern will serve with one of the Student Conservation Association's partner organizations located in Cuyahoga, Erie, Lake, Lorain, or Sandusky county.
Schedule
May 27, 2025 - August 15, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Interns will work directly with their host site on projects related to water management in the Lake Erie coastal area. Internship work will vary by partner, and may include but is not limited to: Data collection and/or analysis; field work including hands-on sampling and/or measurement; computer or lab-based analysis; community engagement and/or education; policy analysis or review; supporting stakeholder engagement event planning and execution; environmental monitoring, mapping, and modeling; communications including survey design and delivery; stormwater infrastructure maintenance and monitoring; and/or urban forestry projects such as tree planting, tree maintenance, and urban heat mapping.
Marginal Duties
Adults 18 or older
Required Qualifications
Academic focus or work experience in environment, education, business, engineering, technology, public policy, or sustainability.
Full-time; 40 hours per week
Living Accommodations
No housing provided. A monthly housing stipend is provided.
Compensation
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Additional Training and Certification Course Available
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training;
Water quality monitoring training;
Stormwater infrastructure and maintenance training;
OSU Stone Lab workshops: https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/education/stonelab/courses/workshops
OSU Stone Lab courses: https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/education/stonelab/courses/cxfg1/water-quality-management
General Physical Requirements
Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device according to US Coast Guard specifications.
If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, able to exit a capsized boat, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water with minimal assistance from others.
Working Conditions
Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
In this internship, a resident will gain hands-on experience in the field of water management in northeast Ohio. Water management encompasses many economic and social activities, including watershed management, land use planning, industrial water products and technologies, and freshwater and wastewater utilities. This is one of the fastest growing sectors in northeast Ohio, and this internship program aims to prepare the workforce by offering introductory positions in utility, government, nonprofit and/or the corporate sector. The intern will serve with one of the Student Conservation Association's partner organizations located in Cuyahoga, Erie, Lake, Lorain, or Sandusky county.
Schedule
May 27, 2025 - August 15, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Interns will work directly with their host site on projects related to water management in the Lake Erie coastal area. Internship work will vary by partner, and may include but is not limited to: Data collection and/or analysis; field work including hands-on sampling and/or measurement; computer or lab-based analysis; community engagement and/or education; policy analysis or review; supporting stakeholder engagement event planning and execution; environmental monitoring, mapping, and modeling; communications including survey design and delivery; stormwater infrastructure maintenance and monitoring; and/or urban forestry projects such as tree planting, tree maintenance, and urban heat mapping.
Marginal Duties
- Participate in NOAA Climate Ready Workforce learning and certification opportunities; • Attend Fresh Water Institute convenings; • Meet with other participants in the program as applicable.
Adults 18 or older
Required Qualifications
- Must be a recent high school graduate, college student and/or recent college graduate. • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age • Must have the ability to legally work in the US • Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards
Academic focus or work experience in environment, education, business, engineering, technology, public policy, or sustainability.
- Independent research and writing experience. • Competency in Microsoft programs •Ability to work a flexible schedule if needed including select evenings and Saturdays throughout the program. • Ability to work outside in normal summer conditions including heat and humidity
Full-time; 40 hours per week
Living Accommodations
No housing provided. A monthly housing stipend is provided.
Compensation
- $850/week living allowance • $1000/month housing allowance (3 disbursements)
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Additional Training and Certification Course Available
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training;
Water quality monitoring training;
Stormwater infrastructure and maintenance training;
OSU Stone Lab workshops: https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/education/stonelab/courses/workshops
OSU Stone Lab courses: https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/education/stonelab/courses/cxfg1/water-quality-management
General Physical Requirements
Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device according to US Coast Guard specifications.
If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, able to exit a capsized boat, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water with minimal assistance from others.
Working Conditions
Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.