Water Resources Intern, Ellensburg
Job description
Description
Service, Science, Sustainability
Under the leadership of the Commissioner of Public Lands, our work at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is done with the public’s interest in mind, which means transparency and public knowledge. Our decisions are guided by sound science as we manage state trust lands, native ecosystems and natural resources. We support the vision of a sustainable future by protecting and managing the natural resources so future generations will have them.
DNR manages over 5 million acres of state-owned land that includes forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. We generate revenue that supports public schools, state institutions and county services. But managing lands is only half of our story. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.
The DNR has an annual operating budget of approximately $187 million and has over 1200 permanent employees with approximately 300 additional staff hired during the summer fire season.
We have some of the most talented people in the industry. We honor diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust. We invite you to learn more about our culture, our careers, and why some of the top forestry and natural science professionals have joined Washington DNR by visiting our DNR website.
Duties
DNR Intern – Summer 2017
Water Resources Intern for Agriculture Program
Recruitment # 2016-11-INTERN
Salary Range
Sophomore and under: $1,880 per month
Junior: $2,064 per month
Senior: $2,448 per month
Graduate student: up to $2,963 per month
DNR provides housing in some locations or a $500/month (maximum of three months) housing stipend if free housing is not available.
Type Of Position
One available positions
Exempt Position: Non-permanent, Full-time to Part-time
Flexible start date with a 3-6 month duration.
LOCATION:
Ellensburg, WA
Closes
January 16, 2017
Position Profile
This internship position will assist with water rights and water supply related work for DNR’s Agriculture and Water Resources Program with a focus on data organization. DNR manages a large and diverse portfolio of state water rights and irrigation district water allotments for irrigation of over 45,000 acres of state trust lands leased by the Agriculture Program. The intern will work with the program’s hydrogeologist and duties will include:
- Assisting with organization, tracking, and database design and population for DNR’s water rights and wells. Work includes reviewing water right documents and well information and using GIS and related databases.
- Helping to design and implement DNR’s water use measurement and metering program and database.
- Providing support for DNR’s well route which measures and tracks long term water level trends in wells and aquifers relied on for irrigation water supply.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Applicant must be a full-time student (12+ credits/quarter) majoring in Natural Resources Management, Geology, Geography, Computer Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences or related field and will be returning to school in a following quarter/semester.
- Database skills.
- Critical thinking skills.
- Practicing Knowledge of GIS.
- Strong data organization skills.
- Desire to learn and strong work ethic.
- Ability to work in databases, GIS and Microsoft office products including Excel and Word.
Desirable Qualifications
- Knowledge of water rights and Washington state water law.
- Knowledge of irrigation practices and agriculture.
- Knowledge of hydrogeology and/or water resources management.
- Practical experience in database design as relates to natural resources.
Special Position Requirements And Working Conditions
- Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire