Job Description

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.

The MWRA Environmental Quality Department is seeking an intern to perform sample collection and analysis associated with sampling at various MWRA treatment, transmission, storage tank, and distribution facilities. Works under the supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor.

Posting Period: 2/9/2026 to 2/23/2026
Location: Southborough, MA
Salary: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm

Key Responsibilities

• Test for various field parameters including temperature, pH, free and total chlorine residual
• Daily laboratory testing of alkalinity, monochloramine and free ammonia, UV254, fluoride
• Assist with the quarterly Stage II Disinfection Byproducts Rule and Optimal Water Quality Parameters sampling programs.
• Assistance with algae collection and monitoring in a reservoir Conduct algae species identification and enumeration on surface water samples (using a FlowCam).
• Assist with standby reservoir sampling collections, sonde profiling within the reservoir water column, and testing for cyan toxins.
• Special project sampling and testing associated with new or rehabilitated pipelines, storage tanks, or water quality complaints.
• Adhere to standard laboratory practices, safety requirements, SOPs, and chain of custody
• Additional duties may include sample collection, laboratory analysis, solution preparation (e.g. buffers/quality control standards).

Required Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of college in an accredited program in biology, limnology, microbiology, or chemistry. Experience in laboratory skills and coursework in limnology preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's
• The job requires frequently lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. Items include sampling 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.
• This job requires daily driving to sampling locations within MWRA-serviced areas in all weather conditions.
• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.
• Three- to six-month internship (flexible).

Other Position Information
PCR: I3370001
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.