Water Quality Intern
Sound Rivers
Public Service Fellows Program Overview
The Public Service Fellows (PSF) Program began in 2014 with support from the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Foundation. Since its inception, over 200 students have completed internships in 85 organizations in 25 North Carolina counties. The goal of the program is to foster workplace experiences for undergraduates at ECU while helping rural communities build professional capacity to address public issues.
Up to 20 students will be chosen each year for SECU Public Fellow Internships (PFI). PFI participants will take part in 20 hours of leadership and professional development workshops in addition to the 330-hour PFI internship experience. Each student selected for the program will receive $17.50 per hour.
Students will be expected to attend a MANDATORY orientation on May 15, 2026, attend workshops scheduled throughout their internship, and at the end of their internship, and present at a State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board meeting either in summer or fall.
Position Summary
The focus of the Water Quality Internship at Sound Rivers is our water-quality testing program, Swim Guide which provides important data to folks throughout the watershed so they can make informed decisions while recreating on the water throughout the summer. The data collected also provides important insight into the health of our waterways and allows us to investigate issues in our watersheds. In this role, the intern will be responsible for communicating with our amazing Sound Rivers volunteers, collecting and processing water samples, and assisting with sharing that data with the public. In addition to our Swim Guide program, interns are encouraged and supported to explore all aspects of our organization. Through the Sound Rivers internship, students will gain valuable experience in volunteer coordination, leadership, problem-solving, and advocacy. Sound Rivers works closely with many organizations and local governments throughout the watersheds, creating fantastic opportunities for connections throughout North Carolina.
Internship Location & Supervisor Information
Sound Rivers’ mission is to monitor and protect the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico watersheds, protecting the health and beauty of the river basins, and the health of the communities that rely on them. Sound Rivers is committed to environmental justice and equity for all people in our watersheds. Since Sound Rivers covers both the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico watersheds (about 12,635 square miles or nearly a quarter of the state), this internship does require a certain amount of driving. Gas will be compensated, and there are work vehicles you are welcome to use when available. When you are not driving, you will be spending your time enjoying eastern North Carolina’s beautiful waterways. The internship takes place on weekdays during typical business hours, with opportunities to participate in some weekend events if interested.
The student will work directly with Emily Fritz, Volunteer Coordinator. The Sound Rivers office is located at 108 Gladden Street, Washington, NC 27889. This internship will be hybrid, mostly face to face with some virtual working days. The student will be required to commute to the site two to three days a week.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Passion for spending time outside
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong work ethic and positive attitude
- Excellent interpersonal skills
Start & End Dates
May 15, 2026, through August 14, 2026.
Majors Targeted
Science Education, Community and Regional Planning, Coastal and Marine Sciences, Biology, Public Health
Application Process
Applicants must complete a PFI application and submit a resume to be considered. Applications are available here:
All students selected for the PFI program must have undergraduate status and meet the following eligibility requirements by the internship start date:
- North Carolina resident
- Good academic standing
- Completion of at least 60 semester credit hours (classified as upcoming Junior or Senior)
- Not graduating prior to the internship end date
East Carolina University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and as such encourages applications from qualified women and minorities.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at 252.737.1016 (voice/TTY).
Federal law requires proper documentation of identity and employability at the time of employment.