Public Service Intern - Water Planning Research Assistant Intern
Class Summary: The Research Assistant is responsible for field work, including collecting water, biological, and habitat data. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.
Minimum Qualifications: The formal education equivalent of an associate’s degree in fisheries and wildlife, natural resources, biology, environmental science, or related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Working knowledge of collection of in-situ data, chemical & biological sampling, and habitat analysis.
Preferred Qualifications: At least a junior or entering junior year during the 2025 fall semester at an accredited college or university; and pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in fisheries and wildlife, natural resources, biology, environmental science, or related field.
Interest in or knowledge of: rivers and lakes, including evaluation of environmental impacts, collection of in-situ data, chemical & biological sample collection, and habitat analysis; rapid bio-assessments on streams and rivers; evaluating and collecting periphyton and fish samples; preparing written analysis of results; and other basic biological or ecological concepts. Detail oriented with ability to completely and correctly fill out data sheets. Ability to comprehend and follow technical SOPs. Ability to adapt to outdoor conditions and situations as they arise.
Overnight travel and field work required.
Position requires the ability to work outside in all weather conditions; walk or hike various terrains; and, lift or carry sampling equipment that may weigh up to 40 pounds. Overnight travel required.
Duties include: Conduct field investigations; Collect water quality data; Collect/identify/analyze fish, periphyton, flow, and habitat data; Scout sites for upcoming studies; Equipment upkeep, Data Management; Report review; and Perform other related tasks.
The mission of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment is to provide effective and efficient energy and environmental solutions informed by science. The Department promotes responsible management of resources and protects the environment for the benefit of all Arkansans.
Position Information
FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT
Summary
The Public Service Internship is designed specifically for undergraduate and graduate-level students to gain a better understanding in a professional work environment in the public sector. This internship provides students the opportunity to apply concepts learned in the classroom to a real-world work setting and to acquire applicable knowledge and experience. The Public Service Internship provides a valuable service to the State and the citizens it serves through assistance with critical projects throughout state government. This position is governed by state and federal laws and departmental policy.
Functions
The Public Service Internship assists with projects specific to the business needs of the Department assigned, as well as being exposed to a broad overview of state government. Other functions of the Public Service Internship include, but are not limited to, attending relevant meetings, sending email and correspondence, participating in visits to various Departments, creating professional presentations as assigned, and giving presentations to leadership. Each Public Service Intern will work on assigned projects with completion dates and timelines and will perform other duties as assigned.
Dimensions
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook is required. An ability to adapt to changing work environments and priorities, strong communication skills, a willingness to work as a team, and time management skills are required. Each candidate must have a commitment to public service and exceptional customer service.
Minimum Qualifications
The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma is required. Additional requirements determined by the Department for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Department of Transformation and Shared Services (TSS), Office of Personnel Management.
OTHER JOB-RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS AS DETERMINED BY THE TSS DEPARTMENT SECRETARY.
Licenses
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.