Engineering Intern

Position Summary

The intern will focus on projects involving microplastics in river and drinking water as well as studying the formation of disinfection byproducts. Additionally the intern will test a new instrument that measures drinking water contaminants much faster than conventional methods. Samples will be collected and processed using established techniques including jar tests bench-top instruments and field sampling. Data science will be an important tool to review historical data and organize new data. An opportunity will be available to create a self-driven research project to study a certain aspect of drinking or river water. The position will be under the guidance of senior scientists.

This is an in-office position.

Essential Functions

Learning Objectives

The intern will develop skills in:

• Chemistry and physics of microplastic analysis.
• Sample collection and processing.
• Microscopy and infrared analysis.
• Documenting lab work and producing reports.
• Participating in field trips to use the online instrument.

This position focusing on the regional distribution of specific microplastic particles in local streams; which involves collecting water samples preparing them and identifying microplastics using microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. It offers hands-on experience in environmental water quality research and advanced analytical techniques. The intern will be mentored by two chemists at PWDs main lab and will have opportunities to develop a research project related to microplastics in streams and drinking water.

Competencies Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Tasks include sample collection analysis and statistical comparison with traditional methods. Part of the work involves collaborating with a chemist to study changes in the fluorescence of water organic matter and its relation to specific drinking water contaminants. This work will take place at the Philadelphia Water Departments (PWD) main lab.

Qualifications :

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Proficiency with basic software such as Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with programming languages for data analysis (e.g. R Python).
• Laboratory experience and interest in lab instruments.
• Basic knowledge of statistics
• Enjoys learning new skills and doesnt mind the field trips to the online instrument.
• Relevant majors: Chemistry Environmental Engineering Civil Engineering Chemical Engineering Ecology Forensic Science

The internship typically lasts 36 months and is open to students at the intermediate or advanced level (sophomore junior or senior students).

Additional Information :

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Hourly Rate: $18.00 per hour

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTAs Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses subways trolleys and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation sick leave and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses extending not only to City employees but in some cases spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22 2023 vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses doctors emergency medical personnel) must be fully vaccinated.

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