Student - White River Alliance Intern

Organization Overview

The White River Alliance (WRA) is a regional non-profit organization that serves the Upper White River Watershed, which spans 2,720 square miles in central Indiana, covering sixteen counties, and is home to approximately a third of Indiana's population. The White River Alliance’s mission is to improve and protect water resources throughout Central Indiana. We are an alliance of diverse interests and organizations that work together to lead regional water resource cooperation, inspire widespread community stewardship, and improve the quality of water resources for everyone.

 

Role Overview

The internship will focus on working with the River Assessment Field Team (RAFT) program, providing hands-on experience in water quality monitoring throughout the White River watershed. Interns will be involved in data collection, promoting community engagement, and supporting resource management while gaining practical skills in field techniques and data analysis. Besides RAFT, interns will also contribute to broader water education and outreach initiatives, helping to raise public awareness of local water issues, encourage stewardship, and involve residents in protecting watershed health. This may include assisting with community events, educational programs, volunteer coordination, and communication efforts that inspire and empower people to take care of their waterways.

 

For-credit position, paid, ~10 hours per week over the semester.

 

Note: When not conducting field work, this position can be remote, or a working location can be provided at the WRA office. 

 

Responsibilities 

Assist with water sample collection and field assessments in various weather conditions; support volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement efforts; organize and maintain sampling equipment and materials; analyze water quality data to identify trends and issues; contribute to community education and outreach activities to increase awareness of water quality concerns and promote solutions; assist with events, and public engagement initiatives related to watershed health and stewardship.

 

Preferred Skills

Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills; excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail; adaptability to different fields and weather conditions; effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with volunteers and community members; interest in environmental education and watershed protection.

 

Qualifications and Eligibility

• Majoring in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, or Environmental Studies
• No previous experience required 
• 2.8 GPA
• Monthly water sampling events on Sunday from approximately 9am-4pm, other times flexible.

Conditions of Employment

The Office of Sustainability does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status. All candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

What is the Office of Sustainability?

The Office of Sustainability is a newly established office at Butler University, evolved from the Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability (CUES), an academic center at Butler University dedicated to the science of urban ecology since 2004. In the liberal arts tradition, we view sustainability and urban ecology as inherently interdisciplinary and aspire to engage disciplines across Butler’s campus—from biology to business and beyond—in order to create a more sustainable society.

***APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS***

Professional resume 

Cover letter describing why you are applying, the skills you bring to the position, your career area(s) of interest, and what you hope to professionally achieve from the internship. Submit when asked for additional documents.*

*Students who do not submit a cover letter will not be considered for this position.