About the role#
The River Watch YIP Intern supports the Colorado River Watch program, a statewide volunteer water quality monitoring initiative managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This role focuses on data management, scientific communication, and program support. You will work primarily in an office setting with some laboratory and field components. The position is a temporary, full-time commitment spanning from October 19, 2026, to April 16, 2027.
What you'll do#
- Attend the annual River Watch training and participate in volunteer management, presentations, and event planning.
- Manage and analyze scientific data, including updating visualization tools in R Studio and ESRI online storymaps.
- Develop content to share data stories with volunteers and decision makers.
- Assist with water quality research projects and help optimize data collection programs for hatcheries and statewide aquatic biologists.
- Provide support to volunteers through email, in-person interactions, and site visits.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, assist with laboratory analysis, and update standard operating procedures.
- Help expand water quality data collection efforts within State Parks.
What you'll need#
- Ability to work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
- Availability for a 5-day in-person training from October 27, 2026, through October 31, 2026.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to the Denver office.
- Ability to travel statewide for projects and work in a laboratory environment.
- Physical capacity to lift, carry, or move 40-50 lbs of liquids and equipment.
- Interest in stream ecology, chemistry, biology, hydrology, hydraulics, fisheries management, and water policy.
- Experience or willingness to learn R-Studio, ArcGIS, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
- Strong attention to detail for both routine tasks like data entry and complex critical thinking.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Location & details#
- Location: 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO.
- Term: October 19, 2026, to April 16, 2027.
- Compensation: $19.25 per hour.
- This is a paid, full-time temporary position.
About State of Colorado
The State of Colorado operates as a government agency providing services to its constituents. It manages the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of the state government. Founded in 1876, the organization maintains its headquarters in Denver. It employs over 10,001 people across its various departments.
How to get in at State of Colorado
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