POSITION:           Water Rights Intern

CLASSIFICATION: Flex, Non-exempt

REPORTS TO:      Practice Director

LOCATION:          Corvallis, Oregon

SALARY RANGE:  $22-$24 per hour

While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

GSI Water Solutions (GSI) is seeking an energetic and motivated Water Rights Intern who will work in a learning capacity to assist with basic research, data collection, and development of reports and water rights transaction application. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate, high-performing team of professionals making a positive impact in the water industry. 

ABOUT GSI:

GSI Water Solutions is an employee-owned consulting firm specializing in groundwater, environmental, and water resources services with offices in Oregon, Washington, and California. At GSI, we take pride in being a company that treats its employees with respect and fairness and strives for all team members to feel they belong, have valuable insights, and can grow with us. We value work-life balance and are open to flexible work and scheduling arrangements.

Learn more on our website: https://gsiwatersolutions.com/

ABOUT OUR WATER RIGHTS INTERNS:

Water Resources Interns work closely with mid- and senior-level project managers and provide critical technical support in researching and analyzing water rights and water resources issues, as well as preparing applications for various types of water rights transactions. As experience grows, this entry-level position may take on additional responsibilities aimed at developing technical and project management skills.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

• Research and collect information from pertinent sources including water rights databases and files.
• Review, analyze, and interpret water rights, water use, and water resources data with supervision.
• Assist with a range of water right transactional activities including new water use permit applications, transfer applications, and extensions of time, and water resource activities such as drinking water protection, and water management and  conservation plans.
• Develop and coordinate conservation outreach materials.
• Assist with and uphold GSI's Quality Assurance Program.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain the required knowledge and abilities include:  

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, natural resources, environmental studies, or other related field.

We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed. We value potential, transferable skills, and a willingness to learn just as much as direct experience. Research shows that many qualified candidates, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the criteria. We’re interested in the whole person, not just a checklist.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS: 

• Current and valid driver's license and clean driving record.

VALUED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  

• Knowledge of natural resource conservation needs and objectives.
• Knowledge of the principles of ecology, hydrology, geology, and/or environmental sciences.
• Experience compiling and organizing data.
• Experience in environmental research.

SUCCESS FACTORS:     

• Begins to build foundational knowledge in specific practice areas of expertise while gaining awareness of additional practice areas.
• Demonstrates critical thinking,
• Operates independently while seeking guidance as needed.
• Possesses good technical writing/editing skills and values clear written and verbal communications.
• Prepares communications, supports technical reports, and presentations in a timely and accurate manner with guidance. Prepared materials require only minor revisions.
• Seeks out learning opportunities for themselves.
• Demonstrates high standards of ethics and fairness
• Adapts well to changes and manages time effectively.
• Prioritizes teamwork.

TO APPLY:

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the role.

We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed. We value potential, transferable skills, and a willingness to learn just as much as direct experience. Research shows that many qualified candidates, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the criteria. We’re interested in the whole person, not just a checklist.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• The work performed is conducted primarily in a professional office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers.
• While performing the duties of the job, you will frequently be required to sit, talk, and hear. Visual acuity sufficient to view documents and computer screens, with or without correction, is required. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb short distances, balance and stoop, kneel and crouch.
• Fieldwork activities may involve lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, bending, stooping, and walking over uneven terrain.
• Fieldwork activities may include exposure to various environmental conditions, including but not limited to: inclement weather, extreme temperatures, rugged terrain, and/or potential exposure to hazardous materials. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and required for field activities to ensure safety and compliance with OSHA standards.
• Travel to project sites, client meetings, and regulatory agencies as needed. Travel frequency will vary depending on project locations and requirements but, in general, will comprise approximately 5-10% of work time. Project areas are generally local, or within an approximately a two to three-hour drive.
• Overnight stay may be required at the expense of GSI.

EEO STATEMENT:

We also support environmental justice, green practices, and carbon footprint reduction. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.