SWIM GUIDE
INTERNSHIPS
CRBI Swim Guide Internships are an excellent opportunity for students pursuing a two or four year degree or who have recently graduated university to gain valuable experience while improving the public health of our community.
We offer six internships in total including positions in data collection, laboratory management, and communications.
WHAT IS SWIM GUIDE?
CRBI Swim Guide is a weekly bacteriological monitoring program that monitors popular recreation areas in our river basin to determine if it is safe to swim. The goal of this program is to protect public health, execute best practices in the field and in the lab, and improve water quality and enjoy ourselves while doing so!
We want people to be well informed and feel safe when they get outdoors to enjoy their summer. This is why each Thursday & Friday from Memorial Day until Labor Day we are dedicated to testing water quality.
2026 Swim Guide Internships
Laboratory Manager
The Laboratory Manager (LM) has an overall responsibility for management and maintenance of the laboratory and weekly water quality testing for the Swim Guide. The LM manages all data points for around 30 sites over the course of 17 weeks from May to September. The LM also assists the Programs Outreach Manager with tasks and bacteriological studies to better educate the public about the science behind Swim Guide. Additionally, the LM provides crucial support with outreach and communications about the data itself. As a LM, you are expected to make informed decisions in the lab while also adhering to strict Quality Assurance protocol.
The internship will also allow the Laboratory Manager an opportunity to gain GIS experience and help CRBI with story mapping projects using GIS technology. *Previous GIS experience is preferred.
This role is eligible for a paid internship position through the Partnership for Innovation and Inclusion (PIN). Apply before February 1st, 2026 to be eligible.
Field Technician
The Field Technician (FT) is responsible for collecting water quality samples in the field while ensuring that the samples collected adhere to our strict quality control standards. The FT is responsible for managing their specific route sample collection as well as the water quality data recorded. The FT needs a deep understanding of the community’s need and how this program addresses that need.
We will accept 3 Field Technicians. One FT internship also offers the opportunity to gain GIS experience while helping CRBI build a GIS story map of our river basin. The FT/GIS internship is a paid internship made available through the Partnership for Innovative Inclusion (PIN).
Laboratory Technician
The Laboratory Technician(LT) has an overall responsibility to support the Lab Manager(LM) with management and maintenance of the laboratory and weekly water quality testing for the Swim Guide. The LT helps manage all data points for around 30 sites over the course of 17 weeks from May to September. The LT also assists the Outreach Programs Manager with tasks and bacteriological studies to better educate the public about the science behind Swim Guide. Additionally, the LT provides crucial support with outreach and communications about the data itself. As a LT, you are expected to work with the LM to make informed decisions in the lab while also adhering to strict Quality Assurance protocol.
Due to the level of responsibility that comes with this role, CRBI will offer a stipend. The amount of the stipend will be determined prior to start date.
Communications & Outreach
The Communications Intern (CI) responsibility is to directly assist the Communications Manager (CM) to share the story of our watershed and the importance of conservation. The CI will be responsible for going out in the field with our Swim Guide interns to capture compelling photos and videos for social media and outreach. The intern will also be responsible for writing 1-2 informative blog posts that help educate and inspire action to protect and restore the upper Coosa River basin.
In addition to communications, the CI will gain hands-on field experience as an “Alternate” Field Technician for CRBI’s Swim Guide program. This role includes training to collect water quality data and step in when needed, offering a unique opportunity to blend storytelling with fieldwork to make a tangible impact.