Water Justice Lab Youth Science & Media Fellow
Water Justice Lab at the Sanctuary for Independent Media (The Sanctuary) seeks high
school students to conduct water quality testing and produce media at NATURE Lab, a
community biology lab on The Sanctuary’s campus North Central Troy, 3319 6th Avenue.
Priority will be given to students residing in the city of Troy and attending Troy or
Lansingburgh High and coming from backgrounds historically excluded from the sciences.
Position Classification, Compensation & Schedule
Part-time, temporary, $15.00/hour, approximately $1,200 total stipend
June 24th-October 21st, 8 hours/month (2 weekend days/month)
June 28th- August 16th weekly on Wednesdays from 2-6 PM
About the Position
Youth Scientists will test water samples from the Hudson River for bacteria as part of
Riverkeeper’s Community Science Program, and produce media about water infrastructure
and related issues. They will work in the lab and the field with other Water Justice Youth
Scientists as well as Sanctuary and Riverkeeper staff. As a team we will work together to
conduct research, create media, and build and nurture relationships with the broader
community around water justice.
Schedule
Water sampling
Youth Scientists will work during water sampling weekends, approximately 8 hours one
weekend a month from May to October, 12-4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Punctual
attendance is required for all sampling dates, including:
● May 20th and 21st; June 24th and 25th; July 15th and 16th; August 26th and
27th; September 23rd and 24th; and October 21st and 22nd
Source to Estuary
Youth scientists will also participate in a 8 week long field trip-based course, learning about
our local water systems and creating media (radio, photography, video) about what they
learn.
● June 28th; July 5th; July 12th; July 19th, July 26th, Aug 2nd, August 9th, August
16th, + 8 additional media production hours TBD
Responsibilities include:
● Attend monthly water testing weekends
● Attend weekly Source to Estuary field trips on Wednesdays June 28-Aug 16
● Contribute to positive collaborative team, filled with creativity and trust
● Treat each other with respect and be willing to learn from each other
● Follow through with commitment and communication within the team (responding
to texts and emails in a timely manner)
Position Qualifications
● Interest in science and environmental justice
● Commitment to making a positive change in your community
● Desire to work together as a team and build skills
● Interest in doing lab work and learning lab procedures
● Enthusiasm for field-based learning (sampling water in streams, taking a boat trip
on the river etc)
● Interest in doing and connecting art, science and media
More About Us
The Sanctuary for Independent Media’s mission is to use art and participatory action to
promote social and environmental justice and freedom of creative expression. Since 2005
we have been building an arts and environmental education campus in North Central Troy,
NY. Water Justice Lab, located at the northernmost point of the Hudson River Estuary,
has several goals:
- Maintain and run a lab for water quality testing in Troy for Riverkeeper’s Upper
Hudson sampling; - Employ local youth and ensure they are centered in the experience;
- Work with local communities to build participation and understanding of water
issues and how to make a difference – to build Environmental Justice networks; - Create radio/podcast/media content publicizing the Water Justice Lab, water
science and water civics, and related areas.
EOE/AA
We actively seek to build a diverse team with a wide range of experiences, skills, and
perspectives. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and, as an organization
committed to inclusivity, we consider all applicants regardless of race, sex, gender identity
or expression, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political
affiliation or national origin.
How to apply
Send an email explaining your interest in the Water Justice Lab Fellowship, and include
your contact information (phone, address, school), and contact information for a reference
(like a teacher, school counselor, or coach). Email to [email protected] with the
words “Water Justice Lab Youth Scientist” in the subject line. Deadline is May 1st, or until
positions are filled.
