Gain Valuable Environmental Experience

The annual summer Stream Crew internship program plays an integral role in the management of Salem’s local streams. The Crew walks roughly 60 of Salem’s approximately 90 miles of stream to identify and remove garbage and potential flood hazards debris. While cleaning the streams, the Crew also inspects the stream environment, collecting field data on a variety of stream features and stormwater infrastructure, such as locations of beaver dams and debris jams, inspections of culverts and bridges, and presence of priority invasive plants.

In addition to this stream work, the Crew gains valuable skills through supplemental educational opportunities, including field tours, assisting staff with field data collection for stormwater quality and drinking water quality, and the completion of a streamside habitat project to plant native vegetation and control invasive weeds. Coupled with the on-the-job knowledge gained during the season, these activities helped to broaden the Crew’s work experiences and create an even more rewarding internship program.

The Crew’s efforts help to improve the health of our local streams and provide data that informs how local streams are managed for habitat, flooding, and water quality. The Crew’s work also contributes to the City’s permit compliance for Salem’s Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System under the Clean Water Act, as well as supports the City’s voluntary participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System under the National Flood Insurance Program.

Look for available positions at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs.