ECU Water Corps

ECU WaterCorps is a student-focused organization that takes on environmentally-related projects for clients within and outside of ECU. WaterCorps operates like a real-world business, similar to the way companies work in the environmental consulting industry.

As a part of WaterCorps students have the opportunity to take part in both technical and business operations, thereby creating a unique opportunity to prepare for the workforce. Members of WaterCorps also take part in professional development and networking activities to prepare for success after graduation!

All members of WaterCorps are paid employees of the organization, though different types of positions exist:

• Interns work on projects under the supervision of WaterCorps staff and project managers.  Internship positions provide an opportunity to learn more about WaterCorps and the projects we work on.  Intern positions are typically about 30 paid hours over the course of a semester.
• Staff positions require a greater degree of expertise in an area, which may be gained through internships or by taking part in WaterCorps training activities.  Staff members may apply their specialized expertise to support multiple client projects.  A typical staff position will be for 5-10hrs per week or full-time in the summer.
• Project Managers have a high degree of technical expertise enabling them to lead a project.  Project managers interface with clients to define the scope of work for a project, manage staff and interns to complete project activities, and prepare reports and presentations to share the project products with the client.  Project managers typically focus on a single project at a time and work closely with their clients and faculty to ensure that high quality work is produced.  The amount of time required for project managers is typically 10hrs/week during the semester or full time in the summer.

Not just technical skills!  Current ECU students from all majors may apply for a position in WaterCorps.  Many different skills and backgrounds are needed for activities that range from working in the lab or field to marketing and business leadership.

What types of services can WaterCorps provide?

WaterCorps can provide a broad range of services based on the diverse student experiences and resources available through ECU.  Examples of typical services are given below, but just ask if you think you can see another area of need!  More information on resources available through the Water Resources Center is available here.

• Water Quality Assessment: Collection and analyses of water samples from taps, surface water, and wells as grab samples or using autosamplers.  Field-based measurements of key parameters (e.g., salinity, temp, pH, DO, ORP, chlorophill-a, etc.).  Contact us for details on what specific types of lab-based analyses can be performed at ECU.
• Monitoring and Data Acquisition: Design, deployment, and monitoring of sensor networks for surface water and groundwater monitoring and flow measurement.  Geophysical surveys (e.g., ground-penetrating radar, resistivity, etc.) to investigate subsurface structures and conditions.  Topographic surveys and aerial imaging using UAVs.  Surveys of environmental and community infrastructure.
• Analysis:  Creation and annotation of custom maps, visualization of data and preparation of infographics, retrieval preparation of data and regulatory information from online and traditional sources, data analytics and modeling.
• Outreach and Education: Development and staffing for K-12 and public environmental education and citizen science programs.  Creation of multi-media content and social media campaigns, unique science communication and engagement materials (e.g., interactive photospheres, serious games, virtual reality).

Benefits of WaterCorps for students:

• Develop both technical and professional skills that will differentiate you in the workforce
• Get meaningful experience on real-world projects while getting paid
• Work on projects that make a difference to communities in Eastern NC
• Collaborate and network with clients who are your potential future employers

Benefits of WaterCorps for clients:

• Explore projects outside of your normal scope of work
• Identify and build connections with outstanding future employees
• Provide mentorship to help guide a student to success in their career
• Get access to unique personnel, equipment and resources available through ECU

Our community partners and clients include:

• North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
• Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership
• Badger Real Estate Seminars
• Sylvan Heights Bird Park
• The Nature Conservancy
• Aurora Fossil Museum
• NC Sea Grant

Are you interested in working with ECU WaterCorps? 

If you are interested in working with ECU WaterCorps, please fill out the attached form and send it to water@ecu.edu. ECU WaterCorps will then review the project request and determine if we have the capability and staffing to assist with the proposed project. We encourage potential clients to directly contact us at water@ecu.edu prior to submitting the form to help with scoping the project.

Click here to download the ECU WaterCorps Client Application Form!

         This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant #2119857.