Salt River Basin

Mission Statement: We support water quality monitoring that informs, connects, and empowers volunteers and their communities for the improvement and protection of Kentucky’s water resources 

The Kentucky Watershed Watch (KYWW) organization provides training for anyone to sample their chosen stream location. Volunteer samplers learn how to make general observations, analyze field chemistry parameters (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity), analyze bacteriological (E. coli) concentrations, and assess habitat and biological conditions. Biological conditions are measured through the presence of aquatic macroinvertebrate insects that serve as indicators of water quality.

The Salt River Basin is one of seven major river basins in Kentucky, as shown in Figure 1. Volunteers within the Salt River Basin gather annually to review monitoring data and consider how to improve water quality across the region. 

Even though sediment is the nonpoint source pollutant of greatest concern in Kentucky, KWW volunteers do not quantify sediment load in streams. Furthermore, few volunteers assess stream habitat or biology—two parameters directly related to sediment loading. 

With this situation in mind, KWW seeks a team of summer interns to assist with three components of the volunteer stream sampling program: 

- Development of simple, effective methods for KWW volunteers to use in monitoring sediment load, based on work accomplished by the 2024 Salt River Basin team and on results of a new literature/app review of alternatives. 

- Create and pilot an engaging workshop for training volunteers to conduct sediment, habitat, and biological monitoring. 

- Integration of KWW sediment, habitat, and biological monitoring methods into the SciStarter/rippleeffects platform for participatory science, originally developed by the Louisville-based Ripple Effects Team. 

Position Duration: 

Approximately June 2 through August 1, 2025 

Responsibilities: 

- Review existing training materials for sediment load monitoring 

- Research recommended methods and apps for volunteer monitoring of sediment load - Create additional training resources to engage and inform volunteers - Provide and document pilot training for volunteer samplers 

- Record and enter data from sediment, habitat, and biological assessments 

- Revise training materials as needed 

- Provide a summary report on internship activities to KWW Board 

Qualifications: 

College undergraduate students, preferably with biology or science background. Mapping and graphic design skills are also beneficial. Some travel required. 

Report to: 

Perry Thomas, Ph