Research Intern

Rich Earth Institute Internship:
Environmental Engineering & Sustainable Fertilizer Research Eligibility

Must be a Vermont resident to qualify for this position.

$15-18/hour Depending on Experience

This is a part-time position with a flexible work schedule; approximately 40 weeks (at 8 hours/week); open until filled

Nutrient pollution from wastewater is one of the leading causes of harmful algal blooms, which impair water quality in nearly 70% of U.S. waterways. At the same time, manufacturing synthetic fertilizers is energy-intensive, relies on finite resources, and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

The Rich Earth Institute is developing solutions to both challenges by recovering nutrients from human urine and returning them to agriculture as fertilizer. Urine contains all the nutrients plants need to grow, and although it represents only about 1% of household wastewater by volume, urine is the source of most of the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium found in wastewater.

Founded in 2012 and based in Brattleboro, Vermont, the Rich Earth Institute operates the first community-scale Urine Nutrient Reclamation Program in the United States. The Institute collects and recycles approximately 13,000 gallons of source-separated human urine each year, transforming it into fertilizer for farms in southern Vermont. Through research, education, and technological innovation, Rich Earth is advancing the safe and sustainable recovery of nutrients from human waste.

The Rich Earth Institute is seeking a motivated intern interested in environmental engineering, biological systems, or sustainable agriculture to support applied research on an innovative nutrient recovery technology.

The intern will contribute to the development of a biological nitrification reactor (inspired by the low-tech " pitribon " reactor) for converting nitrogen-rich waste streams (including source-separated human urine and liquid dairy manure digestate) into a stable, odorless, high-quality liquid fertilizer. It is a trickling nitrification reactor that uses biochar as a medium for beneficial nitrifying bacteria.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in laboratory research, environmental engineering, and experimental design while contributing to technologies that support sustainable agriculture, water quality, and circular nutrient management.

Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology, Microbiology

• Collect reactor influent and effluent samples for physical and chemical analysis
• Perform laboratory testing using standardized analytical methods and test kits
• Operate laboratory equipment, including pH and electrical conductivity sensors
• Assist with experiments optimizing operating parameters such as temperature, air and urine flow rates
• Record, organize, and analyze experimental data for future grant proposals and research publications
• Help conduct mass balance analyses and evaluate reactor performance
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to ongoing experimental design and troubleshooting

• Coursework or experience in chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, engineering, or a related field
• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and safety protocols
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow experimental methods accurately
• Experience collecting and organizing data; proficiency with Excel
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Curiosity, initiative, and enthusiasm for applied environmental research