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 help 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.

      City of Salem Stream Crew: Where Are They Now?

      Luke Westphal

      Luke Westphal

      Years with Stream Crew: 4

      Current Job: Urban Streamside Program Coordinator, City of Salem

      Zach Pugh

      Zach Pugh

      Years with Stream Crew: 2

      Current Job: Engineering Technician, City of Corvallis

      Justin Boyington

      Justin Boyington

      Years with Stream Crew: 1

      Current Job: Flow Monitoring Analyst, City of Salem

      Joe Brooks 2023

      Joe Brooks

      Years with Stream Crew: 1

      Current Job: Stormwater Quality Monitoring Technician, City of Salem

      Alena Langford 2022

      Alena Langford

      Years with Stream Crew: 1

      Current Job: Outdoor Science Instructor, OMSI Coastal Discovery Center

      SueZeev Ranseen 2017

      SueZeev Ranseen

      Years with Stream Crew: 1

      Current Job: GIS Specialist, Bureau of Land Management

      Where will you flow after the Stream Crew?