Hampton Lake is an award-winning private residential community located in Bluffton, SC. The central feature of the community is a 165-acre shallow, freshwater lake system, which is maintained as a premier sport fishery. The lake, in conjunction with 340 acres of nature preserve and wetlands, was designed and built to function as a large stormwater detention system, providing water quality protection to the downstream May River. The lake system includes 7 miles of navigable waterways and 15 miles of shoreline.
Another prized water feature within the Hampton Lake community is a 3-acre shallow swimming lake, known as Crystal Lake. Both Hampton Lake and Crystal Lake have historically experienced harmful algal blooms (HABs). Both planktonic and benthic HABs have been observed. The goal for the summer intern position is to assist the community in monitoring and managing the lake systems to prevent the occurrence of HABs and to provide education and information related to the potential risks to the community associated with HABs.
Water Resources Intern
DEPARTMENT: Infrastructure and Compliance
POSITION: Water Resources Engineering Intern
REPORTS TO: Infrastructure and Compliance Manager
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
To review both Crystal and Hampton Lakes’ historical data, examine the current findings and data to deliver a detailed assessment of the current lake conditions. Be part of the process to maintain the health of both lakes and do a final risk assessment presentation.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Crystal Lake
- Review historical information related to Crystal Lake as available from our resident expert (Marcia Brinley, a Professional Engineer and Board Certified Environmental Engineer responsible for developing the Crystal Lake Management Plan) and lake maintenance contractor, including lake bathymetry, water quality reports, previous PowerPoint presentations to the Hampton Lake community at large, 2023 and 2024 YSI data, logbook detailing activities performed since fall 2023 to reestablish Crystal Lake, and current Long term management plan as developed by Marcia Brinley.
- Work with HLCA staff and the landscape contractor responsible for irrigation to maintain a consistent lake level by operating the local well.
- Work with HLCA staff to maintain the WaterIQ Pulsar ultrasound unit, which consists of monthly cleaning, monitoring operation via telemetry, and responding to periodic WaterIQ alarm notifications.
- Perform regular (weekly) visual observation of both planktonic and benthic algae presence by conducting on-site visits. Utilizing Marcia Brinley’s phase contrast microscope, perform microscopic examinations of lake samples, including samples of any observed algae.
- Beginning in early 2026, HLCA is installing a Laketech system which consists of a buoy equipped with two In Situ multiparameter sampling units which, using the LakeTech software, will provide continuous recording of temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids, pH, oxidation reduction potential, phycocyanin and chlorophyl levels at two different depths within Crystal Lake. The candidate will work with HL staff and Marcia Brinley to adjust the LakeTech system (location and sensor depths) to provide representative sampling results.
- Perform the recommended maintenance of the In Situ monitoring units, including cleaning and calibration.
- Download, review, and analyze the data on an ongoing basis. Plot the data and identify any patterns or trends relating water quality data to algae occurrence.
- Working with HLCA staff, perform monthly PTOX and Cyanotoxin sampling following protocol developed at Mt Zion National Park for benthic HABs in recreational waters.
- Review the current preventative and reactive treatment plan. Provide recommendations for plan modifications to reduce costs while maintaining an HAB-free environment.
- Summarize all data and present conclusions to HLCA staff and Marcia Brinley.
Hampton Lake - Review historical information related to Hampton Lake as available on the member website including recent Water Quality and Sport fishery Reports as prepared by our lake maintenance contractor, stormwater management design information, etc.
- Working with our resident expert, develop a sampling plan for execution throughout the summer of 2026 including visual observations of algae presence and utilizing a YSI multiparameter DSS pro handheld sampling instrument at various locations throughout Hampton Lake to provide representative information related to general water quality. The YSI DSS measures temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids, pH, oxidation reduction potential, phycocyanin and chlorophyl levels.
- Work with HLCA staff to execute the sampling plan. Operate and periodically calibrate the YSS meter. Download, review, and analyze the data on an ongoing basis. Plot the data and identify any patterns or trends relating water quality data to algae presence.
- Present information gathered to HLCA staff, Marcia Brinley, and our lake maintenance contractor with the goal of establishing a long-term plan for lake management activities to minimize HABs.
General Research - Perform research, summarize conclusions and write one-paper identifying probable risks associated with exposure to HAB’s based on typical activities within affected waters.
QUALIFICATIONS: - Course work in Environmental Engineering/Civil Engineering/Biosystems Engineering/Environmental Science/Ecology is helpful
- Ability to enforce Hampton Lake’s standards, policies and procedures.
- Ability to think clearly and remain calm under pressure, making sound and logical decisions quickly.
- Have basic computer skills and have working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and Excel.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, fluency in English.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: - Work tasks are performed both indoors and outdoors.
- Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours.
- Must be able to lift 50lbs.
- Must be able to exert well-paced ability to reach different outlets and other departments on a timely basis.
- Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual accuracy
PLEASE CONTACT: Shelle Spence at sspence@hamptonlakeclub.com
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment background checks.
Hampton Lake participates in e-Verify.
