Though experienced San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) staff members work hard to advocate for and support our local creeks and rivers, it is the efforts of young leaders that will drive this mission forward in the future! On today’s blog, our agency proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements of our interns with the Engineering and Environmental Sciences departments this summer, who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to preserving our San Antonio River Basin.
These bright, passionate young professionals, each bringing unique backgrounds and expertise, have made a significant impact across various departments. From diving into aquatic ecosystems to mastering complex lab procedures and to shaping urban planning initiatives, they have gained invaluable experience that aligns with their academic and career goals. Join us in honoring these young leaders as they share their inspiring journeys at the River Authority!
Paloma Gonzales—Mike Gonzales Memorial Intern, Environmental Sciences Department
“As a San Antonio native, I had always heard of the San Antonio River Authority, but I never truly understood the agency’s impact until I began my Environmental Science degree at UTSA. Through my coursework, I learned about the River Authority’s restoration efforts and species reintroduction projects, and I knew I wanted to be involved. Before I started at the River Authority, my experience with fieldwork was limited. Since then, I’ve developed a strong foundation of practical skills and gained valuable hands-on experience. Working in the field has taught me that skills like time management and attention to detail are essential. It’s easy to overlook a step or forget to press a button, and even a small mistake can mean retracing your steps and losing valuable time. That’s why adaptability and problem-solving are just as important. Every day in the field presents new challenges and being able to think critically and adjust when things don’t go as planned is crucial. My time at the River Authority has strengthened all these skills, helping me grow both professionally and personally. Reflecting on my internship, I recognize how important it is to remain adaptable and committed to lifelong learning. This experience has strengthened my passion for sustainability and reinforced my goal of becoming an environmental lawyer dedicated to protecting natural resources and serving my community.”
Maia Woodall— 2026-2027 Environmental Sciences Intern, Environmental Sciences Department
“I earned my bachelor’s degree in environmental science in 2024, and I was already familiar with the River Authority from my work with the West Side Creeks Restoration Project. I knew how dedicated this organization was to being good stewards of our river basin, and I wanted to be a part of it. I was ecstatic when I found out that was chosen for the position! In this internship, I have the unique opportunity to explore both the field and lab operations within the agency. So far, I have participated in the Clean Rivers Program by collecting water quality samples and measuring stream discharge, demonstrated capability in analyzing total suspended solids (TSS) and E. coli MPN (bacteria), assisted with Giant Apple Snail removal, deployed sondes for continuous monitoring data, and much more. I am so excited to continue to be involved with this organization and can’t wait to see what I learn next!”
Isabela Silva —Planning Intern, Engineering Department
“I applied for the Planning Team Internship at the San Antonio River Authority because not only had I heard great things about them, but my passion for preserving and enhancing creeks and rivers and ensuring access to them aligned with the agency’s goals. I also wanted to build my knowledge of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and contribute my outlook on urban planning in the City of San Antonio. I had recently graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with a bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies in Environmental Science, Geology, and Business with a focus in aquatic fishery science and training in freshwater fish research — all relevant skills in working at the River Authority. Within my first month I have acquired skills in ArcGIS, HEC-RAS Hydraulic Engineering Modeling, and knowledge in developing designs with NbS for stormwater infrastructure. I’ve also collaborated within the Engineering Department on research for natural channel vegetation maintenance and development coordination guidelines as well as attending site visits and a local conference on sustainability in Texas. My ideal next steps are to gain experience working with other River Authority departments through the remainder of my internship and then work on obtaining a master’s degree with coursework in the fields of urban development and environmental conservation. This focus will allow me to continue working to help our rivers and the communities they sustain.”
Brandon Gutierrez—Lab Intern—Environmental Sciences Department
“Hunting and fishing have always been a part of my life, ever since my father introduced me to this outdoor lifestyle when I was young. Going into college, I wasn’t sure what career I wanted to pursue, but after taking a zoology class, I learned I could help support our natural spaces by studying environmental science. Pursuing an internship with the River Authority was the perfect next step in my journey. As a lifelong angler, the agency’s commitment to safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers really resonated with me. I’m fortunate to be in a role that aligns with my passion for keeping the environment and the beautiful creatures that inhabit it safe and clean so that the next generation can enjoy it as I have. My time in the laboratory has helped me gain a plethora of skills. I have learned to run non-distilled ammonia and E. coli MPN on my own—primarily taking over ammonia—and have also shadowed many other parameters. My biggest achievements have been obtaining my Demonstration of Capability (DOC) in analyzing ammonia and MPN, which certifies that I can perform these parameters independently and generate official data. This internship has been a huge step in my career, and I plan to use what I have learned to further my experience in the environmental science field.”
River Authority staff and mentors are deeply proud of the extraordinary dedication and achievements of our summer interns. Their contributions and passion for our natural resources inspire us all, and we look forward to witnessing their continued impact in the years to come! If you are interested in internships and careers with the River Authority, please check our website as well as our social media platforms (@sanantonioriver) for current opportunities.
