~Article written by Jianna Pagan, OCSCD Intern, Summer 2025.
During my internship at the Ocean County Soil Conservation District, I served as a “Technical Assistant in the Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Program”. In this role I entered hydraulic and hydrologic data from completed construction projects into a state-wide Stormwater Management Basin (HXH) Database. This program is in partnership with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, NJ Department of Agriculture, and local Soil Conservation Districts. I learned how to read blueprints, maps, and construction plans, and became proficient in using the HXH Database and Microsoft Access. This process deepened my understanding of stormwater basins, their components, and importance. Stormwater basins help with flooding, soil health, stormwater drainage, and wildlife habitat.
Beyond office work, I gained field experience by visiting inspection sites and observing how inspections are conducted, which helped me connect the projects I studied on paper with their real-world implementation. I also developed clerical skills, assisting with filing, organization, and labeling, while learning about the different roles and responsibilities within the District. The welcoming environment made it easy to ask questions and grow in my understanding of conservation work.
Another part of my experience at The District was having the opportunity to be involved in the Lakewood Township Stormwater Basin Retrofit Project. This project aimed at improving water management and quality, reducing non-point source pollution, and creating wildlife habitats by retrofitting 12 stormwater basins in Lakewood Township. Starting back in 2021, Becky Laboy, Education Coordinator and Brittany Moore, Senior Erosion Control Specialist, worked with staff from SJRC&D and Camden County Soil Conservation District on retrofitting stormwater basins in Lakewood Township.
The basins were seeded with deep-rooted plants that would help stabilize soil and improve water filtration. They invited me to come along with them to identify the different plant species growing within the basins using a plant identifier app. Through this process, we were able to see if the seeding was successful based on the native plants growing in the basins. After collecting the species data I helped upload it into Microsoft Excel to be analyzed later on. Along with this, I was also tasked with designing an educational sign for the project, explaining stormwater basin functions and highlighting native plants. Using Canva, I put together a simple design and worked with Becky and Brittany on making necessary changes and additions. Using colors, graphics, and fonts I came up with a design that appealed to all ages while still being aesthetically pleasing. They decided to use my design, and after some minor revisions it was successfully completed. I enjoyed having the opportunity to unleash my creativity and I’m excited to see the signs once they are installed at the stormwater basins in Lakewood Township.
Interning at the Ocean County Soil Conservation District garnered me an unforgettable and unique experience. I went into it with barely any knowledge about the Soil Conservation District or stormwater management. Now, I’m leaving confident in my knowledge and feeling a part of a community. I hope to take this experience with me as I continue on in my career. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities the Ocean County Soil Conservation District has provided and proud of the contributions I made during my internship.