Environmental Microbiology Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $20.00 - $25.00 Hourly
Location : 18700 Ward Street, Fountain Valley, CA
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 2026-00014
Department: Research & Development
Opening Date: 05/05/2026
Closing Date: 5/26/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented
Description
Research & Development Laboratory InternMolecular Biology / Microbiology Focus
Fountain Valley, CA
20-25 hours per week
Year-round internship, not a summer-only internship
Under supervision, the intern will assist Research & Development scientists with laboratory work supporting water quality and wastewater purification research, with a primary concentration on molecular biology and microbiology-based analyses. Work may support research related to microfiltration, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light/advanced oxidation processes, and chemical and microbial water quality monitoring.
The intern's work will focus primarily on molecular biology laboratory tasks, including field sampling, sample preparation, reagent and media preparation, molecular and microbiological analyses, and support for laboratory experiments involving environmental water samples. Analyses may include quantitative PCR (qPCR), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and other molecular biology techniques, as well as related microbiological and chemical laboratory methods.
Duties may also include sample collection, preparation of chemical reagents, operation of laboratory equipment, cleaning and maintenance of glassware and bench workspace, and accurate documentation of laboratory procedures and results.
This position requires a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week.
Typical Qualifications
Candidates must be current full-time undergraduate or Master's-level students, with Master's-level students preferred. Undergraduate students should be majoring in one of the preferred areas of study. Preferred areas of study include molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental microbiology, biology, or a closely related laboratory science field.
Because the work will be concentrated on molecular biology and microbiology, candidates with coursework or laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry, or biochemistry are strongly encouraged to apply. Knowledge of pipetting, sterile technique, aseptic handling, preparation of media and reagents, laboratory safety, and proper documentation of laboratory procedures is highly desirable. Familiarity with qPCR, ddPCR, nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup, or other molecular biology workflows is preferred.
Candidates should be able to analyze and follow laboratory protocols, safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. The successful candidate must be able to perform duties in a timely manner with proper documentation and supervision; handle chemical reagents used in laboratory procedures; maintain a clean and organized workspace; and communicate effectively with laboratory staff.
Strong organizational, teamwork, and communication skills are required. Previous laboratory experience handling chemicals, performing molecular or microbiological laboratory work, conducting and documenting experiments, or completing relevant science laboratory courses is preferred. Experience with Microsoft Office is required. A valid California Class "C" Driver's License and proof of automobile insurance are required.
#1 - Interns must be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited bachelor's or graduate program related to this field.
#2 - Interns must have at least one year or more remaining in school.
(You will not be considered if you do not meet the criteria for both #1 & #2 above.)
Internships intend to provide meaningful training and work experience for students pursuing academic studies related to the District's mission and goals. Interns must submit proof of full-time enrollment, class schedules, and grades each semester/quarter. Interns are not eligible for employee benefits. Interns are "at-will" and can be terminated at the discretion of the Department Manager with or without cause and with or without prior notice. This is not a seasonal internship. Interns work year-round.
****Please attach a resume, unofficial transcript, and a cover letter explaining how your schooling relates to this internship.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Physical: Positions in this class typically require stooping, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Light Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, extreme temperatures, and intense noises. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment, including the use of a computer keyboard; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight; and verbally communicate to exchange information.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Supplemental Information
Schedule: Up to 20-25 hours/week during weekdays, Monday to Friday, between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Minimum commitment of 20 hours per week.
Hourly Rate: Undergraduate: $20 per hour & Graduate: $25 per hour
You must submit an OCWD online employment application to be considered. Please visit to complete an application. Candidates given an offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination and background check. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number apply. EEO.
No benefits available for this position.
01
Are you currently enrolled full-time in an accredited bachelor's or graduate program related to this field?

• Yes
• No

02
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question above, which program are you currently enrolled in?

• Bachelor's
• Master's
• PhD
• N/A

03
Do you have at least one year left in your degree program?

• Yes
• No

04
What is your expected graduation date? (month/year)
05
Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License?For out-of-state applicants: Currently possessing the equivalent of a California Class "C" driver's license from another state and having the ability to readily obtain a Class "C" driver's license in the State of California would temporarily suffice this requirement.

• Yes
• No

06
Do you have past experience with water/wastewater treatment system and statistical methods? If yes, briefly explain.
07
What course(s) have you taken related to: water treatment and/or water recycling, microbiology, chemistry, molecular biology, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or equivalent?
08
Does your school have special requirements for internships? If yes, briefly explain.
09
Are you willing and able to work 20-25 hours a week?

• Yes
• No

10
What hours from Monday to Friday, between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM are you available to work? (We are looking for the ability to work up to 20-25 hours a week)
11
Do you understand that this is NOT a seasonal (fall, spring, or summer) internship? We are looking for interns who can work year-round.

• Yes
• No

12
Did you attach the following documents: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Unofficial Transcript, 3) Resume?If not, please go back and attach the documents. You will not be considered without attaching these documents.

• Yes
• No

13
I hereby understand and declare that the statements on this supplemental questionnaire are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. As applicable, I hereby authorize the Agency and/or designees to contact the references listed to verify the information I have supplied. I hereby release from liability all persons and organizations furnishing such information. I understand that the Agency reserves the right to validate information received on the supplemental questionnaire and that I will be subject to disqualification and/or termination if any statement in this supplemental questionnaire is found to be untrue or determined to be misleading.

• Yes
• No

Required Question