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Intern Sanitary Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Intern Sanitary Engineer information

What does an intern sanitary engineer do?

An Intern Sanitary Engineer assists in designing, implementing, and maintaining systems related to public health, such as water supply, sewage, and waste management. They work under the supervision of licensed sanitary engineers and may help with data collection, site inspections, and drafting technical reports. This internship provides practical experience in solving real-world environmental and public health challenges, often as part of a larger engineering team.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an intern sanitary engineer expect during their internship?

As an Intern Sanitary Engineer, you can expect to assist with a variety of projects related to water supply, wastewater treatment, and environmental health. Typical responsibilities may include supporting senior engineers in data collection, preparing technical reports, conducting site visits, and performing basic design calculations under supervision. You will likely collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including environmental scientists and civil engineers, and gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software. This role offers valuable exposure to real-world infrastructure challenges and provides a solid foundation for career growth in water and sanitation engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern sanitary engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as an Intern Sanitary Engineer, you need a background in civil or environmental engineering, with knowledge of water and wastewater treatment principles, often supported by or in pursuit of an engineering degree. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, GIS, and modeling tools, as well as understanding of relevant regulations, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns collaborate with teams and contribute to project success. These competencies ensure that sanitary engineering projects are designed efficiently, adhere to safety and regulatory standards, and meet public health objectives.

What is the difference between Intern Sanitary Engineer vs Environmental Technician?

AspectIntern Sanitary EngineerEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of Civil, Environmental, or Sanitary EngineeringAssociate's or Bachelor's in Environmental Science or related field
Work EnvironmentEngineering firms, government agencies, construction sitesLaboratories, field sites, environmental monitoring locations
Industry UsageDesigning and planning sanitary systems, water quality projectsMonitoring environmental conditions, sampling, data collection

Both roles often require knowledge of environmental regulations and fieldwork. While Intern Sanitary Engineers focus on engineering design and planning, Environmental Technicians primarily handle sampling and data collection. Both positions serve in environmental and public health sectors, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ based on their training and focus areas.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sanitary Engineer jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Sanitary Engineer jobs in Oregon are:

Waste/UPW O&M Technician - Full Time Internship

LotusWorks

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

LotusWorks is an Engineering Services provider specializing in managing Commissioning, Construction Services, Calibration, Operations & Maintenance scopes of work within global manufacturing facilities. LotusWorks operates globally across EMEA and North America partnering with the world's leading manufacturers across the Semiconductor, Pharmaceutical & Biologics, Medical Device and Data Centre sectors. Our team of Engineering and Technical professionals is immersed in cutting-edge technologies and innovations. LotusWorks is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, integral to our people-first approach.
We are seeking a motivated and mechanically inclined Waste / Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) Operations & Maintenance Technician Intern to support the operation and maintenance of critical water and wastewater systems within a semiconductor or mission-critical facility.
This role provides hands-on experience with advanced UPW generation, distribution, and wastewater treatment systems, while working alongside experienced technicians and engineers in a highly regulated, safety-focused environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Support daily operations of UPW generation and distribution systems, including reverse osmosis (RO), electrodeionization (EDI), ion exchange, degasification, UV oxidation, and sub-micron filtration systems under supervision.
  • Assist in operating and monitoring wastewater treatment systems, including neutralization systems, pH adjustment, chemical dosing, lift stations, equalization tanks, and biological processes (e.g., MBR/BNR where applicable).
  • Perform routine rounds and system readings; record key parameters such as conductivity, resistivity, TOC, pH, flow rates, pressures, and tank levels, and escalate abnormal conditions.
  • Assist with preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical equipment including pumps, valves, filters, membranes, mixers, blowers, and chemical delivery systems.
  • Support water quality monitoring and sampling activities to ensure compliance with process requirements and environmental discharge permits.
  • Assist with chemical handling and dosing operations (acids, caustics, and treatment chemicals) in accordance with site safety procedures and SDS requirements.
  • Support system flushing, regeneration, and sanitization of UPW systems, including resin beds, RO skids, and distribution loops.
  • Assist in troubleshooting system issues such as membrane fouling, scaling, flow restrictions, pump failures, and instrumentation inaccuracies.
  • Learn and apply safety procedures including lockout/tagout (LOTO), hazardous chemical handling, and confined space entry.
  • Support startup and shutdown activities for UPW and wastewater systems, ensuring controlled and compliant operation.
  • Assist in maintaining accurate CMMS documentation (e.g., Maximo), including work orders, calibration records, and maintenance logs.
  • Observe and support vendor activities such as membrane cleaning, media replacement, and system performance testing.
  • Participate in Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) programs, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, compliance, and water conservation.
  • Develop an understanding of semiconductor water quality standards, contamination risks, and the critical nature of UPW systems for manufacturing operations.
  • Any other duties or responsibilities that may be assigned to you in your role.
Skills Required:
  • Exposure to semiconductor, data center, pharmaceutical, or other mission-critical environments
  • Basic knowledge of water/wastewater treatment processes (not required)
  • Familiarity with CMMS systems (e.g., Maximo) is a plus
  • Enrollment in or recent completion of a technical program (mechanical, environmental, or related field)
  • Mechanically inclined with a strong interest in hands-on technical work
  • Basic understanding of mechanical systems (pumps, piping, valves, etc.)
  • Willingness to learn and work in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety
Education / Licenses / Certifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Proof of education, licenses, and certifications will be required where applicable

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LotusWorks is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.