Plant Science Intern Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Description
Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises Employment Services
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
JOB POSITION: Part-Time, MWD Water Reuse Co-Op Intern
DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Education
DATE AVAILABLE: August 2026
WORK LOCATION: Pure Water Southern California, 24501 South Figueroa Street, Carson, California 90745.
ABOUT US: As the largest employer of students on the Cal Poly Pomona campus, the Foundation offers valuable work experience and hands-on training to approximately 1,500 Cal Poly Pomona students each year. The Foundation offers positions in various fields; whether it is in the area of technology, science, retail, culinary arts, hospitality1500 management, leadership or research grants, these student employees participate in Cal Poly Pomona's learn-by-doing philosophy and acquire practical skills in their designated field of study.
The Foundation also contributes operating support to nearly 1,100 Foundation and scholarship programs every year, including Bronco Athletics and the Norman J. Priest Scholarship. In addition, the Foundation administers grants and contracts, contributes to campus security, and supports several university publications. The Foundation contributes over $1 million annually to Cal Poly Pomona.
SUMMARY: The Metropolitan Water District's Water Quality Section is seeking one (1) Co-Op intern to join the Water Reuse and Process Development (WRPD) Team. The WRPD Team is responsible for operating and maintaining the demonstration plant for Pure Water Southern California (PWSC). This position requires a commitment of approximately 8-10 hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Work should preferably be scheduled in blocks of at least four hours. During the summer months, work hours may be extended to up to 20 hours per week.
SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU WILL GET TO DO (this is just a small sampling of work variety):
Under the direction of Water Quality (WQ) Technicians, WQ Specialists, and process engineers, you may perform the following:

• Provide both field and laboratory support for the Pure Water Southern California Demonstration Plant.
• Interpret process flow diagrams (PFD's) and apply this knowledge by reviewing the treatment process design and verifying and documenting treatment processes.
• Assist with sample collection and preparation, water quality testing, data entry, general laboratory cleanliness, and organization.
• Organizing and plotting datasets
• Provide technical report writing, editing, and literature research.
• Experience handling chemicals in the laboratory
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices
• Experience following standard operating procedures
• Experience using computer software in a Microsoft Windows environment
• Familiarity with chemical/physical instrumentation and laboratory measurement techniques
• Knowledge of general laboratory calculations
• Self-motivated team player able to work effectively with minimal supervision

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited four-year degree program in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Environmental Engineering.
  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in relevant coursework (i.e. chemistry, mathematics, physics, etc.) is required.
• Sophomore, junior, or early senior status with approximately two years remaining before graduation is required.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: Any students driving their personal vehicles to Metropolitan work and project locations, including Union Station, must provide proof to the Foundation of a valid California Driver's License and personal automobile Liability Insurance as required by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles prior to beginning service with Metropolitan, if selected.
BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY: Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises is committed to protecting the health, well-being, and safety of its campus community and assets. In furtherance of these goals, Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises will make a conditional offer of employment to final job candidates, pending the satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
The conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.
In determining the suitability of the candidate for the position, Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises will give an individualized assessment to any information regarding the criminal conviction history that the applicant submits for consideration such as the nature, gravity and recency of the conviction, the candidate's conduct, performance or rehabilitation efforts since the conviction and the nature of the job applied for.
CSU along with Cal Poly Pomona Foundation strongly recommend faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare an exemption from doing so. The systemwide policy can be found at COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Policy and any questions may be sent to fdnhr@cpp.edu
Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.