Purchasing Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

THE POSITION: THE OPPORTUNITY: College students are encouraged to apply. Are you interested in learning about public procurement and contract administration while working for an organization recognized for leadership in water management and innovation. The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) is seeking a motivated intern with strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills to support the Agency's Contracts Administration and Procurement (CAP) team.

This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public sector procurement and contract administration while supporting a variety of Agency projects and operational needs. The selected intern will work alongside experienced procurement professionals and gain exposure to the processes that help ensure the Agency acquires goods and services efficiently, responsibly, and in compliance with public procurement requirements. Interns will gain exposure to procurement activities supporting engineering and construction projects, information technology initiatives, operations and maintenance programs, professional services contracts, and other critical public agency functions.

This position offers valuable insight into how public agencies acquire goods and services while ensuring transparency, competition, fiscal responsibility, and regulatory compliance. The selected intern will work directly with experienced Contracts & Procurement professionals and receive hands-on exposure to public sector purchasing and contract administration processes. Key responsibilities may include reviewing vendor insurance certificates for compliance with Agency requirements; assisting with purchase requisition reviews and purchase order processing; conducting vendor reference checks; researching project scopes of work and procurement-related information; and supporting contract and purchasing activities.

The intern will also assist with administrative tasks such as data entry, document scanning and filing, copying, scheduling meetings, and maintaining procurement records. The intern may also gain experience working with enterprise procurement and contract management systems utilized by the Agency, providing exposure to the technology tools commonly used in public sector purchasing and contract administration. This position is open until filled.

The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

There is one (1) internship opportunity in the Contracts and Procurement Unit. This recruitment is being conducted to fill (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list. FLSA: Non-Exempt Internships are limited to 25 hours week and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th) Note: Internship are not meant to be short term, for example, limited to summer, winter and/or spring breaks.

Individuals interested in short term internships will not be considered. Work schedule is estimated to be approximately 15 to 20 hours a week; Office Hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m

The successful candidate will be a responsible, analytical and detail-oriented individual with excellent communication (written/verbal) skills. Great time management skills with the ability to work on multiple assignments/projects simultaneously are required. Additionally, the individual must be willing to learn, be flexible, and assist with ad hoc projects as required in a fast paced and changing environment.

Advanced computer skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint are critical. Although not necessary, some knowledge of Microsoft Access would be useful. Intern staff works flexible hours as established by his/her respective supervisor.

While the Agency is flexible and will strive to work around an intern's schedule, an intern's work hours will vary and be mutually agreed upon between the intern and his/her supervisor. Please Note: We offer flexible work schedules that can accommodate school commitments. However, we kindly ask that employees work a minimum shift of four hours.

At the Inland Empire Utilities Agency safety is critical. The Agency is a regional wastewater treatment agency and wholesale distributor of imported water serving approximately 950,000 people over 242 square miles in western San Bernardino County. Over 300 personnel contribute to the success of the Agency.

The Agency owns and/or operates, and maintains 5 water recycling facilities, 160 miles of sewer collection system, a potable water facility, 19 supply water well sites, 4 sewage lift stations, a recycled water distribution and storage system, 19 groundwater recharge sites, a 400,000-square foot indoor composting facility, and a 66,000 square foot Headquarters building. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: May include, but are not limited to the following: Perform a full array of duties including professional administrative work. Process invoices, purchase requisitions, and check requests.

Performs administrative research and statistical or financial analysis. Place orders for materials and office supplies. May conduct records research and retrieval of documents.

Maintains spreadsheets and databases to track Key Performance Indicators, goals, and budgets. Create and update spreadsheets with graphs, pivot tables, and charts. Perform other related administrative duties as required.

Quality control check documents for consistency and accuracy. QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES: EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent

Graduation or current enrollment in undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited college or university with major course work in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, Materials Management or a closely related field. INELIGIBILITY: Individuals that are a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), are ineligible for Intern positions with IEUA. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: None.

KNOWLEDGE OF: Basic principles and practices of public agency purchasing; principles and procedures of research, basic statistics, methodology and administrative analysis; basic technical and administrative practices and procedures of assigned area; record keeping practices and procedures related to a purchasing function; principles of composition, basic report preparation and writing; graphic and tabular presentation of data, modern office practices and equipment including a computer and applicable software; record-keeping and filing practices and procedures; proper English, spelling and grammar. ABILITY TO: Gather, organize, interpret and analyze information and data; prepare and interpret tables, charts, graphs and flow charts; organize, set priorities and exercise sound judgment within areas of responsibility; understand and follow written and verbal instructions; prepare clear, concise and accurate reports, correspondence and other written materials; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work; operate office equipment including a computer and applicable software; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; understand and follow verbal and written instructions; formulate options and make recommendations. SELECTION PROCESS: All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job-related qualifications.

Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical examination. A second round of interviews may also be conducted. Communications regarding this recruitment will be sent by email, and candidates will need to monitor their inbox/spam/junk email folder regularly to ensure they do not miss any relevant communication.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1640 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation. The Inland Empire Utilities Agency does not sponsor employment visas at the time of hire or during the course of employment. All applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE. "The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".