Water Quality Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Western Water's vision is to integrate best-in-business processes and business systems while developing a leading-edge workforce that continuously creates greater efficiency and value for our customers. Western Water's values and aspirations are centered on excellence in: Customer Experience Fiscal Stewardship Our Team Service Delivery Industry Leadership Resource Management Are you looking to begin your career with a public agency committed to this vision and these aspirations. Western Water is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Workforce Advancement for Vocational Experience Series (WAVES) working with our Water Quality team.

This six-month, part-time internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting Water Quality staff in the field. The selected intern will learn about the work that helps protect water quality and supports reliable water service for the communities Western Water serves. Under close supervision, the intern will assist with field activities, water-system site visits, routine monitoring support, equipment and supply organization, documentation, safety practices, and other operational assignments.

If you are interested in water utility operations, public works, field services, infrastructure, or public service and are ready to learn, work safely, and contribute as part of a high-performing team, we encourage you to apply for this entry-level opportunity. ABOUT WESTERN WATER Western Water stands out: Western Water is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County, providing water and sewer services to nearly one million people. We see ourselves as more of a business than a bureaucracy.

We view our customers as essential partners in ensuring long-term water security for our region. Together, the Western Water team is focused on being the definitive leader in water and wastewater services while upholding the highest level of stakeholder trust. Examples of Duties Duties may include, but are not limited to: Assist Water Quality staff with field activities at District facilities, water system sites, reservoirs, pump stations, tanks, and other assigned locations.

Support routine water quality monitoring and sampling activities under the direction of qualified staff. Prepare, organize, transport, and maintain field equipment, supplies, safety materials, and sampling containers. Assist with site inspections, equipment checks, basic observations, and documentation of field conditions.

Learn and follow established procedures for safe work, equipment use, site access, traffic awareness, and personal protective equipment. Assist with maintaining clean, organized, and safe vehicles, work areas, storage areas, and field equipment. Perform basic data entry, recordkeeping, filing, and documentation related to field activities.

Observe and support Water Quality staff during water system operations, maintenance coordination, regulatory-monitoring activities, and customer or contractor interactions, as assigned. Participate in job shadowing, safety meetings, training, and special projects. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications High school diploma or GED. Must be at least 18 years of age. Valid California Class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record.

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and learn work procedures in a field environment. Ability to communicate professionally, work cooperatively with others, and maintain accurate records. Ability to perform basic arithmetic and use common computer applications, including email and spreadsheets.

Ability to work safely outdoors and at water utility facilities in varying weather conditions. Ability to perform the physical activities associated with assigned duties, including standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs or ladders as appropriate, and lifting/carrying supplies and equipment. Ability to wear and use required personal protective equipment.

Desired qualifications Interest in water utility operations, water quality field work, public works, construction, maintenance, mechanical systems, infrastructure, or public service. Current enrollment in, recent completion of, or interest in pursuing training related to water/wastewater operations, public works, utilities, skilled trades, engineering technology, or a related field. Experience through school, work, volunteer activities, athletics, or personal projects that demonstrates dependability, safe work habits, use of hand tools or equipment, outdoor work, teamwork, or attention to detail.

Interest in pursuing a career with a public water agency or utility. Supplemental Information Physical, Mental, and Environmental Requirements The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical: Employees are regularly required to operate equipment, machinery, controls and tools; perform manual labor, work overhead, frequently grasp, hold and reach; frequently walk, stand, squat, twist and bend; frequently climb ladders, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds or 100 pounds with assistance; constantly use overall color vision plus hand, eye, and feet coordination; and frequently hear and talk, in person and on the phone. Employees may be required and medically able to wear respiratory and fall protection equipment. Mental: Employees should possess the ability to speak, read, and write English, in addition to exercising math and computer aptitude as required.

Employees work under pressure with frequent interruptions while communicating and interacting with a variety of District personnel, the public, and others encountered in the course of work. The ability to explain, interpret, and apply related rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and work on multiple concurrent assignments, often within tight timeframes using good business judgment is necessary. Environmental: Employees primarily work outside with exposure to various weather conditions and regularly work near moving mechanical parts.

The noise level is typically loud. Employees may work in confined spaces and may be exposed to fumes, vapors, dust, sewage, toxic or caustic chemicals. Employees may work in areas with poisonous plants and/or venomous or threatening animals or insects.

Incumbents are expected to use principles of effective safety practices including the use of personal protective equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces. Western Water is a tobacco free campus prohibiting smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and unregulated nicotine products in any District vehicle and building, which includes any building owned and occupied, or leased and occupied, by the District, including, Headquarters, the Operations Center, and any remote facilities owned, leased and/or operated by the District.