VVWRA | College and Vet Internship | Collections & Environmental Compliance Intern | 100 hours

Tomorrow's Talent•Desert, TX

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Collections & Environmental Compliance Intern gains hands-on field experience supporting the operation, inspection, maintenance, and environmental monitoring of wastewater collection systems. Working alongside experienced VVWRA field personnel, the intern participates in supervised activities involving wastewater collection infrastructure, preventive maintenance, field inspections, environmental sampling, and pollution prevention. This internship is designed for students interested in outdoor work, mechanical and infrastructure systems, tools and equipment, and solving practical problems. It provides exposure to careers in wastewater collections, environmental compliance, water and wastewater operations, and public utility maintenance. The work is primarily field-based at wastewater collection facilities, infrastructure locations, and environmental monitoring sites. Interns should expect outdoor work in varying weather, uneven terrain, around industrial equipment, wastewater odors, and other conditions associated with utility field operations. Activities are supervised and must follow VVWRA safety requirements; interns will not independently perform hazardous operations or enter confined spaces.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a community college program; Water or Wastewater Technology, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field is preferred.
Strong interest in hands-on fieldwork, wastewater operations, environmental protection, or public utility careers.
Willingness to work outdoors and participate in physically active assignments.
Ability to follow safety instructions, technical procedures, and supervisor direction.
Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn new equipment and processes.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a field crew.
Basic communication and problem-solving skills.
Ability to perform assigned duties safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Enrollment in Water or Wastewater Technology, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Work alongside collections personnel during routine inspections and maintenance of wastewater collection infrastructure.
Assist with preventive maintenance involving sewer pipelines, manholes, and related collection system components.
Observe and assist with sewer line cleaning and maintenance under direct supervision.
Learn to identify potential collection system problems, including blockages, infiltration, structural damage, and other operational concerns.
Prepare, organize, and maintain tools, equipment, and materials used during field operations.
Participate in supervised inspections of wastewater collection facilities and infrastructure, including visual inspections and field measurements.
Gain exposure to CCTV sewer inspection equipment and techniques, and learn how inspection findings inform maintenance and repair priorities.
Accompany environmental compliance personnel during inspections and monitoring activities.
Assist with environmental sampling and monitoring under appropriate supervision and training.
Participate in field activities related to pollution prevention, source control, environmental protection, and, as applicable, industrial wastewater inspections and pretreatment programs.
Assist with daily maintenance, cleaning, and monitoring of municipal sanitary sewer networks, lift stations, and storm drains under certified operators’ supervision.
Learn the proper use, care, and maintenance of tools and equipment used in wastewater collections and environmental monitoring.
Assist with equipment setup, cleaning, and routine maintenance under supervision; observe specialized collection system equipment such as sewer cleaning vehicles, pumps, and inspection systems.
Identify equipment concerns and communicate findings to supervisors; develop familiarity with mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
Participate in safety orientations, toolbox talks, and job-site safety discussions; practice use of personal protective equipment and safe work procedures.
Assist with setting up and maintaining safe work areas when trained and authorized, and learn emergency response procedures for spills, sewer overflows, and other environmental incidents.
Participate in assigned field projects and collaborate with collections crews and environmental compliance personnel to complete daily assignments.
Record field observations, inspection findings, and completed maintenance activities, and learn how operational teams coordinate to maintain wastewater services and meet environmental requirements.