Intern Utility Operations
About The Position
The City is seeking motivated intern(s) to assist the Public Works & Utilities Department in developing and implementing programs and initiatives that support the safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operation of the City’s water and wastewater utility systems. These initiatives related to the operation, maintenance, and management of the City’s water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems. These systems are critical to protecting public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining reliable utility services for the community. The selected interns will work closely with utility operations and engineering staff to support program development initiatives, including research, data collection, documentation of procedures, and development of tracking tools to support program implementation and compliance monitoring. This internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in municipal utility operations, regulatory compliance, infrastructure management, and data-driven decision making. Interns will also have the opportunity to gain exposure to the day-to-day functions of a municipal utilities department by participating in departmental meetings, interdepartmental coordination efforts, and interactions with internal staff and external stakeholders.
Requirements
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Water Resources, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to employment may be required for field activities.
Nice To Haves
- Coursework in water, wastewater, Water resources, environmental engineering, or environmental regulation or environmental policy, GIS / Spatial Data Analysis or Infrastructure Asset Management.
- Ability to conduct research, organize information, and assist with data analysis and program development tasks.
- Experience with data analysis, reporting, or technical writing.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with technical and operations staff.
Responsibilities
- Assist staff with development and implementation of the City’s Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Management Program for the wastewater collection system and the City’s Backflow Prevention Program for the water distribution system.
- Conduct research on regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices related to FOG management and cross-connection control programs.
- Assist in identifying and compiling an inventory of food service establishments and other grease-generating businesses within the City’s service area.
- Assist in developing and organizing a database of backflow prevention assemblies within the water distribution system.
- Review existing permit records, inspection reports, and GIS data to identify gaps in current tracking systems.
- Assist with development of program procedures, workflows, inspection processes, and compliance tracking methods.
- Participate in field activities including verification of grease interceptors, backflow prevention devices, and other utility assets.
- Support development of inspection tracking tools, spreadsheets, or databases used to monitor program compliance.
- Assist in preparation of inspection forms, checklists, and standard documentation used for program administration.
- Help prepare informational materials and outreach resources for businesses related to FOG control and backflow prevention requirements.
- Attend meetings with utility operations staff and participate in departmental coordination related to program implementation.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
