Internship | WRD | Water Leaders Academy | 50 Hours
About The Position
The WRD Water Academy Internship is a two-week, paid immersive experience designed to introduce Compton USD high school students to careers in water systems, environmental sustainability, and public utilities. Interns will participate in site visits, hands-on technical learning, career panels, and professional development workshops led by regional water agencies. The program builds foundational knowledge in water treatment, groundwater replenishment, environmental compliance, and infrastructure systems while exposing students to college and workforce pathways in the water industry. The WRD Water Academy Internship provides structured exposure to Southern California’s water infrastructure through facility tours, technical demonstrations, and direct engagement with industry professionals. Over two weeks, interns explore treatment operations, water recycling, groundwater science, sustainability practices, engineering, and public utility management. Participants gain insight into career pathways including water operator roles, environmental compliance, water quality analysis, engineering, process technology, and public works. The program blends field learning with professional skill development, helping students build readiness for college programs, technical certifications, or future internships such as the WRD Operator Internship.
Requirements
- Students are encouraged to apply if they:
- Are enrolled in a Compton USD high school or CTE pathway.
- Have interest in fields such as:
- Environmental science
- Engineering
- Water or wastewater systems
- Sustainability
- Public works or utilities
- Technology and process systems
- Want to learn more about local government, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, or STEM careers.
- Are willing to participate in field trips and hands-on learning experiences.
- Can commit to the full program schedule and participate actively in sessions.
- Demonstrate curiosity, responsibility, and a willingness to learn — no prior experience required.
- Work Permit-Required.
Nice To Haves
- Participation in CTE pathways (Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Service, ICT, etc.)
- Interest in future internships (WRD Operator Internship, agency mentorships, or summer opportunities).
Responsibilities
- Actively participate in daily workshops, guest speaker sessions, and hands-on activities led by WRD, West Basin, MWD, and City of Long Beach staff.
- Demonstrate curiosity by asking questions, taking notes, and engaging in career discussions.
- Attend scheduled site visits to partner facilities such as WRD treatment sites, West Basin MWD, MWD’s Weymouth Treatment Plant, and the Long Beach training yard.
- Follow all safety instructions and adhere to required protocols during facility tours.
- Complete assigned activities, including water-system observations, group challenges, and reflection prompts.
- Contribute to a small capstone or end-of-program reflection showing understanding of water careers and industry concepts.
- Attend the full 2-week program (June 15–26| 9a-3p daily).
- Participate in orientation on May 18, 2026, cohort activities, and the end-of-program celebration.
Benefits
- Engage directly with engineers, operators, scientists, and utility leaders across multiple agencies.
- Develop professional skills including communication, teamwork, punctuality, and workplace etiquette.
- Participate in resume workshops, interview preparation sessions, and career pathway guidance.
- Build industry awareness of safety standards, regulatory compliance, and field professionalism.
- Complete a capstone reflection project demonstrating understanding of water systems and career pathways.
- Network with regional agencies to explore future internships, mentorships, and technical education programs.
- Strengthen STEM exposure and environmental literacy aligned with college and CTE pathways.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
High school or GED
