Temporary Student Intern - Water Quality (Organic Chemistry)

Irvine Ranch Water District•Irvine, CA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is seeking a Temporary Student Intern for the Water Quality Department. This role involves performing analytical tasks and support work under close supervision, contributing to routine laboratory work, special projects, or other District functions. Interns will receive hands-on training focused on teamwork, independence, and developing technical skills within a quality framework. This is a temporary position requiring active enrollment in at least 12 units of higher education.

Requirements

Active enrollment as a student in an institution of higher learning, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, at the time of appointment.
Completion of chemistry, biology, environmental science college level courses and labs required.
Knowledge of laboratory techniques.
Knowledge of computer software/hardware systems.
Knowledge of research methods, and data collection techniques including data analysis methods.
Knowledge of English usage, grammar, punctuation, report writing techniques.
Intermediate to advanced level skills in Microsoft Office Suite required.
Ability to read and interpret complex technically written materials.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to use tact, discretion, patience and understanding in dealing with all levels of employees, customers, external partners and the public.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages.
Ability to use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel).
Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job.
Ability to use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.
Ability to remain calm in crisis and emergency situations.
Ability to use discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves.
Ability to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation.
Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator, and to operate standard office and laboratory equipment.
Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail.
Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings.
Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requires clear speech and hearing.
Must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light physical work when working in the field.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces.
Ability to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties.
Ability to use vision to locate utilities and read printed materials.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of organic chemistry principles and techniques.

Responsibilities

Analyzes various water, wastewater and/or biosolids samples for general wet chemistry and chromatography testing (odor, pH, alkalinity, solids, ion chromatography, etc.), as well as other parameters as needed.
Supports the Laboratory’s daily Biosolids process control monitoring.
Learns and follows the Laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS) under the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (CA-ELAP).
Accurately enters data results into the Laboratory's Technical Information Management System (TIMS).
Assists with chemical reagent and standard preparation, as needed.
Learns and follows all laboratory safety protocols.
Learns and follows general laboratory and analysis-specific Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols.
Compiles and organizes data.
Prepares documents, memos and other correspondences necessary for project completion.
Complies with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.
Attends district-wide meetings as required.