Water Resources and Planning Student Intern

SAWPA • Riverside, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) is hiring a student intern to support regional water resource planning and watershed management. The internship offers hands-on experience with GIS mapping, data analysis, environmental research, water quality and watershed planning, regional initiatives, grant development, and technical studies. The intern will collaborate with water agencies and environmental professionals on real-world water resource and environmental policy challenges.

Applicants must be currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution in a degree program relevant to SAWPA’s work and live within a reasonable commuting distance of SAWPA during the internship. The position is part-time and temporary, generally averaging 20 hours per week, with schedules coordinated around academic commitments and Agency needs. Interns may work a maximum of 960 hours per fiscal year and serve for up to 18 months unless additional terms are approved by the General Manager. Work is generally on-site unless an alternative arrangement is approved. SAWPA may coordinate with accredited colleges and universities to support internship credit requirements upon request.

The position is paid at the current hourly minimum wage. Effective January 1, 2027, the hourly rate will be $17.40. The anticipated start date is the week of December 7, 2026. Applicants who are current or former members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) are not eligible.

Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution and pursuing a degree relevant to SAWPA’s work.
• Must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of SAWPA during the internship.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent GED.
• Current enrollment in undergraduate or graduate studies at an accredited college or university, with major coursework in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Public Administration, Water Resources Planning, or a related field.
• Ability to travel to work-related locations as required to perform essential functions; reasonable alternative forms of transportation consistent with Agency policy may be used.
• Interns who operate a vehicle for Agency business must have a valid California Class C driver’s license and maintain a driving record acceptable to the Agency’s automobile insurance provider.
• Current or former CalPERS members are not eligible for consideration.
• Submit a complete application, including a current and complete resume and a brief cover letter.

Nice To Haves

• No prior work experience is required, but knowledge of research, report preparation, and administration methods and techniques is desired.
• Interest in water resources, environmental science, sustainability, or GIS.
• Curiosity, attention to detail, research and problem-solving interest, initiative, and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Prepare draft meeting notes for Water Resources and Planning Task Forces, workgroups, and related meetings for staff review and finalization.
• Assist with the development of regional water resources studies.
• Update data using spreadsheet tools, draft presentations, and assist with grant applications.
• Evaluate, plan, and contribute to water resources and environmental planning studies and projects.
• Research water resources topics based on State priorities.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED