INTERN - Water Resources

PAID INTERNSHIP:   $20.00/Hour

APPLY BY:   2/12/25

Target 11-week Internship Dates:  5/19/25 – 7/31/25

(4-10 work schedule M-Th 6am - 4:30pm) Some flexibility with scheduled hours. There may be the option for a few telecommute days, but not on a weekly basis (conditions apply).

Work collaboratively with the CAP Water Resources Field Engineer and Biology Water Quality Administrator to gain hands-on experience in a broad range of water resources and biological issues that impact the CAP system.  

1. Assists in scientific investigations of aquatic nuisance species that impact the CAP canal and its infrastructure, including quagga mussels, Cymbella, and hydroids.  
2. Conducts mapping surveys of aquatic vegetation and sediment deposition in CAP source water and the canal itself.
3. Samples fish populations to determine general health and food habits.
4. Maintains water quality meters to ensure accurate measurement and recording of data.
5. Utilizes laboratory equipment to analyze various biological samples.
6. Monitor wildlife water catchments along the canal. 
7. Participate in groundwater recharge basin maintenance. 
8. Participate in groundwater well, canal and lake sampling. 

At the end of the 11 week internship, the intern will prepare and deliver a presentation(s) and report(s) which include, but limited to:

• Identifying CAP’s role with stakeholders throughout the state. 
• Identifying the importance of CAP for stakeholders that utilize the system. 
• Identifying the different uses of CAP water throughout the system. 
• Scheduling and coordinating with appropriate agencies to conduct site visits, interviews, research, etc.
• Describes what he/she learned during their time as an intern. 
• Provide an evaluation of the intern experience at CAP. 
• Provide recommendations for future interns.

• Junior or higher-level student (or recent completed undergraduate program) working toward a degree in Natural Resource Management, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Biology or related field. May be an undergrad or grad student. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites. 
• Clear oral communication skills and team leadership ability.
• Ability to multi-task, adapt to various personality types, and function in a rapidly moving multi-disciplinary environment.
• Must have a valid Driver's License, maintain a good driving record, and have at least TWO YEARS of driving experience.
• Must submit transcripts (unofficial or official) with the online application.
• Must be legally authorized to work a paid internship in the United States.

• Frequently, the position requires work out of the office, which requires driving a CAP vehicle (3/4 ton pickup truck) on improved and unimproved roadways. Outside working conditions are dependent on the weather, which involves extreme heat in the summer (temperatures over 100 degrees) and cold in the winter (temperatures below freezing). Work visitations are required at the pumping plants and along the CAP canal.
•  The pumping plants and office structures are heated and cooled. Noise levels are generally minimal, however, they can be excessive for brief periods of time. The person in this position moves about using various conveyances such as an elevator, stairway, and/or walk ramp. A lesser amount of work time is spent working inside in either a single-level or upper-level structured office building, which is heated, air-conditioned. Persons in this position occasionally work in the field having to walk up and down extremely rough terrain. 
• Persons in this position will have exposure to flora, fauna and the natural habitat of the desert environment.

Salary : $20