Water Conservation Intern

🌱 Make a Splash in Water Conservation This Summer! 💧

Looking for a meaningful way to make an impact on water conservation? Join our team and be part of the solution!

As a Water Conservation Intern, you'll gain hands-on experience working alongside our Water Efficiency Coordinator to implement the District’s water conservation program.

Your role will include:
✅ Educating the community on sustainable water practices
✅ Ensuring compliance with water regulations
✅ Assisting with special projects that promote conservation
✅ Maintaining and enhancing our beautiful ColoradoScape demonstration gardens

This is the perfect opportunity for students passionate about sustainability who want to make a real difference while gaining valuable professional experience. Join us and help protect one of our most precious resources! 💦

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with the implementation of programs for water conservation efforts addressing both indoor and outdoor uses in all customer categories.
• Plays a significant role in executing measures intended to reduce customer water demands at all times, including during droughts.
• Reviews and analyzes alternative measures to develop and recommend specific water conservation programs.
• Prepares and disseminates technical and educational information through various platforms such as presentations, written materials, and other outreach and promotional processes in collaboration with the Community Relations department.
• Collects and analyzes data and technical information related to water usage, water audits and conservation program effectiveness.
• Performs on-site water conservation audits for customers and evaluates irrigation system operations. Provides information and educational support to customers, including specific water conservation behaviors, irrigation practices and controller programming.
• Maintains ColoradoScape demonstration gardens located throughout the District; tasks may include hand weeding, watering, minor irrigation fixes, mulching, and pruning. 
• Manages the use of two District vehicles during the irrigation season.

WORK SCHEDULE

Generally, this is a part time schedule of 24 hours per week. Days and times are flexible, with mandatory Fridays. This position requires one weekend day per month to represent the District at various community events. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED equivalent and a minimum of 18 years of age. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid driver’s license and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Working knowledge of computer programs including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and the ability to learn and use other computer software and tools.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data using fundamental math and basic engineering computations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; speaking and writing effectively.
• Work effectively with staff members, individual customers, other organizations and the public.
• The ability to effectively diffuse confrontational situations involving disgruntled customers in a calm professional manner.
• Ability to manage priorities, multiple concurrent assignments, and organize and coordinate tasks.
• Represent the District in a professional manner and maintain positive working relationships inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to conduct public presentations concerning water conservation and the District’s conservation programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position works under the supervision of the Water Efficiency Coordinator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision of the District’s temporary Water Monitors from May through September of each year.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Irrigation system controllers and water efficient irrigation devices, hand tools commonly used for landscape maintenance, personal computers, Office 365, spreadsheet applications, graphics, web-based and database software, calculator, multi-function printer/copier, portable or mobile radio, cellular telephone, automobile or light truck.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit and talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office and in outside weather conditions including inclement weather. The employee regularly works on or in the premises of the District’s customers. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock and contact with water from irrigation, plumbing fixtures, and other sources.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application or resume, rating of education and experience, interviews, reference check and job-related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the District’s and requirements of the job change.

Pre-employment screening includes background and motor vehicle record check.

ABOUT US

Highlands Ranch Water has provided water and wastewater services to Highlands Ranch residential and commercial customers for more than three decades. Highlands Ranch Water strives to ensure that our water resources are used wisely. Highlands Ranch Water’s strategy is to optimize the use of surface water. Over the past 25 years, approximately 90 percent of the water supplied has come from renewable river supplies.

Our Vision

To set the standard of excellence for community-based water and wastewater utility services through innovative practices in finance, operations, and resource management.

Our Mission

Provide safe, sustainable, and reliable water and wastewater utility services to our customers with superior quality and value.

Our Core Values

• Safety - We work to ensure a safe environment for our employees and our customers.
• Teamwork - We collaborate with internal teams and regional partners to achieve our goals.
• Vision - We remain forward thinking to identify opportunities to benefit our community. We strive to provide leadership within the water and wastewater industry.
• Excellence in Service - We strive for excellence in all facets of our industry, including customer service, water quality, and environmental stewardship.
• Integrity - We take pride in our work and demonstrate honest and ethical behavior to ensure we meet our obligations. We respect the valuable resources that we are entrusted with and are committed to protecting them.