Research & Development (R&D) Engineering Research Center Intern

Salary : $17.00 - $20.00 Hourly

Location : Fountain Valley, CA

Job Type : Internship

Job Number : 2025-00002

Department : Research & Development

Opening Date : 01 / 13 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 3 / 2025 4 : 00 PM Pacific

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit : Non-Represented

Description

Research & Development

Engineering Research Center Intern

20-25 hours per week)

• Year-round Internship (not a summer internship)

JOB DESCRIPTION :

This internship position supports testing of water treatment systems at the District's Engineering Research Center (ERC) and assists with other research activities at the treatment facility. The water treatment systems are smaller-scale versions of the large water purification systems used at the District to turn wastewater into drinkable water, and referred to as "pilot" systems.

The intern will always work under the supervision of an R&D pilot operator and / or scientists. Depending on qualifications, the intern may be assigned to assist with tasks such as operating pilot systems, performing routine maintenance (such as cleaning equipment), troubleshooting issues, and repairs when needed. This position involves working in outdoor environments that may be loud, wet, and dirty, requiring the ability to perform hands-on tasks in such conditions. Tasks may also include assisting with installing or cleaning membranes and performing other physical activities based on training that the intern will receive. Tasks will require careful adherence to standard procedures.

In addition to system operations, the intern will assist in reviewing pilot performance data, collecting water samples, and conducting basic water tests in the laboratory. The intern will also help create reports and presentations that explain the findings from the testing.

Typical Qualifications

We're looking for candidates who are interested in water treatment and R&D work, have a foundational knowledge of scientific and technical concepts, and are comfortable working with tools and machinery, as many of our pilot units are manually operated and require daily inspections and monitoring. Some hands-on experience and mechanical aptitude are a plus, especially if it involves working with equipment like small pumps or filters.

To be eligible, you must be a currently enrolled full-time student studying Engineering, Environmental Science, or a similar field. You should have at least one year remaining before graduation.

You'll need good organizational, communication, and writing skills and should be comfortable using basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A valid California Class "C" Driver's License and proof of automobile insurance are required.

Internships are to provide meaningful training and work experience for students pursuing academic studies related to OCWD's mission and goals. Interns must submit proof of full-time enrollment, class schedules and grades each semester / quarter. Interns are not eligible for employee benefits. Interns are "at will" and can be terminated at the discretion of the Department Manager with or without cause and with or without prior notice. This is not a seasonal internship. Interns work year-round.

1 - Interns must be currently enrolled as a full-time student in a program related to this field.

2 - Interns must have at least one year remaining in school.

You will not be considered if you do not meet the criteria for both #1 & #2 above.

Please attach or include the following documents to your application :

Cover Letter with your expected graduation date, your hours available to work (Mon-Fri, 20-25 hours per week), and an explanation of how your schooling relates to this internship.

Class Schedule / Unofficial Transcript showing your current enrollment as a full-time student . The document must list your name and school name, current GPA, units, and your current or upcoming class schedule.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Physical : Positions in this class typically require reaching, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and / or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, chemicals, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions and intense noise.

Vision : See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.

Hearing : Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Supplemental Information

Hourly Rate : Undergraduate : $17 per hour & Graduate : $20 per hour

You must submit an OCWD online employment application to be considered. Please visit to complete an application. Candidates given an offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination and background check. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number apply. EEO.

No benefits available for this position.

Are you currently enrolled full-time in a program related to this field?

What is your expected graduation date? (month / year)

Please describe any courses you have taken or are currently enrolled in that are relevant to this position.

Please describe any hands-on or mechanical experience that you have, including experience working with tools and machinery.

Please describe your proficiency and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

Are you comfortable working in outdoor environments that may be loud, wet, and dirty?

Do you understand that this is NOT a seasonal (fall, spring, or summer) internship? We are looking for interns who can work year-round.

Does your school have special requirements for internships? If yes, briefly explain.

Are you authorized to work in the US? Please note OCWD does not sponsor work visas.

What hours are you available to work from Monday to Friday between 7 : 30 AM and 5 : 00 PM? (We are looking for availability to work up to 20-25 hours per week.)

Did you attach a cover letter and resume? If not, please go back and attach the documents. You will NOT be considered without attaching these documents.

Did you attach a copy of your unofficial transcript or class schedule showing your enrollment in Winter 2025 / Spring 2025? You will NOT be considered without attaching this document.

Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License?

I hereby understand and declare that the statements on this supplemental questionnaire are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. As applicable, I hereby authorize the Agency and / or designees to contact the references listed to verify the information I have supplied. I hereby release from liability all persons and organizations furnishing such information. I understand that the Agency reserves the right to validate information received on the supplemental questionnaire and that I will be subject to disqualification and / or termination if any statement in this supplemental questionnaire is found to be untrue or determined to be misleading.

Required Question

Salary : $17 - $20