Summer Internship in Operations & Maintenance Environmental Support – Biologist

SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY! 

Summer Internship in Operations & Maintenance Environmental Support – Environmental Compliance Biologist 

Location: Valley Water Headquarters (5750 Almaden Expy. San Jose, CA)   

1 Internship Available!  

OVERVIEW 

Do you want to make a difference in your community while also gaining priceless career experience? Do you want to expand your network and build your resume while learning about the water industry? If so, a summer internship with Valley Water may be the best choice for you! Come apply your talents to help secure safe and clean water for a healthy environment.

Our Commitment:

Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:

Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community. 

About Next Gen Career Pathway’s Summer Internships: 

Our popular internship program provides excellent opportunities to explore your chosen career path, develop industry specific skills and knowledge, and increase your professional network! As part of the Valley Water community, you get an insider’s perspective on the way we work and the impact we are able to make. The Summer 2025 Internship Program will provide interns with training and experience leveraging collaboration tools while either working on-site or hybrid. Summer Interns will be given one-on-one mentorship, professional development training and an hourly pay of $26.31. At the end of the program interns are to prepare and present a Capstone presentation to share their experience and achievements.  

About The Operations & Maintenance Environmental Support Unit:

The Operations & Maintenance Environmental Support Unit is responsible for managing environmental compliance and support functions for Valley Water operations and maintenance (O&M) activities in both Watersheds and Water Utility Enterprise. A key focus of the unit is supporting implementation and environmental permit compliance of projects under the Stream Maintenance Program (SMP). Work performed under the SMP includes bank stabilization, instream sediment removal for flood risk reduction, minor maintenance, trash and debris removal, vegetation management, and installation and maintenance of mitigation habitat restoration sites. To meet permit requirements, the unit relies on biologists to provide biological surveys, monitoring, and clearances in compliance with environmental standards. Interns will focus primarily on providing biological support for SMP activities.

Required License or Certificate:

Possession of valid California’s Driver License. 

WE LOOK FOR INTERNS WHO ARE:

• Students pursuing a degree in biology, ecology, zoology, wildlife management, fisheries science, botany, or a related discipline in a life sciences field.
• Experienced in identifying the local flora and fauna of Santa Clara County.
• Interested in biological field surveys, environmental permit compliance, habitat restoration, and natural resource management.
• Willingness to understand and interpret environmental laws and permitting.
• GIS experience is a plus.
• Able to communicate clearly (oral and written).
• Valid CA driver’s license, and comfortable with driving.

AS AN INTERN YOU WILL:

• Participate in biweekly learning sessions held every other Friday alongside fellow interns, focusing on elevating career readiness and cultivating professional development skills.
• Conduct biological surveys and monitoring for wildlife and fish and document findings with GIS.
• Communicate results of biological surveys and biological constraints for projects.
• Collect data on vegetation impacts of sediment removal and bank repair activities.
• Assist with fish relocation during stream dewatering events.
• Attend relevant Stream Maintenance Program meetings.
• Learn about Valley Water’s Stream Maintenance Practices and Procedures.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Summer Internship Program is open to undergraduate & graduate students who are third year and above enrolled in a college/university for Fall 2025.

• Pass a pre-employment screening process, including a background check.
• Proof of enrollment will be required prior to start of assignment.
• Can work full-time (40 hours/week) during the Summer Internship Program

1. May 27 – August 15, 2025 (Semester Students)
2. June 16 – September 5, 2025 (Quarter Students)

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

We will be accepting applications from February 3rd through February 17, 2025. You will need to provide the following with the online application: 

• Fully completed online Employment Application with all required questions answered.  We are very interested in learning about your previous work experience, school projects, volunteer events and/or extracurricular activities.
• Complete the supplemental questions in the job application with detail and honesty. These questions will help us get to know you better.  Please tailor your answer to the specific internship you are applying for. Do not indicate "see resume" as a response to any of the questions.
• Resumes and cover letters are optional but are helpful and appreciated by the Managers reviewing the applications.
• Interns who have participated in the Valley Water's Summer Internship Program in past years are not eligible to apply.

Salary : $26