Summer Internship in Water Supply Division (Purified Water Project) - Engineer

SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY! 

Summer Internship in Water Supply Division (Purified Water Project)  - Engineer

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 Water Supply Division (Purified Water Project):

The Purified Water Project is part of Valley Water’s strategy to respond to climate uncertainty, future drought and challenges in supply resilience and is consistent with Valley Water Board established goal to increase recycled water supply and expand the County water supply portfolio.   With recent technological advancements and adoption of the Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) Regulations in 2024 the Project would source tertiary treated wastewater and use advanced water purification technologies and treatment processes to produce up to 24,000 acre-feet per year of purified water for direct and indirect potable reuse to supplement other existing water supply sources.  

INTERNSHIP LOCATION STATUS: This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite. For hybrid work, intern must perform their work in the state of California within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in (San Jose, California) by their start date.

WE LOOK FOR INTERNS WHO ARE:

• Students pursuing a degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Knowledgeable in general civil engineering principles, particularly as applied to water utility projects, including planning, design, construction, and operation.
• Interested in the fundamentals of water treatment processes, such as ozonation, chlorination, coagulation, filtration, and advanced oxidation technologies.
• Familiar with equipment and systems used in water treatment plants, including pumps, valves, instrumentation, and motor control systems.
• Curious about SCADA systems, including basic operations, maintenance, and PLC programming.
• Eager to learn about construction project management, including resource allocation, scheduling, budgeting, and project team coordination.
• Aware of principles of environmental assessment and relevant laws, such as CEQA, and how they impact treatment plant design.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with an interest in project budget development, contract management, and financial administration.
• Able to work collaboratively while developing strong communication and problem-solving skills

 

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.
• Assist with managing treatment plant capital improvement projects through planning and design phases.
• Support the preparation of solicitations, such as requests for proposals and qualifications.
• Participate in the coordination of multi-division teams and external agencies, and assist with preparing materials for presentations to leadership, committees, and boards.
• Assist in reviewing engineering specifications, drawings, and plans submitted by consultants, engineers, and contractors for compliance with professional standards and Valley Water requirements.
• Provide support for the preparation of technical and administrative reports, correspondence, and project documentation.

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