Engineering Student Intern

Student Internship Opportunity

Join the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) as a student intern for a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience and enhance your resume. You will achieve hands-on experience while working alongside industry leaders, collaborating with government agencies, regional and local authorities, public and private entities, and contributing to impactful projects that leave a lasting imprint on the environment and the communities within the Santa Ana River Watershed. Be a part of an amazing team that keeps the Santa Ana River Watershed beneficial, sustainable, and secure!

Position details:

• Start Date: Anticipated to begin in mid-September
• Duration: This is a 12-month internship (not seasonal or short-term)
• Hours: Approximately 15 to 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday
• Work Schedule: Flexible within business hours, based on your availability
• Remote Work: Partial remote work may be allowed with prior approval from the Department Manager
• Hourly Limit: Interns may work up to 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30)
• Benefits: This is a temporary position and does not include benefits, except for sick leave

Eligibility requirements:

• You must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program related to this field.
• You must have at least one year of academic coursework remaining before graduation.

Note: Individuals who are active members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) are not eligible for internship positions with SAWPA.

Cover letter required: Please include a cover letter with your application. In your letter, be sure to:

• Indicate the days and hours you are available to work (Monday–Friday)
• Explain how your current academic program and coursework relate to this internship opportunity.

Applications must be submitted electronically by July 27, 2025. This position is open until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

Examples of duties:

• Assists with the preparation and review of technical reports, memorandums, and environmental documents.
• Assess utility plans, examine pipeline inspection video, manage data using spreadsheet tools and create presentations.
• Compiles data or materials, create spreadsheets, and prepare reports.
• Performs research, contributes to projects, and administrative assignments.
• Supports staff in the development of Brine Line planning studies and condition assessments.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Typical qualifications:

• While no prior work experience is required, knowledge of the methods and techniques of research, report preparation, and administration are desired.
• Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent. Current enrollment in undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited college or university with major course work in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related fields.
• A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program is required to drive any vehicle for SAWPA-related business.

Knowledge of:

• Administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
• Basic organizational, technical, and computer skills, strong written communication, and research skills.

Skills and abilities:

• Use computer software applications related to the field of work.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Proper English usage, punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
• Analyze data, situations, and research materials.
• Formulate options and make recommendations.

The position includes no benefits, pay for holidays, or vacation time. Sick leave is accrued in accordance with the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 and Senate Bill 616. Student Internships are excluded from the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) because the position is limited to less than an average of 20 hours per week per fiscal year.

Additional benefits:

• Free LinkedIn Learning and Target Solutions memberships which give you access to thousands of online courses for the duration of the internship.

Required questions:

• Yes/No: I understand that I must thoroughly complete each section of the application, as applicable and that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions.
• Yes/No: I have read and understand the job posting, including the position details, eligibility requirements, and the specific instructions for what to include in my cover letter.
• Yes/No: I understand that all communications related to this recruitment will be sent through the GovernmentJobs platform. I am responsible for enabling notifications and regularly checking my email inbox, including spam and junk folders, to ensure I do not miss any important updates.
• Yes/No: Did you attach a cover letter with your application? Please note that a cover letter is required for consideration. If you have not yet uploaded it, kindly return to your application and attach the document before submitting it.
• Yes/No: Please indicate your major course work and expected graduation date (month/year).
• Yes/No: Tell us what you expect to gain from the experience.