Operations Intern

Salary: $25.87 - $28.45 Hourly
Location : WRD Headquarters, Lakewood, CA
Job Type: Student Intern
Job Number: 202600007
Department: Operations
Opening Date: 05/08/2026


General Purpose
The Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD or District) is a California Special District responsible for managing and protecting local groundwater resources for over 4 million residents. As a local government agency, WRD ensures that a reliable supply of high-quality groundwater is available through the use of stormwater capture and recycled water.

The Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD or District) is seeking a motivated intern for its Operations Department. This intern will have the opportunity to gain real world experience supporting various operations-related projects and activities associated with the District's water recycling facilities. Under supervision, this position will work with staff who directly support the operations and maintenance of the treatment facilities, including treatment plant operators, engineers, compliance specialists and the Water Operations Superintendent.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This multifaceted position will span a variety of activities and therefore require the incumbent to be highly motivated and exercise flexibility while performing various tasks related to the operations of the treatment plants. The ideal candidate must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college/university, with a minimum of two years completed, and be capable of working up to 20 hours per week. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply.

Assignments may include, but are not limited to:

• Collect, analyze and interpret operational data and make recommendations/propose solutions.
• Prepare and maintain spreadsheets, standard operating procedures, operational logs, presentations and other technical documents.
• Participate in hands-on activities including water quality testing and pilot-scale system operations, data compilation and interpretation.
• Support programs and projects, including tracking budgets and schedules, filing, reviewing contracts, reports, etc.
• Assist with the implementation and utilization of the District's asset management program at the treatment facilities.
• Attend project meetings and participate in District events and activities as needed.

Qualifications
Candidate must have basic knowledge of scientific and engineering principles via undergraduate studies in Environmental or Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science or equivalent; the ability to apply a reasonable level of technical and mechanical aptitude; perform duties in a timely manner with minimal supervision once trained; excellent written, verbal and organizational skills; working knowledge of basic computing, including Excel and the Power BI Microsoft Office platforms. Experience with statistical methods and the principles of water/wastewater treatment is a plus. The incumbent must be flexible to work in multiple settings, including office and outdoors in the District's treatment facilities.

1. Must be currently enrolled as a junior or senior in an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university or be a recent college graduate (within 6 months) with a degree in or a closely related to the field of the internship. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply.
2. Successful completion of a physical and a background check.
3. Must provide a copy of current college transcript.

Duration

1. Each internship is for one 12-month period.
2. The work schedule for interns is intended to be part-time, but extended work schedules may be allowed during school breaks or as the student's schedule permits.
3. Flexible, part-time (10 to 20 hours per week) schedule coordinated to work with school schedules but will not exceed more than 990 hours in the fiscal year (July 1 through June 30).

COMPENSATION: $25.87 per hour for undergraduate and $28.45 per hour for graduate students
For purposes of employment, interns are considered temporary employees and are not eligible for any benefits unless required by law.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for this opportunity please complete the application process for this position located at


The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate further in the screening process, which will include a panel interview and possible written exam.


Final candidates must be able to prove legal U.S. residency, pass a background check, and a physical exam.


The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application and Selection Process:

To be considered for this opportunity, please complete the application for this position located at


Incomplete submissions may result in disqualification. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate further in the screening process, which may include a panel interview and a written exam.

Final candidates must be able to prove their ability to work legally in the U.S., pass a background check, and a physical exam.

The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
For purposes of employment, temporary employees and interns are not eligible for any benefits unless required by law.

Pursuant to state law, temporary employees and interns are eligible for 40 hours of paid sick leave in accordance with the District's sick leave policy after completion of 90 calendar days of employment. Any unused hours of sick leave will be forfeited as of December 31st. A new accrual of 40 hours will be provided at the start of the calendar year. Upon completion of the internship assignment, unused sick leave will be lost.
01


The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. I also understand that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02


Are you currently enrolled as a junior or senior in an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university, or are you a recent graduate (within the past six months) with a degree in, or closely related to, the field of this internship, or a current graduate student?

• Yes
• No

03


If you selected yes in the question above, please state your major here:
04


Applicants must provide copies of their college/ university transcripts (unofficial are acceptable) or degree. Have you uploaded the required documentation to your on-line application? Note: Applications received without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and removed from consideration.

• Yes
• No

05


Tell us the reason you are interested in this internship and if selected, what you expect to gain from the experience.
Required Question