Intern (Groundwater Recharge)

Opportunity Care to get your feet wet in the field of Groundwater Recharge? Do you enjoy a mix of office and all‑weather field experiences? Do you enjoy a mix of office and all‑weather field experiences? If so, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency has a great interactive opportunity for those looking to gain valuable hydrogeologic experience while helping to enhance and preserve the quality of life throughout the region. The Agency's internships are meant to be a positive experience that allows for your personal growth and development. We are an ideal place for you to ask questions and learn essential job functions that will prepare you for success in a water industry career. Ideal Candidate Are a good communicator that thrives off of collaboration. Enjoy a job with a mix of outdoor and indoor tasks. Have a desire to learn and implement hydrogeologic techniques and methods. Are an analytical person and creative problem solver. Value a flexible work schedule. About the Program The Chino Basin Groundwater Recharge (GWR) team works to replenish the groundwater basin by delivering recycled, imported, and storm water to recharge sites using a network of streams and pipelines to 19 recharge sites. The GWR interns help collect and evaluate operational, reporting, and compliance data for the GWR program from the basin sites and their monitoring wells located throughout the IEUA service area (approximately 245 square miles). The program also has special hydrologic and water‑quality driven projects pertaining to the health of the Chino Groundwater Basin such as tracking underground plumes, flows, and water rights on the Santa Ana River. Learn more about GWR at The Agency is now working towards additional recharge processes that will put advanced treated water into the ground using wells and other innovative methods. This position is open until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Monday, June 29, 2026. 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. There is one (1) internship opportunity in the Groundwater Recharge section. This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list. FLSA: Non‑Exempt. Internships are limited to 25 hours per week and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Note: Internships are not meant to be short‑term, for example, not limited to summer, winter and/or spring breaks. Individuals only interested in short‑term internships will not be considered. Work schedule is estimated to be approximately 14 to 20 hours a week; Office Hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and occasionally as Friday, Saturday, or Sunday rain (storm capture) responses. Responsibilities The successful candidate will be exposed to field and office work involving technical aspects of groundwater, recharge operations, and water sampling by collecting and evaluating field data (e.g., reading staff gauges, measuring stream flow, surface and well water sampling, conducting basin inspections before, during, and after rain events, providing site condition photo‑documentation), compiling and reviewing of data (e.g., using spreadsheets, graphing software, and word processing), and assisting in maintenance at field data collection sites impacted by storms, normal wear, or vandalism. The incumbent may assist with data compilation and evaluation for all water sources for recharge deliveries, the preparation of startup reports/protocols, quarterly/annual reports, and storm response plans, and may assist Agency hydrogeologists in preparing evaluations of collected data for various studies, presentations, and planning. Intern staff work flexible hours as established by his/her respective supervisor. While the Agency is flexible and will strive to work around an intern's schedule, an intern's work hours will vary and be mutually agreeable between the intern and his/her supervisor. Assist Groundwater Recharge operations to sample water from streams, pipelines, wells, and lysimeters, and to enter and evaluate data. Field data collections include working independently in various weather conditions, reviewing on‑line conditions, taking field notes, walking on unimproved slopes and on wet surfaces, photographing conditions, and communicating with supervisor. Conduct sampling, which will include coordinating with the laboratory, organizing of priorities, following protocols, meeting deadlines, lifting and loading full sample coolers (up to 50 lbs.), and safely navigating/driving within the service area. Perform the full array of duties assigned including professional administrative/technical work on special projects, such as researching topics, compiling and graphing data, and drafting protocols and findings. Prepare reports, figures and graphs, and recommendations relative to assigned areas of responsibility; prepare and update manuals and protocols. Participate in obtaining documents and filing information. Travel to off‑site locations within the IEUA service area is required. Conduct inspections of basins, diversions, and monitoring stations; and participate in their upkeep. Deploy and download remote data collection equipment. Perform other related duties as required. Experience and Education Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent. Graduation or current enrollment in undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited college or university with major coursework in data and physical sciences such as Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Geology, Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related field. While no prior work experience is required, preference will be given to individuals with prior related work knowledge and/or experience. Attention to detail, excellent oral and written communication skills and computer skills are critical. Ineligibility Individuals that are a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) are ineligible for Intern positions with IEUA. Licenses and Certificates A valid class “C” California driver’s license. Knowledge Principles of data collection, and data evaluation techniques and methods; methods and techniques for basic report preparation and writing; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; proper English, spelling and grammar. Ability Operate office equipment including a computer and applicable software; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; understand and follow verbal and written instructions; analyze data, recognize limits and conflicting situations and research materials; formulate options and make recommendations; establish and maintain effective working relationships. Application Process All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job‑related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical examination. A second round of interviews may also be conducted. Communications regarding this recruitment will be sent by email, and candidates will need to monitor their inbox/spam/junk email folder regularly to ensure they do not miss any relevant communication. Accommodation Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation. Visa Eligibility The Inland Empire Utilities Agency does not sponsor employment visas at the time of hire or during the course of employment. All applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. The provisions of this announcement do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr Inland Empire Utilities Agency