Research & Development, Field Research Lab Intern
(Anaheim)
(20-25 hours per week)
This is a part-time internship position assisting Orange County Water District (OCWD) Research & Development scientists performing various projects focused on groundwater recharge. Responsibilities of this position include both laboratory (routine physicochemical analyses) and outdoor field work (water and soil sample acquisition).
Under supervision, the intern will assist scientists with projects at the Field Research Laboratory (FRL) located in Anaheim near OCWD’s groundwater recharge operations and Field Headquarters (FHQ). Managed aquifer recharge is central component of OCWD’s mission as a groundwater basin manager. OCWD’s groundwater recharge supply portfolio is comprised of Santa Ana River water (both base flow and storm flow), imported surface water, and advanced treated recycled water, which are applied to over 20 individual recharge basins that cover in excess of 1,200 acres. At FRL, R&D scientists and interns carry out applied research to maximize and optimize recharge, including activities such as sediment and water quality sampling and experimental studies evaluating monitoring and treatment technologies, instrumentation testing, and collaboration with universities and industry experts.
Required:
- Enrollment in an accredited bachelor’s or graduate degree program with emphasis in physical or life sciences, environmental studies, and/or related fields.
- PC computer literacy (including experience with Microsoft Office suite).
- Good organizational skills and ability to follow directions.
- Possession of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
- Ability to work outdoors on both land and infrequently, water.
Preferred:
- Experience performing basic laboratory tasks and field work under a variety of weather conditions and knowledge of basic safety procedures.
Internships are to provide meaningful training and work experience for college/Master’s/PhD students pursuing academic studies related to OCWD’s mission and goals. Interns must submit proof of full-time enrollment, class schedules and grades each semester/quarter. Interns are not eligible for employee benefits. Interns are “at will” and can be terminated at the discretion of the Department Manager with or without cause and with or without prior notice. This is not a seasonal internship. Interns work year-round.
#1 - Interns must be currently enrolled full time in an accredited bachelor’s or graduate degree related to this field.
#2 - Interns must have at least 1 year remaining in school.
(You will not be considered if you do not meet the criteria for both #1 & #2 above.)
Please attach or include the following documents to your application:
- Resume (1-3 pages)
- Cover Letter with your expected graduation date, your hours available to work (Mon-Fri, 20- 25 hours per week), and an explanation of how your schooling relates to this internship.
- Class Schedule/Unofficial Transcript showing your current enrollment in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program. The document must list your name and school name, current GPA, units, and your current or upcoming class schedule.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment: Standard laboratory setting and/or Orange County Water District properties away from the Field Research Laboratory.
Physical: Positions in this class typically require stooping, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Light Work: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, extreme temperatures, and intense noises. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in a laboratory setting, including transporting samples from bench space to refrigerator. Field work requires incumbent to be physical able to lift a sample cooler (up to 30 lbs.) into and out of a vehicle or transportation to outside laboratories, OCWD main laboratory (Fountain Valley), or the Field Research Laboratory. Sufficient ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight; verbally communicate to exchange information.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
