San Diego Regional Water/
Wastewater Internship Program

Water you waiting for? Get started in a career in water

Applications for the 2024-2025 program year will be accepted beginning April 8 through May 31, 2024. Originating in 2006, this is the 18th year the regional internship program has been providing practical, on-the-job experience to interested students, and a talent pipeline of potential candidates to the water/wastewater industry. Interns are placed with our member agencies and partners for four (4) eight-week rotations through Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, System Operations, and System Maintenance, providing the opportunity to learn more about the field of water, while showcasing their skills, talents, and knowledge to potential employers. The future remains bright for students looking to become leaders in the region’s water industry. Together, we continue to build the talent pipeline for the next generation.

APPLY APRIL 8 - MAY 31

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Gain practical work experience this next school year through a paid temporary assignment in the water industry. Learn more about the San Diego Regional Water and Wastewater Internship Program and the application process.

The San Diego Regional Water and Wastewater Internship Program provides students enrolled in water technology courses with on-the-job paid training and exposure to career opportunities. Careers in this field are not hard to find, as the industry is experiencing an increased demand for qualified staff. Working in this industry helps make a positive difference in the local environment and community. A select number of students are selected each year to rotate through four different 8-week career experience modules: System Maintenance, System Operations, Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment. Completion of the program provides students with the necessary knowledge and training to apply for state water and wastewater certification exams.

THE APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

APPLY. The application window for the 2024-2025 program year is April 8 through May 31, 2024. Submit an online application, statement of interest, and supplemental questionnaire during this time. Applications will be screened by a panel of mentors and a select number of candidates will be invited to a panel interview.
PREPARE! If selected for an interview, be ready to tell the panel why you want to work in the water industry, what sets you apart from other applicants, and what other skills you have to offer. If selected for placement, you will be required to provide proof of a valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under each agency’s vehicle insurance policy, undergo a background check, drug screen and physical, and provide the required employment authorization documentation.
ENROLL in the Fall semester/quarter in a Water and Wastewater Technology education vocational program at Palomar College or Cuyamaca College. Interns must maintain a “C” or better in college coursework to remain eligible for the program.
BEGIN YOUR INTERNSHIP! Interns are asked to commit to a maximum 27-hour workweek for approximately 33 weeks. Placements are made throughout the County, so you may be placed at agencies in North, South, and East county over the course of your internship.
GRADUATE from the San Diego Regional Water/Wastewater Internship Program by completing four (4) 8-week rotations. As you begin your assignments, don’t forget to keep a log of your work activities each week, equipment/tools you used, and industry terms that you learned. It could serve as a useful guide to build your resume and prepare for interviews. Start applying for job opportunities in the water industry.

MEMBER AGENCIES AND PARTNERS

The San Diego Regional Water/Wastewater Internship Program is a partnership with local water and wastewater agencies and community colleges, and we couldn’t be successful without these strategic partnerships. Without our participating agencies, the program could not provide the education and on-the-job experience that equips interns for career opportunities in water and wastewater technology. Each year, regional water and wastewater agencies volunteer to participate in the water and wastewater internship program. Agencies appoint a mentor to work with the interns and evaluate them at the end of each eight-week session.

We are accepting interest from agencies wishing to partner with us for the upcoming program year. Questions on how to join the program as a host agency can be directed to the San Diego County Water Authority’s Human Resources department at (858) 522-6663, or pduran@sdcwa.org.

PARTICIPATING MEMBER AGENCIES & PARTNERS

Cuyamaca College
Palomar College
San Diego County Water Authority
City of Escondido
City of Poway

City of San Diego
Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Otay Water District
Padre Dam Municipal Water District
San Dieguito Water District
Santa Fe Irrigation District

San Elijo Joint Powers Authority
Sweetwater Authority
Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant
Vallecitos Water District
Vista Irrigation District

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the program, important deadlines and selection process.

How Do I Apply To Become An Intern?

All applications must be submitted online at SDCWA. You will be submitting your application to the Internship Selection Committee composed of public and private water and wastewater agencies and local community colleges.

What Are The Application Requirements?

Complete and submit your application. Incomplete applications are not considered. The conditions of the internship require a security background check, valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under agencies’ vehicle insurance policy, passing the pre-employment physical, and satisfactory employment authorization documentation, and enrollment in water/wastewater technology courses at either Cuyamaca College or Palomar College.

What Is The Water/Wastewater Industry?

The water and wastewater industry includes water supply, treatment, and distribution systems. These systems supply water to homes, schools, and businesses. Wastewater collection and treatment facilities remove chemicals and other pollutants from used water, then return clean water to streams, rivers and oceans.

Why Work In The Water/Wastewater Industry?

The demand for a safe and reliable supply of water continues to grow. This means good opportunities for jobs today and in the future. Working in the water and wastewater industry, you can make an important contribution to the community and environment.

How Much Will I Be Paid And How Many Hours Will I Work?

The hourly pay is established each year by the committee. For the 2023-2024 program year, interns will be paid $17.00 per hour. Interns will work no more than 27-hours each workweek.

What Does It Cost To Participate?

There is no cost to participate in the internship program, however interns are responsible for their usual tuition and books, and safety work boots, if needed.

Where Will I Work?

Interns will work in up to four different water and wastewater agencies located throughout San Diego County over the course of the year.

What Is The Work Environment?

Interns will work in field and office environments with mentors, co-workers, and supervisors. Work may be physically challenging. See the application for more information on work environment and physical demands.

Will I Have A Job When I Finish The Internship?

Interns meet potential employers during the internship year. While there is no guarantee that there will be a job waiting for you at the end of the internship, this is an excellent opportunity to network with people already in water, and to demonstrate your work ethic and skills in the event they are looking to hire.

If I Am Offered A Job During The Internship Program, What Should I Do?

Congratulations! Accept the position, and then call the Internship Program Administrator to let them know of your success! You do not have to continue in the internship program if you take the job. You are encouraged to continue your courses in water/wastewater technology.

What Is The Program Schedule?

The internship program begins approximately one week before the start of fall classes and ends approximately one week following the end of spring classes.

What Is Required To Successfully Complete The Internship Program?

Maintain a C or better average in water and wastewater technology courses and a satisfactory performance with each internship provider, completing all four career experience modules.

How Can I Meet Potential Employers?

You will meet potential employers as you work with the internship providers.

Who Sponsors The Internship?

The San Diego County Water Authority is proud to be the program administrator, but the success of the program depends on the regional water agencies, community colleges, and private sector partners to bring the program to life each year.

RESOURCES

Learn more about careers in the water industry and steps that you can take to gain technical knowledge, required certifications, and skills.

Local colleges offering water programs and coursework

Gain knowledge and training in the field of water technology by obtaining an Associates degree or certificate. The schools listed below offer courses to prepare students for certification examinations administered by the State of California as well as those administered by professional associations within the water and wastewater industry.

Cuyamaca College
900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon, CA 92019

Palomar College
1140 West Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069

Mt. San Jacinto College
1499 N. State Street, San Jacinto, CA, 92583
Water technology courses also offered at Menifee Campus

Cooperative Work Experience Course Credit

Bridge the gap between classroom learning and work experience. Cuyamaca and Palomar College offer a cooperative work experience course that provides college credit for participating in an internship related to your occupational goals. For more information, contact the college’s Water and Wastewater Technology program department directly.

Operator Certification

As you begin your job search, you will find that state operator certification is desired, and occasionally required for entry-level job opportunities. As you complete related coursework, register to test with the State of California for a certification. Visit the State Water Board website for more information on certification requirements, exam dates, and application instructions.

Certification Credit for Transitioning Veterans

State legislation co-sponsored by the San Diego County Water Authority and the Otay Water District has been signed into law, making it possible for veterans to receive credit for their military education and experience when applying for civilian water and wastewater system operator certifications in California.

Professional Association

Register as a student member (student membership normally offered at a reduced fee) with a professional association in the field of water. Network with local water professionals, stay informed on water industry trends and news, receive job alerts, and gain access to educational resources. Click on the links below to learn more.

American Water Works Association
American Public Works Association
BC Water News and BCWaterjobs
California Water Environment Association

Careers in Water

Protect our most valuable resource while working in a rewarding career with competitive pay and excellent benefits. There are many career paths with varied education and work experience requirements. As you embark on a new career, take some time to explore career options and become familiar with job requirements here.

San Diego Regional Water/ Wastewater Internship Program