Temporary University Intern - Water & Engineering Technology

The Water and Engineering Technology Department is seeking an intern for its Research and Innovation Division. This position works with a team of engineers and scientists within Research and Innovation to research improvements to the design and operation of Clean Water Services (CWS) water resource recovery facilities. The selected candidate will work primarily in the treatment facilities’ on-site laboratories, where they will develop practical skills and gain knowledge of wastewater treatment processes. In particular, the selected candidate will be tasked with supporting ongoing research projects by performing sampling, running routine tests, entering data, and assisting in sample and data analysis. This position often includes field work which can include repetitive heavy lifting of sample containers and standing or walking for long periods of time.

Examples of research tasks include:

• Conducting benchtop tests to measure
  • The rate of biological phosphorus uptake to monitor the stability of full-scale nutrient removal processes
  • Biogas generation potential to monitor the health of full-scale anaerobic digesters
  • Nitrification rate testing to determine the inhibitory effects of industrial discharges
• Assisting with settling column tests to quantify the settling characteristics of activated sludge
• Performing particle size distribution measurements of tertiary solids

This intern position is an excellent opportunity to gain applied science and engineering experience working in a nationally recognized water resource recovery utility. You’ll get a hands-on understanding of how water resource recovery facilities function in day-to-day operation.

Additional Internship Information:

• Temporary position, up to 1 year assignment.
• Full-time, up to 40 hours per week.
• The hours worked and duration for this position may qualify for an offer of Healthcare insurance benefits.
• Temporary positions are not eligible for paid holidays or paid vacation time off.
• Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of a driving record review, passing a physical exam and a criminal background check.

Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

1. Assists with research projects involving testing, plant sampling, and data analysis.  Examples may include:
   • Benchtop nitrification and phosphorous release testing of both mixed liquor and WAS streams consisting of operating benchtop reactors, sampling, and analysis of samples
   • Benchtop nitrification inhibition testing consisting of operating benchtop reactors, sampling, and analysis of samples
   • Validation testing for instrumentation and analyzers related to nutrient removal monitoring
   • Developing polymer and alum dose curves for phosphorous removal through benchtop testing and sampling analysis
2. Assists with monitoring and evaluating full-scale fermentation, monitoring the biological phosphorous removal process, and evaluating process instrumentation.
3. Supports engineering, operations, and maintenance in designing, conducting, and troubleshooting testing programs.
4. Provides technical research, writing, and editing skills to generate testing reports. Presents and discusses findings from testing with managers.
5. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes. 

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Laboratory documentation methods and record-keeping
• Basic research methods and data collection 
• Laboratory testing and sampling methods and techniques
• Pertinent safety practices and procedures

SKILL IN: 

• Operating scientific equipment
• Microsoft Office programs, the use of computers and computer software for record-keeping, spreadsheet applications, and database use
• Data analysis

ABILITY TO: 

• Comprehend and follow oral and written instructions and procedures  
• Maintain accurate records 
• Utilize computer applications related to the research being conducted, and learn new skills, equipment, and programs efficiently
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position. 

College-level coursework in environmental engineering, environmental science, chemistry, biology, microbiology, quantitative analysis, laboratory methodologies, hydrology, ecology, or related fields. Bachelor of Science or Engineering preferred.
 
 Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver's license.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.
 
Equal Employment Opportunity:

Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.

Salary : $22 - $30