Temporary Student Intern - Water Quality (Organic Chemistry)

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a Temporary Student Intern - Water Quality (Organic Chemistry) in the Water Quality Department.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Thursday July 30, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who 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.

The District

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

The Position

Under close supervision, the successful candidate will work directly with professional and technical staff performing a variety of analytical tasks and support work. The Temporary Student Intern will perform meaningful, productive, and challenging work by making significant contributions to routine laboratory work, special projects, research, or other primary District functions. Temporary Student Interns will receive hands on training emphasizing teamwork, independence, and development of technical skills within a quality framework.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Student Intern(s) must be actively enrolled as a student in an institution of higher learning at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Student Intern is a temporary job classification requiring enrollment in a minimum of 12 units of school study.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under close supervision, analyzes various water, wastewater and/or biosolids samples for general wet chemistry and chromatography testing (odor, pH, alkalinity, solids, ion chromatography, etc.), as well as other parameters as needed.
• Supports the Laboratory’s daily Biosolids process control monitoring.
• Learns and follows the Laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS) under the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (CA-ELAP).
• Accurately enters data results into the Laboratory's Technical Information Management System (TIMS).
• Assists with chemical reagent and standard preparation, as needed.
• Learns and follows all laboratory safety protocols.
• Learns and follows general laboratory and analysis-specific Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols.
• Compiles and organizes data.
• Prepares documents, memos and other correspondences necessary for project completion.
• Complies with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.
• Attends district-wide meetings as required.
• Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations to ensure qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

At the time of appointment, active enrollment as a student in an institution of higher learning, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, is required.

Experience:

Completion of chemistry, biology, environmental science college level courses and labs required.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of laboratory techniques, computer software/hardware systems, research methods, and data collection techniques including data analysis methods, English usage, grammar, punctuation, report writing techniques.
• Intermediate to advanced level skills in Microsoft Office Suite required.

Ability to:

• Under close supervision in the office and laboratory; read and interpret complex technically written materials.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; use tact, discretion, patience and understanding in dealing with all levels of employees, customers, external partners and the public.
• Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages.
• Use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel). Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job.
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.
• Remain calm in crisis and emergency situations.
• Use discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive and confidential information.
• Reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop, and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator, and to operate standard office and laboratory equipment. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requires clear speech and hearing.

Employees primarily work in a laboratory and office setting but may occasionally need to go out in the field. When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; ability to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions.

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, dust, air contaminants, or other materials in the field.

For more information about the application process and further instructions, please go to the IRWD Careers Website, https://www.irwd.com/about-us/careers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.