General Description
The Irvine Ranch Water District is currently recruiting for a
Temporary Student Intern in the Water Efficiency department.
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.
The Position Student Interns in the Water Efficiency department will assist with assigned water efficiency projects and customer outreach. Duties may include conducting customer outreach, assisting with customer water-use surveys at homes and businesses, tracking water efficiency program participation, measuring landscape areas using GIS or a measuring wheel, and providing general administrative support.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSStudents Intern is temporary job classification requiring enrollment in a undergraduate or graduate program.
Summary of Duties
- Perform a variety of customer service functions related to water efficiency; responds to inquiries in writing or on the phone about water efficiency programs, provide program information and materials to customers at workshops and events or during customer site surveys.
- Solicit, schedule and conduct tele-audits or on-site surveys/inspections for high use residential, businesses, and landscape customers, as assigned. Identify sources of water leaks and assess the efficiency of water use at customer homes, businesses, and in the landscape.
- Provide recommendations to customers on water use and conservation techniques, equipment improvement and other methods of achieving more efficient water use.
- Gather and evaluate data and make written reports to customers outlining suggestions for improving water use efficiency.
- Measure landscape areas using GIS applications or in the field using a measuring wheel.
- Enter survey information into a database for tracking and reporting purposes.
- Help create processes and education materials to assist the customer in understanding water use efficiency.
- Educate customers about the IRWD's budget-based tiered rate structure.
- Assist in the development and implementation of the District's water conservation workshops and outreach programs.
- Use a personal computer to enter, maintain, analyze water use data, and prepare reports and correspondence.
- Students will work a minimum of 20 hours per week as school schedule permits.
Qualifications
- Enrollment as an active student in an accredited college at the junior, senior, or graduate degree level in 2024 is required. Completion of coursework in Water Resources, Environmental Studies, Horticulture, Economics, Public Relations or closely related field is required.
- Intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel and Word required.
- Experience with GIS application is highly desired.
- Ability to work independently, without close supervision, in the office and field; read and interpret complex technically written materials; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; use tact, discretion, patience and understanding in dealing with customers and public.
Licenses/Certifications Required- Valid Class "C" California Driver's License required.
Additional Information
IRWD Corporate 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.
IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.
Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees and management. Represent District in a professional manner when dealing with outside professionals and vendors. Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.
Mathematical Ability
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate percentages.
Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability
Ability to use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions. Ability to remain calm in crisis and emergency situations. Ability to use discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive and confidential information.
Physical Requirements
Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs.
Environmental Adaptability
Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. Depending on assignment, ability to work in an environment, which may expose employee to hazardous materials and conditions, and occasionally visit construction sites where noise level may be higher than typical office environments
Prorated Holiday Pay
No other Benefits
Closing Date/Time: 4/28/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
