Temporary Student Intern - Water Efficiency

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

The Position:
Under general supervision, assist with assigned water efficiency projects and customer outreach. Duties may include conducting customer outreach, assisting with customer water-use audits, compiling water-use surveys, tracking water efficiency program participation, measuring landscape areas using GIS or a measuring wheel, and providing general administrative support.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Student Interns must actively be enrolled in an institution of higher learning at either the undergraduate or graduate level.

For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click here.

This position is 100% in-office, meaning employees are expected to work from our Sand Canyon Headquarters or Operations Center office full-time, without the option for remote work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations, so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Performs various customer service functions related to water efficiency; responds to inquiries in writing or on the phone about water efficiency programs, and provides information and materials as needed to the customer to assist in saving water.

Solicits, schedules, and conducts tele-audits or on-site surveys/inspections for high-use residential, business, and landscape customers, as assigned. Identifies sources of water leaks and assesses the efficiency of water use at customer homes, businesses, and in the landscape.

Provides customers with recommendations on water use and conservation techniques, equipment improvement,, and other methods of achieving more efficient water use.

Gathers and evaluates data, and prepares written reports to customers outlining suggestions for improving water use efficiency.

Measures landscape areas using GIS applications or in the field using a measuring wheel.

Prepares data for analysis by removing inconsistencies, duplicates, and errors.

Gathers, organizes, and enters spatial data into GIS databases.

Enters survey information into a database for tracking and reporting purposes.

Help create processes and educational materials to assist the customer in understanding water use efficiency.

Educates customers about the IRWD budget-based tiered rate structure.

Assists in the development and implementation of the District's water conservation workshops and outreach programs.

Utilizes a district issued personal computer to enter, maintain, analyze water use data, and prepare reports and correspondence.

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Works a maximum of 20 hours per week as school schedule permits.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

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

Education:

At the time of appointment, actively enrolled as a student in an institution of higher learning at either the undergraduate or the graduate level is required. Completion of coursework in Water Resources, Environmental Studies, Horticulture, Economics, Public Relations or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

Experience with GIS application is highly desired.

License/Certifications:

A valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.

Knowledge of:

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel and Word required.

Ability to:

• Work independently, without close supervision, in the office and field; read and interpret complex technically written materials.
• C ommunicate 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

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Walk long distances over uneven terrain.

ENVIRONMENTAL 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. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Performance Skills Assessment (tentatively scheduled for June 18, 2025) : The assessment will evaluate candidates' proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for June 18, 2025) : will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

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.

Prorated Holiday Pay
No other Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 5/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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