Temporary Student Intern - Natural Resources

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently hiring Three (3) Temporary Student Interns in the Natural Treatment Systems Department.

Apply now! Applications will be accepted through Wednesday , December 31, 2025 .

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 direct supervision, perform a variety of water quality monitoring, maintenance, and research tasks, field support work, and assist in preparation of reports and studies as assigned, working directly with professional and technical staff in assigned areas. Student Interns will perform meaningful, productive, and challenging work by making significant contributions to projects, research, or other primary District functions. Student Interns will receive hands on training emphasizing teamwork, independence, and development of technical skills.

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 school or an academic program.

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts a variety of sampling methods including water and biological specimens; delivers samples to IRWD or contract laboratories.

Conducts basic field and laboratory tests including: electrical conductivity (EC), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, and temperature; using sondes, microscopes, global positioning system (GPS) units, and other basic field equipment.

Prepares and analyzes water quality data using Microsoft Excel, Access, and other data management software; calculates removal efficiency; hydraulic retention time, as well as other common water calculations.

Conducts regularly scheduled site inspections of District wetland facilities, including monitoring of wildlife at each site.

Assists in the identification of various plants, animals, and other biota in Southern California natural habitats, and differentiates non-native species from native species.

Interprets regulatory documents and applies them to the natural treatment of surface water and associated habitats.

Assists in the design and establishment of new natural treatment wetland sites throughout the District's service area, including restoration of degraded wetlands.

Reads and interprets construction plans.

Performs various field labor tasks, including but not limited to raking, shoveling, lifting and adjustment of weir boards.

Coordinates work with other District departments, including Engineering, Water Quality, and Water Resources.

Understand and implement the District's safety policies and procedures.

Attends meetings as needed.

Complies with District safety work-related practices and attends relevant safety training.

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 with coursework in at least one of the following areas: Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Science, or Natural Resources Management is required.

Experience:

Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel is required.

License/Certifications:

A valid Class “C” California Drivers’ License.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel is required.

Ability to:

• Work independently, without close supervision, in the field or office.
• Read and interpret complex technical documents.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Use tact, discretion, patience, and understanding in dealing with customers and the public.
• Apply plant and animal species identification techniques.
• Apply District safety policies and procedures related to wetlands operation and maintenance.
• Avail yourself to work during District hours, M - F 6:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m., as school schedule allows.

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; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing up to 45 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's 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:

Spark Hire Assessment : As part of our interview process, candidates will participate in a one-way video interview conducted through Spark Hire. This interview allows candidates to showcase their ability to communicate clearly and confidently in a recorded format. During the interview, candidates will respond to a series of pre-recorded questions, demonstrating their verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ability to articulate their qualifications efficiently.

Oral Interview Examination: 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: 12/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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