Internship Trades Program

the position

college graduates and college students are encouraged to apply!

application process open & continuous

this is a continuous recruitment for the 25/26 fiscal year period (july 1, 2025 - june 30, 2026). Applications submitted during this period will remain on file and will be reviewed on an as needed basis to fill vacancies as they occur.

internships are limited to 25 hours week and 960 hours per fiscal year (july 1st to june 30th).

note: internships are not meant to be short term, for example, limited to summer, winter and/or spring breaks. Individuals interested in short term internships will not be considered.

work schedule is estimated to be approximately 20 hours a week; hours are monday through thursday from 6 a.m. To 4 p.m.

flsa: non-exempt

introduction

the inland empire utilities agency (ieua) internship trades program (itp) provides trade school and college students the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths within the operations and maintenance (o&m) department. Itp provides opportunities for students to enhance their classroom learning by obtaining practical real-world work experience. The internship program is designed to provide students with meaningful work experience to supplement their academic curriculum and to enhance their future career development.

The itp is also designed for the interns to meet the requirements from the california state water resources control board (swrcb) the california water environment association (cwea), and the international society of automation to qualify for professional certifications. Interns will have the opportunities to shadow and work with staff from the collections, operations, mechanical, and electrical/instrumentation departments. Based on the intern's work experience, educational background, certifications, trade preference, and available positions, they will be assigned to the department that best fits them as well as the agency to enrich their future career.

for an overview of the internship trades program (itp)

want to learn more about the trades and certifications in the water and wastewater industry?  to find out more information

hours: in order to meet the 1,800-hour experience requirement set by the swrcb, cwea, and isa for certification, scheduling of an intern's hours shall be at the mutual agreement of the intern and his/her respective supervisor. Internships at the agency are limited to 960 hours per fiscal year and 25 hours per week (july 1st
-june 30th). At the rate of 20 hours per week, candidates will accumulate 1,800 hours in approximately two years. Candidates will select a set schedule block based upon availability and will be allowed to work between the hours of 6:00 a.m. And 4:00 p.m. Monday through thursday.

certifications & program completion

interns are responsible for certification costs. Interns are considered having successfully completed the program upon completing their certification plan goals. Interns will not be permitted to continue in the program once they have obtained a grade ii collection system operator certification. Grade i or higher wastewater treatment plant operator certification and/or a water treatment/distribution operator t3 or d3 certification, grade ii mechanical technologist certification, or grade ii electrical/instrumentation technologist certification.

• receives on the job training in the operation of a wastewater/water treatment plant.
• may assist in reading meters and gauges to determine efficient equipment operation; records readings.
• may receives training in water quality testing, amounts of chemicals for safe usage, laboratory operations, the proper use of test equipment, and the methods and techniques used in maintaining facilities and equipment.
• may receive receives training in problem solving and methods for diagnosing and correcting malfunctions and resetting relays and control system components.
• cleans tanks and other equipment; maintains facilities and grounds in a clean, safe and orderly condition.
• may assist in the maintenance of a variety of records, logs and reports.
• may operate a vehicle to travel to various agency facilities.
• may perform minor routine maintenance tasks and repairs.
• perform other related duties as required.

education, training and experience

graduation from high school or g.e.d. Equivalent.

graduation or current enrollment in undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental sciences, wastewater/water treatment technology or closely related field.

ineligibility

individuals that are a member of the california public employees' retirement system (calpers) are ineligible for intern positions with ieua.

licenses; certificates; special requirements

a valid california driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the agency's vehicle insurance program is required.

a california wastewater treatment operator…