Water Treatment Plant Intern

Salary: $23.06 Hourly
Location : Fargo, ND
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number:
Department: Water Treatment
Division: WATER - FILTER - SELECT THIS OPTION
Opening Date: 03/05/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Position Description
Under general supervision, this position assists Water Utility staff with a variety of duties related to water treatment plant operation, regulatory compliance, plant process optimization, instrumentation, water quality, data collection, data analysis, and project completion.

Primary Responsibilities

Scope of Responsibility:
This position is responsible for the quality and accuracy of his/her work, as well as any equipment they may use. The primary focus of this position will be to assist Water Utility Staff with water treatment plant operation or a variety of on-going projects and tasks that affect day to day operations at the Water Treatment Facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs operating duties using automated and manual processes; operates pumps, engines, and other process equipment to control flow of water through various processes in the lime softening plant and/or membrane plant to ensure targets are met as well as compliance with state and federal mandates.

• Performs lab analyses and tests on an ongoing basis, according to operating procedures for different processes in the plant;
• Collects samples and analyzes results;
• Determines appropriate adjustments for chemicals and/or equipment;
• Adjusts chemical feed rates, regulates equipment;
• Operates pumps, monitors and determines level and flow. While performing the same or similar work as employees under the line of authority, serves as a team leader, using informed and independent judgment
• Collaborates with the responsible supervisor and recommends performance review content for assigned employees.

Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.

• Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
• Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
• When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.

Monitors water supply requirements on a daily basis;

• Monitors feed pumps;
• Reviews water use, storage, weather conditions, and telemetry data;
• Adjusts pumpage amounts accordingly and determines correct chemical adjustments necessary to meet targets.

Water Operator Labs, MWTP Water Quality Station Room, Environmental Lab, and other water quality instrumentation.

• Lab Duties
• Perform routine quality control checks on laboratory equipment such as meters, online water quality instruments, and other laboratory/process instruments.
• Perform bench and field sample analysis: pH, temperature, chlorine residual, ammonia residual, ozone residual, conductivity, UV254, alkalinity, hardness, and other parameters.
• Prepare reagents and standards.

Assist Water Utility staff with calibration and maintenance of online instrumentation throughout Membrane Water Treatment Plant (MWTP) and Lime Softening Water Treatment Plant (LSWTP).

• Performs daily checks and services.
• Cleans vials, adjusts sample flow and pressure, validates data input to SCADA, replaces reagents as needed and reports issues to Water Utility staff

Process and lab sampling

• Collect and preserve water samples for testing from water treatment processes, remote water system locations, and designated customer sampling sites within the water distribution system.
• Perform routine water quality analysis in the field and accurately record results for reporting.
• Gather and prepare samples for shipping to outside laboratories.
• Package water samples in applicable containers, add ice, etc.
• Secure boxes or coolers. Print and apply address labels.
• Follow specific procedures to prevent compromising or contamination of samples.

Water Treatment Process Data

• Enter laboratory and treatment process data into spreadsheets and or Hach WIMS reporting software.
• Prepare spreadsheet data for migration into Hach WIMS database.
• Assists Water Utility staff with data preparation for regulatory reporting and requests by public or consulting engineers.

On-going projects and Pilot studies

• Assist Water Utility staff with on-going construction project tasks.
• Observe and evaluate progression of construction projects. Assist Water Utility staff and consulting engineers with inspections.
• Review project plans and drawings and assist with developing alternatives and improvements.
• Estimate quantities of materials and associated costs for projects.

Assist Water Utility staff with on-going tasks for the Lead Service Line Replacement Project.

• Collect regulatory water samples from homeowners.
• Distribute pitcher filters, sampling kits, and log…