Operations Intern

Introduction

Established in 1930 to protect the lakes and streams of the upper Yahara watershed, the District is a wastewater collection and treatment utility serving about 435,000 people in 24 Madison‑area owner communities covering about 190 square miles. The District owns and operates 150 miles of pipe and 18 regional pumping stations that convey approximately 37 million gallons of wastewater to the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant daily.

Through the treatment process, we recover valuable resources before returning clean water to the environment.

Our mission is to protect public health and the environment. We are dedicated to service, reliability, and sustainability, and our tradition of innovation has positioned us as a leader among clean water utilities. Working at the District is more than just a paycheck—it is about taking care of our community and protecting one of our most valuable resources: water. When you think about your career and what you want to accomplish in your lifetime, choose to do Work Worth Doing!

Under the guidance of the Assistant Operations Manager, the Operations Intern will gain hands‑on experience in wastewater treatment plant operations and process engineering activities contributing to work that directly protects public health and the environment. This internship offers practical experience aligned with the intern’s field of study while supporting our mission to improve water quality for local communities. The position assists with general plant operations support.

For all positions at the District, enhanced safety precautions are in place for essential operations.

This internship requires on‑site work in the office, plant, and laboratory.

• Collect plant wastewater and biosolids samples for laboratory analysis
• Perform basic analytical tests on samples
• Support project management of small operations projects (i.e. digester cleaning, polymer trialing, etc.)
• Assist operations and operator staff with routine tasks
• Gather, analyze, and provide summary information on process data
• Gather, analyze, and organize facility information and records

$20.00 per hour

Visit our careers page to learn more about this opportunity -

• Currently enrolled in a degree program in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) or environmental science field.
• Completion of at least one semester of college‑level laboratory course work in an analytical discipline (i.e. chemistry, physics, fluids, microbiology, etc.)
• Full time availability in‑person during the summer
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

Qualified applicants will submit a resume and cover letter along with their application to be considered for this position.

A cover letter and resume are required to apply. Ensure your application materials clearly illustrate your experience with each of the qualifications listed. To apply, please submit your application materials by clicking the 'Apply' button on the MMSD Careers page.

Final date to receive applications is March 8, 2026.