Engineering and Operations Student Intern

Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA); Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

SAWPA seeks an Engineering and Operations Intern to gain real-world experience in water infrastructure. You will work with experienced professionals, develop technical and analytical skills, and contribute to regional projects.

The internship is part-time and on-site in Riverside, CA, averaging 20 hours per week with academic scheduling coordination. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited program related to SAWPA’s work.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related academic program.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and other technical software applications.
• Good written communication and organizational skills.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and review of technical reports, memorandums, and environmental documents.
• Assess utility plans, examine pipeline inspection video, manage data using spreadsheet tools and create presentations.
• Compiles data or materials, create spreadsheets, and prepare reports.
• Performs research, contributes to projects, and administrative assignments.
• Supports staff in the development of Brine Line planning studies and condition assessments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Problem solving

Written communication

Organizational skills

Curiosity

Adaptability

Excel

Education

Civil Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Related fields

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Put Your Engineering Education into Practice!

Are you an engineering student looking to gain real-world experience in water infrastructure and operations? The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) is seeking a motivated and curious student to join our Engineering and Operations Department!

This internship offers an opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, develop technical and analytical skills, and contribute to projects supporting regional water infrastructure.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a student who is eager to learn, detail-oriented, and interested in engineering and infrastructure systems.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Enrollment in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related academic program.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and other technical software applications.
• Good written communication and organizational skills.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new technical concepts.

Prior professional engineering experience is not required. Relevant coursework, academic projects, and a willingness to learn are all valuable!

Anticipated Recruitment Timeline

The following timeline is provided to help applicants plan for the recruitment and selection process. Dates are tentative and subject to change based on operational needs.

• Recruitment Posting - October 14, 2026
• First Review of Applications - October 28, 2026
• Virtual Interviews (if needed) - Week of November 2, 2026
• In-Person Interviews - Week of November 2 or Week of November 9, 2026
• Anticipated Start Date - Week of December 7, 2026

Please Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply early. The first review of applications will begin after October 28, 2026. Selected candidates will be contacted regarding the next steps in the recruitment process.

Internship Eligibility and Employment Conditions

• Student Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution, pursuing a degree relevant to SAWPA’s work, and reside within a reasonable commuting distance of SAWPA during the internship.
• Employment Status: Internships are part-time, temporary positions, generally averaging 20 hours per week, with schedules coordinated around academic commitments and Agency needs.
• Duration and Hours: Interns may work a maximum of 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1–June 30) and serve for up to 18 months, unless additional terms are approved by the General Manager.
• Work Location: Interns are generally expected to work on-site at SAWPA unless an alternative arrangement is approved.
• Academic Credit: SAWPA may coordinate with accredited colleges and universities to support internship credit requirements upon request.

Compensation

This position is paid at the current hourly minimum wage. Effective January 1, 2027, the hourly rate for this position will increase to $17.40 per hour. These examples are illustrative of the various types of work which may be performed based on the internship candidate is applying for. Omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this classification.

• Assists with the preparation and review of technical reports, memorandums, and environmental documents.
• Assess utility plans, examine pipeline inspection video, manage data using spreadsheet tools and create presentations.
• Compiles data or materials, create spreadsheets, and prepare reports.
• Performs research, contributes to projects, and administrative assignments.
• Supports staff in the development of Brine Line planning studies and condition assessments.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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

• Experience: While no prior work experience is required, knowledge of the methods and techniques of research, report preparation and administration are desired.
• Training/Education: Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent. Current enrollment in undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited college or university with major course work in
  • Engineering and Operations Student Intern – Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related fields.
• License or Certificate: Ability to travel to work-related locations as required to perform the essential functions of the position. Interns may utilize reasonable alternative forms of transportation consistent with Agency policy. Interns who operate a vehicle for Agency business must possess a valid California Class C driver’s license and maintain a driving record acceptable to the Agency’s automobile insurance provider.

Your application is more than a list of qualifications. It’s an opportunity to tell us about yourself!

To be considered for this internship, applicants must submit a complete application, including:

• Resume: A current and complete resume highlighting your education, relevant coursework, academic projects, employment, volunteer experience, technical skills, and other applicable qualifications.
• Cover Letter: A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the internship, what attracted you to SAWPA, and how your academic background, skills, or experiences align with the opportunity.

Why do we ask for a cover letter?

We recognize that students may be at different stages of their academic and professional journeys, and not everyone has extensive work experience. That’s okay!

Your resume tells us what you’ve done, but your cover letter helps us understand who you are, what interests you, and what you hope to learn.

It’s an opportunity to share experiences that may not fit neatly on a resume, demonstrate your communication skills, and help us understand why this internship is meaningful to you.

We’re not looking for a perfect career history or an overly formal letter. We’re looking for genuine interest, thoughtful communication, and a willingness to learn.

Before submitting:

Please review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your application materials will help us evaluate your qualifications and determine which candidates will be invited to interview.