Student Intern - Pretreatment/Lab

provo; Provo (UT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free recreation center access

Library card

Rec center membership discount

Vendor discounts

Job summary

The Provo City Water Reclamation Plant is seeking a Student Intern for Pretreatment/Lab to assist in lab and field duties. Pay is $15.00–$17.00 per hour for part-time work, with approximately 20 hours weekly and flexibility from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing water and wastewater samples, performing lab tests, and recording results while following EPA-approved methods.

Qualifications

• Must be a bona fide student in an undergrad or grad program in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or closely related field.
• Valid, lawful driver license at time of appointment.
• Able to lift up to 70 lbs and work in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Collect and perform physical, chemical, and microbiological analysis on water, wastewater, sludge, and related samples.
• Collect field data; conduct laboratory tests; retrieve data from equipment (spectrophotometers, pH meters, DO meters).
• Follow testing procedures for BOD, COD, TS, TSS, TVSS, DO, pH; test for fecal coliforms, E. coli, NH3, CI2, nutrients, and ions.
• Read meters, charts, and other measuring devices; record and document results accurately.
• Assist in preparing reports for process controls and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure sample prep and analysis follow EPA-approved methodologies.
• Assist Pretreatment Inspector in inspecting sewer lines and grease traps.
• Collect samples from industrial users and maintain compliance records.
• Maintain a safe working environment and assist staff as needed.

Education

Undergraduate or graduate student in biology, chemistry, environmental science or closely related field

Tools

Spectrophotometers

pH meters

Dissolved oxygen meters

Job description

Position Title: Student Intern - Pretreatment/Lab

Job Posting Closing Date: 09/03

The Provo City Water Reclamation Plant is recruiting for a student intern to assist in its Pretreatment and Lab Divisions. This is an excellent opportunity for students in related fields to gain experience working in a lab and field setting.

Qualified, civic-minded individuals interested in supporting the services provided to Provo City residents by performing the duties described herein are encouraged to apply.

Job Details

What is the compensation?

Pay Rate : $15.00 - $17.00 per hour depending on qualifications.

Benefits : Part-time Provo City employees are eligible to contribute to individual retirement savings plans through the City (401k, 457, Roth IRA, and/or Traditional IRA) and receive the following great benefits:

• a) free admission to the Provo Recreation Center, Peaks Ice Arena Public Skating, and Provo Shooting Sports Park;
• b) a free Provo City Library Card;
• c) a 25% discount on Provo Recreation Center memberships (direct family only);
• d) discounts from various local and national vendors.

What will I do?

• Collect and perform physical, chemical, and microbiological analysis on water, wastewater, sludge, and other related samples.
• Collect field data; conduct laboratory tests; and perform analyses by retrieving data from specialized equipment, including spectrophotometers, pH meters, dissolved oxygen meters, and similar equipment.
• Follow procedures and parameters for testing of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), sludge solids (TS), suspended solids (TSS), volatile solids (TVSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH; conduct microbiological tests for fecal coliforms and e-coli, ammonia nitrogen (NH3), chlorine (CI2) residual, nutrients, and other anions and cations.
• Read and interpret meters, charts, and other weight and measuring devices.
• Perform calculations on data and accurately record and document all results.
• Assist in preparing reports for plant process controls and various regulatory agencies.
• Ensure sample preparation and analysis is conducted within established Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved methodologies.
• Assist Pretreatment Inspector in inspecting sewer lines and grease traps.
• Collect samples from industrial users and maintain records of such for compliance.
• Maintain a safe working environment in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist staff members as needed and perform other related duties as required.

What are the minimum requirements?

• Bona fide student in an undergraduate or graduate program in biology, chemistry, physical or environmental science or closely related field.
• Valid, lawful driver license at time of appointment. Applicant may be disqualified on the basis of an unacceptable driving record as reflected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

What are the hours?

15-25 hours per week during the school year, up to 40 hours per week during the summer, Monday through Saturday, flexible between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

What is the physical & environmental demands?

Requires physical strength, conditioning, and agility to perform work such as lifting, climbing ladders, working on scaffolding, climbing stairs, working in tight quarters, and physical hand work. Must be able to lift 70 lbs. Involves regular exposure to hazardous conditions, noxious chemicals, odors, and gases. May require exposure to adverse weather conditions.

What is the selection process?

Applications will be reviewed in the order they are submitted, with the first screening being held on August 27, 2026 . Job solicitation may be closed at that time if sufficient, qualified applications to proceed with a competitive selection process have been received. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed above to be eligible for consideration.

If selected for hire, candidate will be required to successfully pass a drug screen and criminal background check. Non-disclosure may result in dismissal. Applicants with unsatisfactory drug screen results will be ineligible for appointment or application to any Provo City position for a minimum period of six (6) months.

Why Provo?

By planning growth thoughtfully and managing resources responsibly, we maintain a future for Provo that is vibrant, connected, and welcoming for families, students, seniors, and business for generations to come. All of this makes Provo well-managed, friendly, economically vibrant, and livable for people at all stages of life.

Provo City is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Full Time/Part Time: Part time

Position Type: Regular

Scheduled Hours: 20