Student Intern - Pretreatment/Lab

Provo Library; Provo, Northern (UT, KY); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free library card

Free admission to recreation centers

25% discount on memberships

Vendor discounts

Job summary

Provo City Water Reclamation Plant is seeking a Student Intern for Pretreatment and Lab divisions. The role involves collecting and analyzing water and related samples, performing field data collection, and assisting with reports to regulatory agencies.

This part-time internship offers hands-on lab experience in a municipal setting with a focus on EPA-approved procedures and safety protocols. Applicants must be bona fide students in related scientific fields and hold a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate student in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or related field.
• Valid driver's license at time of appointment.
• Eligible for drug screen and background check.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze water, wastewater, sludge, and related samples.
• Perform lab tests and data retrieval using standard equipment.
• Record results accurately and assist in report preparation for regulatory agencies.
• Ensure adherence to EPA-approved methodologies.

Skills

lab analysis

data recording

environmental science

attention to detail

Education

Undergraduate or graduate in biology/chemistry/environmental science

Tools

Spectrophotometer

pH meter

Dissolved oxygen meter

Job description

Position Title: Student Intern - Pretreatment/Lab

Closing Date: 09/03

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Provo City is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Provo City provides Equal Employment Opportunity under the law to all applicants and employees regarding all terms and conditions of employment regardless of sex, race, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristics. Provo City also adheres to Federal and State anti-discrimination law and will make reasonable accommodations during the application, selection, and employment process for individuals with disabilities unless those accommodations impose an undue hardship on the City.

Position Details

Full Time/Part Time: Part time

Position Type: Regular

Scheduled Hours: 20