Water Quality Intern

American Water Co.; Chesterfield (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is offering a Water Quality Summer Intern role to gain hands-on experience supporting water quality, environmental compliance, and operational activities within our drinking water and wastewater systems. The intern will work with Water Quality professionals and operations staff to assist in lab testing, data analysis, and customer-focused quality initiatives.

You will develop familiarity with regulatory requirements, sampling, documentation, and teamwork while contributing to

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Water Resources, or a related field.
• Completion of at least two years of undergraduate coursework preferred.
• Relevant laboratory, environmental, or water quality coursework preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work in both office and field environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with water quality sampling and monitoring activities in accordance with federal, state, and company regulatory requirements.
• Collect, prepare, document, and ship water samples for laboratory analysis.
• Support lead and copper compliance programs, including customer communications, sample tracking, and record management.
• Perform field inspections and support environmental compliance activities.
• Compile, analyze, and maintain water quality data, reports, and regulatory records.
• Support treatment plant and distribution system monitoring activities.
• Participate in routine operational activities at water and wastewater facilities, including data collection and process evaluation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Water Resources, or related field

Two years of undergraduate coursework preferred

Laboratory, environmental, or water quality coursework preferred

Tools

Laboratory information systems

Job description

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

The Water Quality Summer Intern will gain hands‑on experience supporting water quality, environmental compliance, and operational activities within American Water's drinking water and wastewater systems. This role provides exposure to laboratory testing, regulatory compliance, field sampling, data analysis, and customer‑focused water quality initiatives. The intern will work closely with Water Quality professionals and operations personnel to help ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and high‑quality water service.

Key Accountabilities

• Potential assignments could include:
  • Assist with water quality sampling and monitoring activities in accordance with federal, state, and company regulatory requirements.
  • Collect, prepare, document, and ship water samples for laboratory analysis.
  • Support lead and copper compliance programs, including customer communications, sample tracking, and record management.
  • Perform field inspections and support environmental compliance activities.
  • Compile, analyze, and maintain water quality data, reports, and regulatory records.
  • Support treatment plant and distribution system monitoring activities.
  • Participate in routine operational activities at water and wastewater facilities, including data collection and process evaluation.
• Utilize Microsoft Office applications, databases, laboratory information systems, and other company software to document and track work activities.
• Adhere to all safety policies, procedures, and environmental regulations.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to learn regulatory requirements and technical water quality concepts.

Experience/Education

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Water Resources, or a related scientific discipline.
• Completion of at least two years of undergraduate coursework preferred.
• Relevant laboratory, environmental, or water quality coursework preferred.

Other

• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to work in both office and field environments.
• Ability to lift and transport sampling equipment and materials as needed.

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they arean individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.