Water Resource Management Intern - WRM-2026-3i

NJ Department of Environmental Protection; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a Water Resource Management Intern in Trenton for the EPIC program. The internship supports the Bureau of Water System Engineering, with responsibilities including reviewing engineering plans and ensuring compliance with state and federal rules.

The role offers an hourly wage of $19 and expects 16–20 hours of work per week, from 1 PM–4 PM, Feb 8, 2027 to Jun 11, 2027.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize information, maintain records, and perform basic data entry.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve Engineering Plans and Specifications for compliance with State and Federal rules.
• Determine finished water storage compliance per State requirements.
• Review sources and treatment plant capacity and update deficit-surplus evaluations.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Written communication

Verbal communication

Data entry

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

This position is part of the EPIC Program (Environmental Pathways in Informed Careers) specifically reserved for Trenton Central High School students.

Title: Water Resource Management Intern

Posting Number: WRM-2026-3i

Closing Date: November 4, 2026

Start Date of Internship: February 8, 2027

End Date of Internship: June 11, 2027

Existing Vacancies: 1

Location: 401 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility: This position is only open to students at Trenton Central High School who are seniors.

Internship Hours Per Week: 16-20 hours per week (4 days per week, from 1 PM – 4 PM)

Hourly Rate: $19 per hour

Program: Water Resource Management- Bureau of Water System Engineering

Program Description: The Water Resource Management (WRM) Program protects New Jersey’s water resources by setting water quality and drinking water standards and monitoring surface water and groundwater. It regulates wastewater and stormwater discharges, manages water use, and helps ensure residents have access to safe, reliable drinking water. The program also provides financial assistance for water infrastructure improvements and works to protect water supplies for current and future generations.

Project Description: The intern will be responsible for the review and approval of Engineering Plans and Specifications to ensure designs are in compliance with State and Federal Rules and Regulations; determine finished water storage compliance per State rule requirements; make recommendations related to public water system treatment and infrastructure; review sources and treatment plant capacity and existing demands, as well as update the deficit surplus evaluation; and review and evaluate the water systems to ensure there is sufficient capacity to maintain supply to the public in an emergency.

Specific to the Position:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize information, maintain records, and perform basic data entry.

• Interest in local government operations and community engagement.
• Interest in gaining a holistic understanding of DEP programs and structure.
• Interest in networking and attending interagency or public meetings.

License: Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Residency: All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the "New Jersey First Act".

Authorization to Work: Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. Note: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.

Veteran's Preference: To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated below. For more information, please visit https://nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service/preference/

SAME applicants: If you are applying under the NJ SAME program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter) must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME program, please visit https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email [e-mail], or call CSC at (609) 292- 4144 and select Option #3

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations under ADA will be provided upon request.