Water Resources and Planning Student Intern

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

Job summary

SAWPA is seeking a Water Resources & Planning Student Intern to support GIS mapping, data analysis, and environmental research. You will work on water quality and watershed planning projects, collaborate with regional agencies, and gain hands‑on experience in environmental policy and planning.

The internship emphasizes part‑time, on‑site work, with academic credit possible and the chance to contribute to grant development and technical studies within SAWPA's regional programs.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree relevant to SAWPA's work and reside within commuting distance.
• Strong research, data handling, and analytical skills are valued.
• Willingness to learn and contribute to regional water resources projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist with GIS mapping, data collection, and environmental research.
• Support development of regional water resources studies and grant applications.
• Prepare draft meeting notes and assist with presentations and reports.
• Collaborate with water agencies and environmental professionals on projects.

Skills

GIS mapping

Data analysis

Environmental research

Education

Undergraduate or graduate studies in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Public Administration, Water Resources Planning, or related field

Tools

Spreadsheet tools

Job description

SAWPA is hiring a Water Resources & Planning Student Intern!

Are you a student interested in water resources, environmental science, sustainability, or GIS? Looking for an opportunity to apply what you're learning in the classroom to projects that make a difference?

Join the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) and gain hands‐on experience supporting regional water resource planning and watershed management efforts.

What You'll Get to Explore:

• GIS mapping, data analysis, and environmental research
• Water quality and watershed planning projects
• Regional initiatives, grant development, and technical studies
• Collaboration with water agencies and environmental professionals
• Real‑world challenges involving water resources and environmental policy

Who We're Looking For:

A curious, detail‑oriented student who enjoys research, problem‑solving, and learning new things. Whether you're studying environmental science, hydrology, geology, geography, GIS, environmental planning, or a related field, we'd love to hear from you!

You don't need to know it all. Bring your curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn!

Your classroom knowledge. Real‑world projects. A chance to make an impact in our Watershed.

Anticipated Recruitment Timeline

• 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

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.

• Prepares draft meeting notes for Water Resources and Planning Task Forces, Workgroups, and related meetings for staff review and finalization.
• Assists with the development of regional water resources studies.
• Updates data using spreadsheet tools, drafts presentations, and assists with grant applications.
• Evaluates, plans, and contributes to a variety of water resources and environmental planning studies and projects.
• Performs research on water resources topics based on State’s priorities.
• 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
  • Civil Engineering,Environmental Science, Geology, Public Administration, Water Resources Planning, 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.

CalPERS Membership Restriction

Applicants who are current or former members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) are not eligible for consideration for this internship position.

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 understandwho 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.