University Intern - Modeling and Monitoring

Salary: $21.80 - $29.97 Hourly
Location : Rock Creek Facility, 3235 SE River Rd., Hillsboro, 97123, OR
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 26-35
Department: Water & Engineering Technology
Program: Research & Innovation
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: 6/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

The Position
The Water & Engineering Technology department is seeking a University Intern - Modeling and Monitoring. This position assists with projects to promote the development and engagement of new technologies and innovative operations at Clean Water Services (CWS). Supports assigned research projects in the Research and Innovation (R&I) department, including but not limited to emerging contaminants, sensor design and maintenance, molecular biology, modeling, ecology, and wastewater engineering.

Runs tests, compiles results, analyzes data, and gains exposure to applied research through field, laboratory, and desk work.
Additional Internship Information:

Temporary position, up to 13-month assignment.

Full-time, up to 40 hours per week.

The hours worked and duration for this position may qualify for an offer of Healthcare insurance benefits.

Temporary positions are not eligible for paid holidays or paid vacation time off.
Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of a driving record review, passing a physical exam and a criminal background check.

Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.
Essential Functions

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

Assists with assigned research projects. This may include, but is not limited to, advanced gas and water quality sensing, microplastics analysis in wastewater and watersheds, greenhouse gas emissions data collection and analysis, and basic sampling and testing to support studies on emerging contaminants, water quality, microbiology, and molecular biology.

Assists with the installation, operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting of continuous sensing devices for water and air.

Assists with study design, data acquisition, data analysis, and the reporting and presenting of findings for forensic and research studies focused on environmental science, engineering, and water quality.

Assists with laboratory and field work.

Provides technical research, writing, and editing skills to generate testing reports and present and discuss findings with managers.

Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Laboratory documentation methods, record keeping, testing and sampling
• Basic research methods and data collection
• Laboratory sampling methods and techniques
• Pertinent safety practices and procedures

SKILL IN:

• Operating scientific equipment
• Microsoft Office programs, use of computers and computer software for record keeping, spreadsheet applications and database use
• Data analysis

ABILITY TO:

• Understand and follow oral and written directions and procedures
• Maintain accurate records
• Utilize appropriate computer applications related to the research being conducted, and learn new skills, equipment, and programs efficiently
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, contractors, vendors, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

Field sampling experience is preferred;
6 months of experience with Python (coursework included) is preferred;
College-level coursework in environmental science, environmental engineering, water resources, hydrology, ecological engineering, chemistry, biology, or other related sciences. Bachelor of Science or Engineering preferred.
Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver's license.
Additional Information
Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at  or TDD .

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.
Depending on hours worked and duration of the position, temporary employees may qualify for an offer of medical benefits, deferred compensation, and employee discounts. Temporary employees are eligible for sick leave at the rate of .0334 per hour worked upon beginning…