Water Quality Lab Intern; Organic Chemistry

Temporary Student Intern - Water Quality (Organic Chemistry)

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a temporary student intern in the Water Quality Department.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Thursday July 30, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.

This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

Under close supervision, the successful candidate will work directly with professional and technical staff performing a variety of analytical tasks and support work. The Temporary Student Intern will perform meaningful, productive, and challenging work by giving significant contributions to routine laboratory work, special projects, research, or other primary District functions. Temporary Student Interns will receive hands‑on training emphasizing teamwork, independence, and development of technical skills within a quality framework.

Student Intern(s) must be actively enrolled as a student in an institution of higher learning at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Student Intern is a temporary job classification requiring enrollment in a minimum of 12 units of school study.

• Under close supervision, analyses various water, wastewater and/or biosolids samples for general wet chemistry and chromatography testing (odor, pH, alkalinity, solids, ion chromatography, etc.), as well as other parameters as needed.
• Supports the Laboratory’s daily Biosolids process control monitoring.
• Learns and follows the Laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS) under the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (CA-ELAP).
• Accurately enters data results into the Laboratory's Technical Information Management System (TIMS).
• Assists with chemical reagent and standard preparation, as needed.
• Learns and follows all laboratory safety protocols.
• Learns and follows general laboratory and analysis‑specific Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols.
• Compiles and organizes data.
• Prepares documents, memos and other correspondences necessary for project completion.
• Complies with District safety work‑related practices and attend relevant safety training.
• Attends district‑wide meetings as required.
• Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations to ensure qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: At the time of appointment, active enrollment as a student in an institution of higher learning, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, is required.

Experience: Completion of chemistry, biology, environmental science college level courses and labs required.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of laboratory techniques, computer software/hardware systems, research methods, and data collection techniques including data analysis methods, English usage, grammar, punctuation, report writing techniques.
• Intermediate to advanced level skills in Microsoft Office Suite required.

Ability to:

• Under close supervision in the office and laboratory; read and interpret complex technically written materials.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; use tact, discretion, patience and understanding in dealing with all levels of employees, customers, external partners and the public.
• Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages.
• Use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel). Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job.
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.
• Remain calm in crisis and…