Intern - Environmental Health; Wastewater Proviso

Overview

Island County’s Environmental Health Division is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to conduct a comprehensive Wastewater Proviso Literature and Policy Review. Building upon the 2025 Biohabitats Island Region Innovative Solutions Report, this project aims to develop the technical and regulatory framework necessary to approve alternative, nitrogen-reducing wastewater treatment technologies. The findings from this internship will directly inform local efforts to advance wastewater solutions that support affordable housing solutions while protecting ground and surface water from nitrates in Island County.

Duration:
Hire Date – December 31, 2026

Hours:

20 hours per week, with total hours not to exceed 520 paid hours.

Compensation: $25.00 per hour

Location:

Remote with in-person meetings and site visits available.

• Technology & Literature Review:
  Evaluate approved public domain and proprietary nitrogen-reducing wastewater technologies in Washington State, as well as unapproved public domain systems (e.g., carbon-fed systems, passive inground biofilters, constructed wetlands) that could benefit the region through product development and registration.
• Capacity & Performance Evaluation:
  Analyze treatment capabilities (CBOD5 – mg/L, TSS – mg/L, fecal coliform,
  
  E.coli) and suitability for COSS design flows between 1,000 and 3,500 gallons per day. Identify performance envelopes (pH, temperature, flow, NSF/ANSI status) and maintenance costs.
• Policy & Regulatory Analysis:
  Conduct a policy analysis comparing Washington State Department of Health (DOH) regulations with a representative sample of 10–15 other U.S. state health departments regarding alternative treatment system approvals.
• Local Code Review:
  Evaluate local Island County health jurisdiction regulations to identify code revision opportunities that support COSS implementation.
• Industry Survey:
  Design and execute an anonymous industry survey with local stakeholders (designers, installers, maintenance service providers) to assess real-world installation, operational, and lifespan costs.
• Feasibility Assessment:
  Evaluate the suitability of using the Island County wastewater treatment facility as a test cell for testing new denitrification systems and technologies.

• A detailed, comprehensive final report of findings.
• A list of recommended local health jurisdiction regulatory revisions to support COSS.
• A cost-analysis summary comparing public domain vs. proprietary nitrogen-reducing technologies.

• Background in Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Public Health, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Strong research skills with experience reviewing administrative codes, technical publications, and scientific literature.
• Excellent technical writing skills capable of synthesizing complex data into clear reports.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing a structured project timeline.