Engineering Intern

The Water Utility is looking for qualified applicants for their Engineering Intern vacancy. This is entry-level professional engineering work for Madison Water Utility. The Engineering Internship is developed to advance agency goals and to foster professional development within the engineering career track, providing support and direction in an internship framework. This is a full-time, 8-month internship (co-op style placement) designed to provide meaningful experience and continuity.

The internship will include exposure to managerial and policy-setting activities; an introduction to utility organizational structure; and an understanding of overall operations of the utility.

This is an engineering design and construction position with work performed in the office and/or the field in connection with the design and construction of public works projects for Madison Water Utility. Assignments are received from Water Utility engineers who mentor the intern, define the scope of the work, guide the progress of the work, review the work in progress, and certify the results upon completion.

The work is characterized by the application of theoretical engineering knowledge and expertise and the attainment of procedural knowledge through on-the-job training and experience. This position will work closely with colleagues and Utility technicians to learn processes and procedures necessary to develop a foundation from which to build expertise in public works design and construction.

HOURS: 7:30 a.m.

- 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
DURATION: Early January through Late August 2027 (8 months)

Madison Water Utility delivers safe, high-quality water to more than 285,000 people across the Madison area. Our water comes from a deep aquifer beneath Madison and is pumped to the surface by wells across the city. We are entrusted by the people of Madison to supply high quality water for consumption and fire protection, at a reasonable cost, while conserving and protecting our water resources.

Madison Water Utility’s water distribution system operates with:

• 22 groundwater wells that pump approximately 9 billion gallons per year
• 920 miles of water main
• 43 million gallons of water storage capacity
• 10 district pressure zones
• 71,160 customers served

The Engineering Section of Madison Water Utility provides planning, design, management and preservation of our system assets and water resources. Our team manages the design and construction of infrastructure improvements each year consisting of water main replacements, rehabilitation, system expansions, hydraulic improvements and distribution/storage facility projects. We collect and manage data pertaining to our infrastructure to map, monitor and continuously improve our system while objectively prioritizing capital improvements.

We are also focused on community outreach and education. From facility tours, school demonstrations, water wagon events, open data provisions to a collaborative community advisory process for major projects, we are committed to showing our community how we can all help protect one of our most critical resources.

Madison Water Utility conducts research with the UW Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering on water quality, distribution system operation, pumping efficiency, and system modeling through an ongoing graduate student sponsorship program.

Applications will be accepted until the closing date, however the selection process may begin prior to the closing date.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

• Prepare engineering drawings and specifications for water utility projects as assigned by utility engineers.
• Using computer aided design software, develop designs for water pipeline projects, pump stations, reservoirs, pressure reducing stations, and other projects.
• Work closely with Utility engineers and technicians to learn and develop design skills and standards.
• Coordinate design activities with other Engineering Units, City agencies, and other entities as necessary.
• Prepare and evaluate project construction cost estimates.
• Develop project planning budgets, evaluate project…