Engineering and Operations Student Intern

Are you an engineering student looking to gain real-world experience in water infrastructure and operations? The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) is seeking a motivated and curious student to join our Engineering and Operations Department!

This internship offers an opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, develop technical and analytical skills, and contribute to projects supporting regional water infrastructure.

We’re looking for a student who is eager to learn, detail-oriented, and interested in engineering and infrastructure systems.

• Enrollment in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related academic program.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and other technical software applications.
• Good written communication and organizational skills.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new technical concepts.

Prior professional engineering experience is not required. Relevant coursework, academic projects, and a willingness to learn are all valuable!

The following timeline is provided to help applicants plan for the recruitment and selection process. Dates are tentative and subject to change based on operational needs.

• 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

Please Note:

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.

• 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.

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.

• Assists with the preparation and review of technical reports, memorandums, and environmental documents.
• Assess utility plans, examine pipeline inspection video, manage data using spreadsheet tools and create presentations.
• Compiles data or materials, create spreadsheets, and prepare reports.
• Performs research, contributes to projects, and administrative assignments.
• Supports staff in the development of Brine Line planning studies and condition assessments.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Any combination equivalent to experience and training…