Water Resources and Planning Student Intern

SAWPA is hiring a Water Resources & Planning Student Intern!

Are you a student interested in water resources, environmental science, sustainability, or GIS? Looking for an opportunity to apply what you're learning in the classroom to projects that make a difference?

Join the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) and gain hands‐on experience supporting regional water resource planning and watershed management efforts.

• GIS mapping, data analysis, and environmental research
• Water quality and watershed planning projects
• Regional initiatives, grant development, and technical studies
• Collaboration with water agencies and environmental professionals
• Real‑world challenges involving water resources and environmental policy

A curious, detail‑oriented student who enjoys research, problem‑solving, and learning new things. Whether you're studying environmental science, hydrology, geology, geography, GIS, environmental planning, or a related field, we'd love to hear from you!

You don't need to know it all. Bring your curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn!

Your classroom knowledge. Real‑world projects. A chance to make an impact in our Watershed.

• 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

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.

Compensation:
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.

• Prepares draft meeting notes for Water Resources and Planning Task Forces, Work groups, and related meetings for staff review and finalization.
• Assists with the development of regional water resources studies.
• Updates data using spreadsheet tools, drafts presentations, and assists with grant applications.
• Evaluates, plans, and contributes to a variety of water resources and environmental planning studies and projects.
• Performs research on water resources topics based on State’s priorities.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to…