Environmental Intern

Internship Overview

Want hands‑on experience that makes a real impact? Join Stafford County Utilities and work alongside environmental professionals dedicated to protecting our water and wastewater systems.

This paid internship offers valuable field experience - not just desk work - giving you the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals while building practical skills for your future career.

Start building your experience while making a difference in your community!

The part‑time Intern performs work under the mentorship and supervision of senior staff members and management to assist in support of Environmental Programs within Stafford Utilities Department. Position duties will be primarily field based. Responsible for moderately technical administrative and office support. Work is performed under general supervision but will typically be independent.

• Year‑long internship (up to 1456 hours)
• Up to 28 hours per week
• Morning availability required

The County offers three internship tiers based on where the student is in their educational program.

• Intern I: $15.00 – Current education level:
  Candidates must be a current Junior in High School, a Senior in High School, or a Freshman in a University/College in an accredited academic program.
• Intern II: $18.00 – Must be a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior in University/College in an accredited academic program.
• Intern III: $21.00 – Must be a student in graduate school/Law School in an accredited academic program.

• Performs daily sample collection for wastewater epidemiology at treatment plants
• Analyzes real‑time and historic data to identify trends.
• Audits internal records and data.
• Assists in digital migration of historic records.
• Accompanies staff during industrial users’ site inspections.
• Performs field observations, water pipe material identification throughout the County.
• Observes staff engaged in the cross‑connection, pretreatment, water quality sampling, and other utility programs.

Some knowledge of the natural sciences (chemistry, biology, etc.), environmental and general engineering concepts related to the development, operation, and maintenance of water and sewer utilities and related activities.

Ability to use personal computer, office equipment, and related software; proficient in Word and Excel; ability to effectively communicate ideas both vocally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, government officials, and the general public.

Any combination of education and experience. Candidate must be currently enrolled in an Environmental, Conservation, Engineering, Natural Science, or closely related college program.

• Possession of a driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects, and some heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for use of measuring devices, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities;

the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils.