Job Description

Definition and Class Characteristics

INTERVIEWS FOR SELECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER OF 2026.

The County of Nevada, Public Works Wastewater Division is offering an internship opportunity in partnership with the Nevada Joint Union High School District. Students enrolled in the CTE program are welcome to apply!

This position will be hosted in the Nevada County Public Works Wastewater Department and will report directly to the Wastewater Program Manager or the designated Supervisor.

Functions of Agency/Department:

The Nevada County Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department administers and maintains sewage collection systems and treatment facilities for Nevada County Sanitation District Number 1. There are 10 zones within the Sanitation District with facilities that collect and treat 1,245,000 gallons of wastewater each day. The Sanitation District provides sewer service to 5,230 accounts in western Nevada County with a population of 14,000.

Intern Duties and Responsibilities:

Under supervision, assists in the performance of electrical and/or mechanical work on wastewater collection system and treatment facility equipment and systems; performs semi-skilled work associated with the maintenance, construction and repair of wastewater collection systems; assists wastewater treatment plant operators to ensure proper processing and compliance with permits; perform standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater; perform repairs, maintenance and general upkeep of equipment and facilities; and performs related work as required. Intern duties will be assigned based on skill level and work available.

Examples of duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Working with safety protocols: personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, confined space entry, etc.
Introduction to the roles and responsibilities within a wastewater treatment plant.
Wastewater collection system and infrastructure (sewers, pumps, etc.).
Explanation of how wastewater moves from homes and industries to treatment plants.
Overview of the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
Explanation of the Elec/Mech work activities, role in extending service life of equipment and role in operations and cost management.
Shadow operators, wastewater service workers, and Elec/Mech Technicians to observe day-to-day operations.
Introduction to pumps, valves, blowers, clarifiers, and other critical equipment.
Basic laboratory analysis: BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), TSS (Total Suspended Solids), pH, etc.
Basic training on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for monitoring and controlling wastewater operations.
Accompany maintenance staff on inspection rounds and routine maintenance tasks.
Assist in minor repairs or preventive maintenance under supervision.
Field visit to inspect sewer lines and manholes.
Assisting with pump station checks and routine inspections.
Observing and assisting with smoke testing and dye testing for leak detection.
Basic mapping exercises to locate manholes, sewer lines, and other key infrastructure.
Participating in sampling activities and laboratory analysis.
Conduct a mini-research project on local water quality issues or propose
Assist with WWTP site and facilities maintenance work including painting, weed control, housekeeping and general maintenance.
Assist with lab work and data collection
Assist with special projects and plant equipment maintenance.
Assisting with CCTV pipe inspections and assessment
Assisting with sewer line, lift station and manhole inspection and cleaning
Assisting with infrastructure locating related to 811 utility underground alert requests
Shadowing and participating in inspections and field approvals related to new residential or commercial construction
Assist with preventative maintenance activities related to both wastewater treatment plant and satellite locations.
Shadow and assist in SCADA and controls
Shadow and assist in project oversight for field work related to wastewater infrastructure.
Exposure to programming and low voltage communications
Assist with data collection and entry related to the District’s CMMS system for work orders and completion of work reporting.

This curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation for high school students interested in wastewater management and environmental science careers. Adjustments can be made based on the student's interests, facility capabilities, available field work, mentorship availability and overall time available for the program.

Candidates selected for the position would be asked to perform a range of duties from very basic activities to those requiring higher skill levels to enhance interns' familiarity and skillset in the Wastewater industry.

Interns need to be able to stand or walk much of the time, with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, working on irregular surfaces, occasional lifting of objects weighing over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds. Any disabilities preventing these standards of work will be accommodated as we are able.

Educational Requirements, Skills, Training, or Qualifications:

This Internship is designed for one Advanced Natural Resources students participating in the Nevada Union Joint High School District Career Technical Education Program (CTE) and one Advanced Agricultural/Construction Trade student from Bear River High School. Must have a neat appearance, be detail-oriented, reliable, and have good written and oral communication skills. The County is a Microsoft Windows enterprise environment.

Time Commitment:

Minimum of two school periods per day or 6-8 hours per week, four days per week during each school semester. Hours will be scheduled in (2) hour blocks in alignment with the school bell schedule. A typical schedule would require students to participate from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday through Friday. Monday of each week will be reserved for classroom instruction on the school campus.

Benefits of participating in an internship:

This program prepares interns to contend for entry-level wastewater, electrical/mechanical positions. Through participation in the program, interns will acquire hands-on knowledge and skills related to:

Exposure to potential career paths and networking with professionals in the field.
Development of technical and soft skills relevant to the water and wastewater industry.

Use of computer programs related to maintenance tracking and parts requisitions.
Build their resume and explore career options and employment opportunities.
Gain an understanding of the local government workforce and culture.
Develop communication and interpersonal skills to aid in future job interviews.

safety protocols: personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, confined space entry, etc.
environmental regulations (e.g., Clean Water Act).
wastewater treatment processes (primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment).
Introduction to the roles and responsibilities within a wastewater treatment plant.
wastewater collection system and infrastructure (sewers, pumps, etc.).
Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
Explanation of the Elec/Mech work activities, role in extending service life of equipment and role in operations and cost management.
Wastewater operators, wastewater service workers, and Elec/Mech Technicians day-to-day operations.
Study of Wastewater Treatment Processes
Hands-on Training with Equipment
Introduction to SCADA Systems
Understanding Collection System Components
Collection System Maintenance and Inspection
Introduction to GIS and Mapping Systems
Introduction to Environmental Science and Regulations
Monitoring and Reporting
Lab Analysis and Environmental Sampling
Advanced Treatment Technologies
Capstone Project Development

Interns who are earning school credit through an educational program may be eligible for a $298.00 stipend per semester, no more than $599.00 per school year upon completion of the internship (Board Resolution 21-110). Some internships may be paid hourly.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other employment requirements:

14-18 years of age with the ability to secure a work permit and be enrolled in high school with guardian-signed approval.
If 18, must consent to fingerprinting and be enrolled in high school for the 2026-2027 school year.

While this is an unpaid internship, students and recent graduates are offered an excellent opportunity to:

Build resumes and explore career options
Apply skills and knowledge to the workplace
Fulfill college/university internship requirements
Earn hours toward professional certification or licensure
Network in their fields of interest with professionals who are dedicated to making a positive difference in Nevada County
Learn from a working supervisor who is dedicated to your learning and growth
See professionals operate in a real world, hands-on environment
Intern with one of the premier employers in the region

NEVADA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice. Nevada County Human Resources Department

950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-7010

Comments, please email:human.resources@nevadacountyca.gov

Closing Date/Time: 9/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Nevada County, CA

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