The Organization

We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region's $268 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.

The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

THE SAN DIEGO REGIONAL WATER/WASTEWATER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

In 2006, the San Diego County Water Authority joined together with regional water agencies, community colleges and private-sector partners to develop a water and wastewater internship program. As the water and wastewater industry experiences an increased demand for qualified staff, this internship program provides students in the San Diego region with career opportunities and on-the-job experience.

The Position

Begin a career in the water industry to provide a safe and reliable supply of water to the San Diego region. A career in water offers a wide range of opportunities, job stability, a positive work-life balance, good pay and competitive benefits.

Water/Wastewater interns receive on-the-job training from innovative and professional staff in the industry. We are looking for individuals who enjoy working outdoors and seeing the tangible results of their work, are creative problem solvers with a desire to learn, are self-motivated, and are passionate about providing an essential service to their community.

As a Water/Wastewater intern, you'll gain valuable skills and learn how to:

Handle simple maintenance and operational tasks;
Work together with team members to problem solve and learn methods for diagnosing and correcting malfunctions;
Maintain safe and clean working conditions and minimize exposure to hazards by using appropriate personal protective equipment for the job; and
Use hand tools, basic machinery, and other industry devices.

Candidates Selected To Participate In The 33-week Internship Program (August 18, 2025 - May 29, 2026) Will Work At Different Water And Wastewater Agencies In The San Diego Region, Gaining Valuable Experience Rotating Through Four Different Modules

System Operations
System Maintenance
Water Treatment
Wastewater Treatment

Completion of the internship program provides students with the prerequisites necessary to apply for California water and wastewater certification exams.

For more information on the Regional Internship Program, please CLICK HERE.

Qualification Guidelines

Education/Job Knowledge: Applicants must be enrolled in either Cuyamaca Community College's Water and Wastewater Technology Program, Palomar Community College's Water and Wastewater Technology Education vocational program, or other similar water/wastewater technical or college program at the time the internship year begins. Candidates must be enrolled in one water and/or wastewater class per semester during the duration of the 33-week internship program.

Working Hours: Working hours for the Regional Intern Program fall between Monday and Friday and can range from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a minimum of 16 hours per week to a maximum of 27 hours per week.

Internship Program Schedule

Quarter 1: August 18, 2025 - October 10, 2025

Quarter 2: October 13, 2025 - December 12, 2025

Winter break: December 15, 2025 - February 1, 2026

Quarter 3: February 2, 2026 -March 27, 2026

Spring Break: March 30, 2026 - April 3, 2026

Quarter 4: April 6, 2026 - May 29, 2026

Licenses / Certificates / Special Requirements: Interns must undergo a security background check, possess a valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under agencies' vehicle insurance policy, and pass the pre-employment physical.

Application Procedure

To be considered for an internship, please submit an application and supplemental questionnaire by Friday, May 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.

To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.

The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org.

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

Not applicable.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

I understand and agree to answer each question truthfully, and that my responses can be verified from information included within the application.

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

03

I Am Currently Enrolled In

Cuyamaca Community College Water and Wastewater Technology Education Program
Palomar Community College's Water and Wastewater Technology Education Program
Other Similar Water/Wastewater Education Program
I am not enrolled in a Water/Wastewater Technology Education Program

04

If you answered "Other Similar Program" on question #3, please indicate the school name, program name, and the location of the similar program you are enrolled in. If you are enrolled in the Cuyamaca or Palomar program please type N/A.

05

If you are not currently enrolled in a water/wastewater education program will you be enrolled by June 30, 2025? If you are currently enrolled please check N/A.

06

Please list each of the water or wastewater courses you have completed with a grade of C or higher. If none, please type N/A

07

Please list each of the water or wastewater courses you are currently enrolled in. If none, please type "N/A".

08

Job opportunities in the water/wastewater field frequently require the ability to utilize hand and portable power tools, assist with minor repairs, perform physical labor and/or work in inclement weather. Tell us about any background, training or experience that would support your ability to perform these functions.

Please note: If you do not have any related training or experience, it is not disqualifying.

09

Please describe your reasons for interest in the San Diego Regional Water/Wastewater Internship Program. Please utilize this space to submit a 200-300 word essay describing why you would like to be selected.

Note: Your response to this question will be used to determine your eligibility to advance in this recruitment. Please be thorough and do not paste text from your resume as a response.

10

APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL) The San Diego County Water Authority Human Resources Division uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share e-mail addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our e-mails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails (i.e., for the non-delivery of e-mail or if you fail to check your e-mail inbox on a timely basis). Read any notices that we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep hard copies of our notices for your records.

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.
Required Question

San Diego County Water Authority

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San Diego Regional Water/Wastewater Intern