Intern

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed by individual positions. Meet Santa Margarita Water District

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters.

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD’s goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies.

Santa Margarita Water District’s Values Include

Below are different departments where you are able to do your internship with!

Communications

The Communications & Customer Engagement Intern will support the District’s Communications Department with various projects that enhance internal and external communications, digital engagement, and public relations efforts. This role is ideal for a student pursuing a degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, with an interest in water, government, or public service.

Preferred candidates will be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Communications, Marketing, PR, Journalism, or related. Familiarity with social media platforms, email marketing tools, and basic design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe, Constant Contact, etc.), and be comfortable with basic data analysis and survey tools (e.g., Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, JotForm, Constant Contact).

Water Resiliency/GIS

The Water Resiliency Data Science / GIS Intern is a training position in the field of water resource management, with a focus on data science and/or geographic information systems (GIS), depending on the applicant’s skillset and interests. The Intern shall support the District's deployment of GIS and related geodatabases, along with the development of the District’s data warehouse and related business intelligence dashboards. The Data Science / GIS Intern will learn how to perform quality control on asset conversion datasets; geo-reference assets from record drawings and plan sets; create and maintain shapefiles, feature classes, and datasets to support District water resiliency projects; develop Esri story-maps to highlight District programs and resources; and assist with water resiliency projects and functions.

Water Conservation/Customer Service

The Water Conservation & Customer Service Intern (“Intern”) will support the District’s water efficiency and customer service programs through data management and customer outreach. The role provides hands-on experience with meter-to-cash processes, including measuring customer consumption, billing, revenue management, and customer engagement. The Intern will also gain practical field experience in using water meters to identify leaks and recommend on-site water use improvements. After training, the Intern will assist with outreach, scheduling, and performing residential site surveys; computer data entry and analysis; and mapping field assets.

Water Quality

The District’s Laboratory Division is responsible for monitoring the quality and safety of our drinking water supply through rigorous sampling and analysis. This internship provides a valuable opportunity for a diligent college student or recent graduate to gain practical, hands-on experience in the field of water quality. Interns will apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges in the water industry, supporting the District’s mission to deliver high-quality drinking water. The Water Quality Intern reports directly to the Regulatory & Logistics Manager or their designee, working closely with our team of professionals to conduct water sampling and analysis to improve the District’s process control activities.

Operations

Start your utility career with Santa Margarita Water District as a Utility Intern. In this hands-on role, you’ll gain valuable training and real-world experience supporting the construction, maintenance, and repair of critical water, wastewater, and recycled water systems. As an essential part of our field operations team, you’ll help ensure safe and reliable service for our community—while building skills for long-term growth.

Interns will work side-by-side with experienced crew members and receive mentorship, technical instruction, and opportunities to earn required certifications.

Information Technology

Join our dynamic IT team and gain hands-on experience across key areas like cybersecurity, cloud/networking, business intelligence, and enterprise applications. You’ll contribute to impactful projects and help support our IT operations, all while learning from industry professionals in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is a unique opportunity to grow your skills, explore cutting-edge technologies, and make a real impact in critical infrastructure!

Job Summary

Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Intern to join our team. This internship provides a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the Administration, Communications, Finance, Information Technology, Operations, or Water Resiliency & Use Efficiency department while learning about the vital role water agencies play in public service, environmental management, and infrastructure operations.

This is a tmporary entry-level position for a college student intern who will work no more than 900 hours per fiscal year and no more than 20 hours in a seven-day period. Positions assigned to this level perform limited project-based assignments and support department operations. The incumbent is expected to work professionally.

Intern selection is based on education, career goals, and related experience. Interns are not regular full—or part-time employees, and they are not eligible for benefits, except those required by law. They do not obtain position or seniority rights. Interns are at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Intern position is designed to provide students or recent graduates with professional experience in a learning environment. Unlike permanent staff positions, this role focuses on education, skill development, and exposure to the operations of the Santa Margarita Water District. Interns work under close supervision and are not expected to have prior experience in the field. This position is temporary in nature and typically coincides with an academic program or specific project duration.