Internship Trades Program

THE POSITION:

College graduates and college students are encouraged to apply!

APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN & CONTINUOUS:

This is a continuous recruitment for the 25/26 fiscal year period (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026). Applications submitted during this period will remain on file and will be reviewed on an as needed basis to fill vacancies as they occur.

Internships are limited to 25 hours week and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th)

Note: Internship are not meant to be short term, for example, limited to summer, winter and/or spring breaks. Individuals interested in short term internships will not be considered.

Work schedule is estimated to be approximately 20 hours a week; Hours are Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

INTRODUCTION:

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) Internship Trades Program (ITP) provides trade school and college students the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths within the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Department. ITP provides opportunities for students to enhance their classroom learning by obtaining practical real-world work experience. The internship program is designed to provide students with meaningful work experience to supplement their academic curriculum and to enhance their future career development. The ITP is also designed for the interns to meet the requirements from the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), and the International Society of Automation to qualify for professional certifications. Interns will have the opportunities to shadow and work with staff from the Collections, Operations, Mechanical, and Electrical/Instrumentation departments. Based on the intern’s work experience, educational background, certifications, trade preference, and available positions, they will be assigned to the department that best fits them as well as the Agency to enrich their future career.

PROGRAM GOAL:

Building career pathways to supply our industry with trade workers provides crucial operational reliability. The risk to our Agency, if we do not do this, is operational failure. This impacts public health, the environment, agency budgets, and the well-being of our communities. The goal of the IEUA ITP is to prepare qualified applicants for a career in operations and maintenance of the wastewater/water industry. The ITP is consistent with the Agency’s Values by staying in the forefront of the industry through education, innovation, efficiency, and creativity. ITP will assist individuals in becoming well trained Certified Collections System Operators, Wastewater/Water Treatment Operators, Mechanical Technologists, and Electrical/Instrumentation Technologists, who are competent and qualified to perform their duties in a safe, permit-compliant, and professional manner.

Interns also energize a workplace with their enthusiasm, desire to learn, as well as bringing new skillsets with them, such as social media. Interns provide immediate assistance to support projects and routine work, enabling staff to perform higher priority work.

These jobs are hands-on. The only way for students to get real-world experience is through opportunities that provide access to work environments, which they can practice building new skills and learn from others in the field. This also gives interns access to work cultures and requires them to develop norms of conduct and behaviors that are essential to be successful at work.

for an overview of the Internship Trades Program (ITP)

Want to learn more about the trades and certifications in the water and wastewater industry?

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HOURS:

In order to meet the 1,800-hour experience requirement set by the SWRCB, CWEA, and ISA for Certification, scheduling of an intern’s hours shall be at the mutual agreement of the intern and his/her respective supervisor. Internships at the Agency are limited to 960 hours per fiscal year and 25 hours per week (July 1st –June 30th). At the rate of 20 hours per week, candidates will accumulate 1,800 hours in approximately two years. Candidates will select a set schedule block based upon availability and will be allowed to work between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

CERTIFICATIONS & PROGRAM COMPLETION:

Interns are responsible for certification costs. Interns are considered having successfully completed the program upon completing their certification plan goals. Interns will not be permitted to continue in the program once they have obtained a Grade II Collection System Operator Certification. Grade I or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification and/or a Water Treatment/Distribution Operator T3 or D3 Certification, Grade II Mechanical Technologist Certification, or Grade II Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist Certification.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The 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 class.

Receives on the job training in the operation of a wastewater/water treatment plant.

May assist in reading meters and gauges to determine efficient equipment operation; records readings.

May receives training in water quality testing, amounts of chemicals for safe usage, laboratory operations, the proper use of test equipment, and the methods and techniques used in maintaining facilities and equipment.

May receive Receives training in problem solving and methods for diagnosing and correcting malfunctions and resetting relays and control system components.

Cleans tanks and other equipment; maintains facilities and grounds in a clean, safe and orderly condition.

May assist in the maintenance of a variety of records, logs and reports.

May operate a vehicle to travel to various Agency facilities.

May perform minor routine maintenance tasks and repairs.

Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent.

Graduation or current enrollment in undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited college or university with major course work in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Wastewater/Water Treatment Technology or closely related field.

INELIGIBILITY:

Individuals that are a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), are ineligible for Intern positions with IEUA.

LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program is required.

A California Wastewater Treatment Operator Operator-in-Training or higher is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Pumps, valves, electric motors, diesel engines and electronic, computerized and manual control systems. Basic functions and servicing requirements of equipment used in water treatment facilities. Principles of data collection, and research techniques and methods; methods and techniques for basic report preparation and writing; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; proper English, spelling and grammar.

ABILITY TO:

Learn how to operate a variety of pumping, treatment and process control equipment and machinery, including digital control equipment. Accurately read meters, gauges, valve books, blueprints and schematic drawings. Make mathematic calculations, including metrics. Operate man lifts, forklifts, loaders and/or yard goat trucks. Learn safety policies, procedures and safe work practices applicable to assignment including OSHA regulations. Operate office equipment including a computer and applicable software; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; understand and follow verbal and written instructions; analyze data, situations and research materials; formulate options and make recommendations; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

SELECTION PROCESS:

All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job-related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical examination. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background/reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate. Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1640 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

"The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".