Summary: NSU is offering a hands-on Operator in Training (OIT) Internship supporting wastewater operations across our Northern and Southern New Jersey service areas. This internship provides aspiring operators with real-world experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities. Interns will be guided by licensed operators and supervisors while gaining exposure to daily plant operations, environmental compliance, and preventive maintenance. In Northern New Jersey, interns may rotate between sites including Caldwell, Warren, and EDC. In Southern New Jersey, the internship will be based at Plumsted.
Duties & Responsibilities:
•Learn and follow Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) policies, report safety issues promptly.
•Shadow onsite operations staff and learn various wastewater processes and the critical functions they serve in the overall treatment process.
•Assist facility staff operators with daily monitoring and testing, including pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorine levels, and other key indicators.
•Review and understand facility permits and the implications of the various parameters and narrative contained within.
•Review historical monitoring reports to gain familiarity with required regulatory reporting.
•Shadow and support duty operations staff performing routine preventative maintenance on treatment equipment, including oil/filter changes, belt inspections, and pump servicing.
•Assist in maintaining clear, accurate logs of plant operations, inspections, and maintenance activities.
•Participate in facility walkthroughs and identify/report equipment or safety concerns.
•Assist in collecting and documenting laboratory samples under supervision.
•Review data trends to understand and predict treatment process control changes.
•Represent NSU positively in all interactions with clients, and the public.
•Complete Confined Space Entry training and participate in field use when necessary.
•Perform other assigned duties as part of the learning experience.
Qualifications:
•Must be 18 years of age or older
•No prior wastewater experience required; one year of technical coursework or related experience is preferred.
•Strong interest in environmental operations, mechanical systems, and public utility work.
•Must possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
•Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs, work outdoors in varying conditions, and enter confined spaces (with proper training and equipment).
What You’ll Gain:
•Hands-on Experience: Work directly alongside licensed wastewater operators and supervisors in real-world plant operations.
•Technical Skills: Learn the fundamentals of wastewater treatment processes, preventive maintenance, and environmental compliance.
•Professional Development: Gain exposure to industry standards, safety protocols, and the operational challenges of municipal and industrial wastewater facilities.
•Career Insight: Build a strong foundation for a future career in environmental services, utilities, or public works, and strengthen your resume with industry-relevant experience.
•Mentorship: Receive guidance and support from experienced professionals committed to helping you grow in the field.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
•Occasionally required to stand
•Frequently required to walk
•Occasionally required to sit
•Occasionally required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
•Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
•Occasionally required to talk or hear
•Frequently utilize visual acuity to operate equipment, read technical information, and/or use a keyboard
•Occasionally required to lift/push/carry items up to 50 pounds
•Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
•Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts
•Occasionally work in high, precarious places
•Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
•Frequently exposed to outside weather conditions
•Occasionally exposed to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
•Occasionally exposed to blood borne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials
•Occasionally exposed to loud noise (examples: metal can manufacturing, large earth-moving equipment)
•Occasionally exposed to very loud noise (example: jack hammer work)
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Natural Systems Utilities provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NSU complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Bedminster, NJ
Internship
$31,200-$31,200
