Student Intern - Applied Water Research

Student Intern – Applied Water Research – Driving Innovation in Sustainable Water Management

Are you passionate about sustainability and ready to make a real-world impact? Join WSSC Water, the largest water utility in Maryland, as a research student intern and be part of a team driving research and innovation in the water sector. Collaborate with engineering and operations experts, as well as leading industry researchers, on exciting projects that span multiple programs in sustainable water and wastewater management. As an intern, you’ll work on transformative initiatives, including monitoring and reducing emerging contaminants, optimizing operations to conserve resources and increase valuable byproducts, and intensifying treatment capacity to meet future demands. You’ll also contribute to efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, protect source water, and develop advanced, data-driven tools for operational excellence. This hands-on role provides a rare opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, gain invaluable experience in environmental engineering, and contribute to the future of sustainable water management. If you’re driven to make a difference, we want you on our team!

Essential Functions

- Conduct Testing: Conduct tests, both small-scale and large-scale, and analyze data for environmental engineering and science studies.

- Innovative Research: Research ways to enhance water filtration processes, water resource recovery processes and water quality.

- Data Analysis: Collect and interpret data to drive informed decision-making.

Other Functions

- Varied Work: Enjoy a mix of office-based and fieldwork, including environmental media sampling.

- Flexibility: Be open to taking on other related tasks as needed

Work Environment And Physical Demands

This role offers a dynamic blend of office-based work and hands-on field experiences, making it perfect for students eager to bridge theory with practice. Most tasks are performed in a collaborative office setting, fostering teamwork and innovation. Field visits, typically occurring once or twice per week, provide the chance to engage directly with operations and active projects, collect real-world data, and see environmental initiatives in action.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

- Environmental Knowledge: Familiarity with the principles of water resources management, with a focus on water, wastewater, and biosolids/residuals treatment.

- Engineering Skills: Ability to perform computations, develop informed estimates, and apply engineering principles to practical problems.

- Effective Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the capability to prepare and deliver presentations that involve critical thinking and detailed analysis.

- Collaborative Team Player: Demonstrated success in contributing to a team-oriented environment, with a commitment to continuous improvement and shared goals.

- Proactive Mindset: A self-starter attitude, characterized by seeking feedback, offering assistance proactively, and remaining receptive to new ideas.

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

Successful completion of first 2 years in an Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Sciences Undergraduate program.

Research Student Intern – Driving Innovation in Sustainable Water Management