Summer Internship in Raw Water & Pipeline Maintenance Unit Plant & Field Electrician
Valley Water
Salary: $28.27 Hourly
Job Type: Internship/Temporary Worker
Job Number: 00269-SI
Location: CA, CA
Department: Water Utility Summer Internship Program
Closing: 2/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
SKILLED TRADES SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY!
Summer Internship in Raw Water Field Operations & Pipeline Maintenance Unit - Plant & Field Electrician
Location: Reporting to: CPP (Coyote Pumping Plant): 18300 Peet Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 & Valley Water Headquarters (5750 Almaden Expy. San Jose, CA 95118)
1 Internship Available!
OVERVIEW
Do you want to make a difference in your community while also gaining priceless career experience? Do you want to expand your network and build your resume while learning about the water industry? If so, a summer internship with Valley Water may be the best choice for you! Join us and use your talents to help maintain safe and clean water for a healthy environment.
Our Commitment:
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protection, and environmental stewardship.
About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San Jose, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.
About Next Gen Career Pathway's Summer Internships:
The 2026 College Summer Internship Program offers students nationwide a chance to gain practical experience while exploring careers in the water industry. Each intern will have a Valley Water staff mentor and will receive professional development training, participate in networking events, and prepare a capstone presentation at the end of the program. Although some positions in the program will follow a hybrid format, with a mix of in-office and remote work based on business needs, other roles may require interns to work on-site full-time in a lab, office, or field setting, as specified in the job postings.
About The Raw Water Field Operations & Pipeline Maintenance Unit:
The Raw Water Field Operations and Pipeline Maintenance Unit is responsible for the mechanical, electrical, and control system preventive, corrective, and rehabilitative maintenance of the pipeline infrastructure which includes three pump stations (Pacheco PPP, Coyote CPP, and Vasona VPP) and 142 miles of pipeline as well as the operations of complex recharge and water distribution systems (e.g., groundwater recharge basins, reservoirs, re-charge canals, and other water supply infrastructure).
The selected intern for this unit will assist with electrical duties in the maintenance, repair, inspection, testing, and installation of electrical and related equipment, water treatment, distribution, and power generation at PPP, VPP and Coyote Plumbing Plant (CPP) at 18300 Peet Road in Morgan Hill, CA 95037. Additionally, the selected intern will report to Valley Water's Headquarters at 5750 Almaden Expy. San Jose, CA 95118 for professional career development workshops and networking every other Friday.
INTERNSHIP LOCATION STATUS:
This internship position is a Hands-On (OJT) training and will require the selected candidate to report on-site 100% of the time, adhering to strict safety protocols. This internship will be located at the Coyote Pumping Plant at 18300 Peet Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Required License or Certificate
DESIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Students pursuing education/studies in electrical field, industrial/commercial electrical technology, utility substation power operations, or electrical trade-focused field.
- Coursework completed, in progress, or interest in learning fundamental electrical concepts, including basic circuitry, motors, controls, transformers, and electrical safety principles.
- Coursework or interest in applying basic mathematics for measurements, calculations, and documentation related to electrical work.
- Interest in learning about electrical systems used in water treatment, distribution, power generation, or utility operations, including large motors, switchgear, generators, and substations.
- Familiarity with or interest in learning applicable electrical codes, standards, and safety regulations, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) and California Electrical Safety Orders.
- Interest in developing hands-on skills using electrical tools, safety gear PPE, conducting Job Hazard Analysis, measuring devices, VFD controllers, material handling/ordering, and troubleshooting/testing equipment under a Journey Level Electrical staff supervision.
- Interest in learning how electrical maintenance and repair needs are identified, documented, and addressed through troubleshooting and corrective actions.
- Ability or interest in learning how to organize information, maintain accurate records, and support documentation related to work performed.
- Reliability and strong work ethic
- Teamwork and effective collaboration
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Positive attitude when facing challenging situations
- Ability to stand, kneel, bend, stoop, crawl, and climb ladders for extended periods
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable working indoors and outdoors, including in inclement weather and confined spaces
- Ability to work in industrial or commercial environments
- Tolerance for exposure to noise, dust, and operating machinery
- Enrollment in or completion of a trade school or electrical program
- Basic PLC awareness (inputs and outputs; no programming required)
- Prior electrical experience in shop, industrial, or construction settings
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND INTERNSHIP TASKS (Representative duties include, but are not limited to):
- Assist mentor with supporting electrical maintenance, inspection, testing, and installation activities related to water treatment, distribution, and power generation facilities, under close supervision.
- Observe and support electrical work processes by helping organize tools, materials, and documentation in accordance with established procedures and standards.
- Assist with identifying maintenance or repair needs by collecting information, documenting observations, and reporting findings to assigned staff.
- Assist with maintaining accurate records, daily logs, and basic reports related to work performed, following unit documentation practices.
- Participate in safety briefings and follow established safety procedures; assist with identifying potential job-site hazards.
- Collaborate with maintenance and operations staff to support assigned work and learn industry-standard electrical practices in a public utility setting.
- Perform other related tasks that support maintenance operations and learning objectives.
- Follow all safety rules, company policies and procedures.
Selection Process
ELIGIBILITY:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college, trade, apprenticeship, or technical program
- Proof of enrollment will be required prior to the start of the assignment.
- Applicants must be able to work full-time (40 hours/week) during the College Summer Internship Program.
- Only applicants who have not participated in a Valley Water College Summer Internship Program before will be considered.
- Valley Water requires interns to work within 150 miles of the Valley Water office they are to report to by their start date. The intern must perform their work in the State of California, not more than 150 miles from Valley Water's office (5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA) for the duration of their internship.
- Selected candidates must pass a pre-employment screening process, which includes reference and background/criminal checks.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications will be accepted February 2 through February 15, 2026.
To apply, applicants must submit the following through the online application system:
- A fully completed online Employment Application with all required questions answered. We encourage applicants to share details about relevant work experience, academic projects, volunteer activities, and/or extracurricular involvement.
- Complete the supplemental questions in the job application with detail and honesty. These questions help us better understand your interests and experiences. If you are applying to multiple internships, please tailor your answer to every internship you are applying for. Please ensure your supplemental responses are specific to each internship job posting. Do not indicate "see resume" as a response to any of the questions.
- Resumes and cover letters are optional but are helpful and appreciated by the Mentors reviewing the applications. Please label and include these documents in the "Attachments" section.
- Former participants in Valley Water's Summer Internship or Water Works Program are not eligible to apply.
To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scvwd/jobs/5206368/summer-internship-in-raw-water-pipeline-maintenance-unit-plant-field-electr
jeid-48487d02d155d84e9fee98bcbba998ac