Temporary Student Intern - Natural Resources

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently hiring Three (3) Temporary Student Interns in the Natural Treatment Systems Department.
 

Apply now! Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

 

The Position

Under direct supervision, perform a variety of water quality monitoring, maintenance, and research tasks, field support work, and assist in preparation of reports and studies as assigned, working directly with professional and technical staff in assigned areas. Student Interns will perform meaningful, productive, and challenging work by making significant contributions to projects, research, or other primary District functions. Student Interns will receive hands on training emphasizing teamwork, independence, and development of technical skills.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Student Intern(s) must be actively enrolled as a student in an institution of higher learning at either the undergraduate or graduate level.  Student Intern is a temporary job classification requiring enrollment in school or an academic program.

For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click here.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts a variety of sampling methods including water and biological specimens; delivers samples to IRWD or contract laboratories.

Conducts basic field and laboratory tests including: electrical conductivity (EC), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, and temperature; using sondes, microscopes, global positioning system (GPS) units, and other basic field equipment.

Prepares and analyzes water quality data using Microsoft Excel, Access, and other data management software; calculates removal efficiency; hydraulic retention time, as well as other common water calculations.

Conducts regularly scheduled site inspections of District wetland facilities, including monitoring of wildlife at each site.

Assists in the identification of various plants, animals, and other biota in Southern California natural habitats, and differentiates non-native species from native species.

Interprets regulatory documents and applies them to the natural treatment of surface water and associated habitats.

Assists in the design and establishment of new natural treatment wetland sites throughout the District's service area, including restoration of degraded wetlands.

Reads and interprets construction plans.

Performs various field labor tasks, including but not limited to raking, shoveling, lifting and adjustment of weir boards.

Coordinates work with other District departments, including Engineering, Water Quality, and Water Resources.

Understand and implement the District's safety policies and procedures.

Attends meetings as needed.

Complies with District safety work-related practices and attends relevant safety training.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.   A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

At the time of appointment, active enrollment as a student in an institution of higher learning at either the undergraduate or graduate level with coursework in at least one of the following areas: Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Science, or Natural Resources Management is required.  

Experience:

Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel is required.

License/Certifications:

A valid Class “C” California Drivers’ License. 

 Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel is required.

Ability to:

• Work independently, without close supervision, in the field or office.
• Read and interpret complex technical documents.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Use tact, discretion, patience, and understanding in dealing with customers and the public.
• Apply plant and animal species identification techniques.
• Apply District safety policies and procedures related to wetlands operation and maintenance.
• Avail yourself to work during District hours, M - F 6:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m., as school schedule allows.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing up to 45 pounds. Walk long distances over uneven terrain. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, dust, air contaminants, or other materials in the field. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.