Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I APPLY TO BECOME AN INTERN?
All applications must be submitted online at SDCWA. You will be submitting your application to the Internship Selection Committee composed of public and private water and wastewater agencies and local community colleges.
WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS?
Complete and submit your application. Incomplete applications are not considered. The conditions of the internship require a security background check, valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under agencies' vehicle insurance policy, passing the pre-employment physical, and satisfactory employment authorization documentation, and enrollment in water/wastewater technology courses at either Cuyamaca College or Palomar College.
WHAT IS THE WATER/WASTEWATER INDUSTRY?
The water and wastewater industry includes water supply, treatment, and distribution systems. These systems supply water to homes, schools, and businesses. Wastewater collection and treatment facilities remove chemicals and other pollutants from used water, then return clean water to streams, rivers and oceans.
WHY WORK IN THE WATER/WASTEWATER INDUSTRY?
The demand for a safe and reliable supply of water continues to grow. This means good opportunities for jobs today and in the future. Working in the water and wastewater industry, you can make an important contribution to the community and environment.
HOW MUCH WILL I BE PAID AND HOW MANY HOURS WILL I WORK?
The hourly pay is established each year by the committee. For the 2019-2020 program year, interns will be paid $13.00 per hour. Interns will work no more than 27-hours each workweek.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?
There is no cost to participate in the internship program, however interns are responsible for their usual tuition and books, and safety work boots, if needed.
WHERE WILL I WORK?
Interns will work in up to four different water and wastewater agencies located throughout San Diego County over the course of the year.
WHAT IS THE WORK ENVIRONMENT?
Interns will work in field and office environments with mentors, co-workers, and supervisors. Work may be physically challenging. See the application for more information on work environment and physical demands.
WILL I HAVE A JOB WHEN I FINISH THE INTERNSHIP?
Interns meet potential employers during the internship year. While there is no guarantee that there will be a job waiting for you at the end of the internship, this is an excellent opportunity to network with people already in water, and to demonstrate your work ethic and skills in the event they are looking to hire.
IF I AM OFFERED A JOB DURING THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Congratulations! Accept the position, and then call the Internship Program Administrator to let them know of your success! You do not have to continue in the internship program if you take the job. You are encouraged to continue your courses in water/wastewater technology.
WHAT IS THE PROGRAM SCHEDULE?
The internship program begins approximately one week before the start of fall classes and ends approximately one week following the end of spring classes. The approximate program schedule is provided on the Member Agency page.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?
Maintain a C or better average in water and wastewater technology courses and a satisfactory performance with each internship provider, completing all four career experience modules.
HOW CAN I MEET POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS?
You will meet potential employers as you work with the internship providers.
WHO SPONSORS THE INTERNSHIP?
The San Diego County Water Authority is proud to be the program administrator, but the success of the program depends on the regional water agencies, community colleges, and private sector partners to bring the program to life each year.
All applications must be submitted online at SDCWA. You will be submitting your application to the Internship Selection Committee composed of public and private water and wastewater agencies and local community colleges.
WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS?
Complete and submit your application. Incomplete applications are not considered. The conditions of the internship require a security background check, valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under agencies' vehicle insurance policy, passing the pre-employment physical, and satisfactory employment authorization documentation, and enrollment in water/wastewater technology courses at either Cuyamaca College or Palomar College.
WHAT IS THE WATER/WASTEWATER INDUSTRY?
The water and wastewater industry includes water supply, treatment, and distribution systems. These systems supply water to homes, schools, and businesses. Wastewater collection and treatment facilities remove chemicals and other pollutants from used water, then return clean water to streams, rivers and oceans.
WHY WORK IN THE WATER/WASTEWATER INDUSTRY?
The demand for a safe and reliable supply of water continues to grow. This means good opportunities for jobs today and in the future. Working in the water and wastewater industry, you can make an important contribution to the community and environment.
HOW MUCH WILL I BE PAID AND HOW MANY HOURS WILL I WORK?
The hourly pay is established each year by the committee. For the 2019-2020 program year, interns will be paid $13.00 per hour. Interns will work no more than 27-hours each workweek.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?
There is no cost to participate in the internship program, however interns are responsible for their usual tuition and books, and safety work boots, if needed.
WHERE WILL I WORK?
Interns will work in up to four different water and wastewater agencies located throughout San Diego County over the course of the year.
WHAT IS THE WORK ENVIRONMENT?
Interns will work in field and office environments with mentors, co-workers, and supervisors. Work may be physically challenging. See the application for more information on work environment and physical demands.
WILL I HAVE A JOB WHEN I FINISH THE INTERNSHIP?
Interns meet potential employers during the internship year. While there is no guarantee that there will be a job waiting for you at the end of the internship, this is an excellent opportunity to network with people already in water, and to demonstrate your work ethic and skills in the event they are looking to hire.
IF I AM OFFERED A JOB DURING THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Congratulations! Accept the position, and then call the Internship Program Administrator to let them know of your success! You do not have to continue in the internship program if you take the job. You are encouraged to continue your courses in water/wastewater technology.
WHAT IS THE PROGRAM SCHEDULE?
The internship program begins approximately one week before the start of fall classes and ends approximately one week following the end of spring classes. The approximate program schedule is provided on the Member Agency page.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?
Maintain a C or better average in water and wastewater technology courses and a satisfactory performance with each internship provider, completing all four career experience modules.
HOW CAN I MEET POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS?
You will meet potential employers as you work with the internship providers.
WHO SPONSORS THE INTERNSHIP?
The San Diego County Water Authority is proud to be the program administrator, but the success of the program depends on the regional water agencies, community colleges, and private sector partners to bring the program to life each year.