General Description

The District:

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position

Under close supervision, the successful candidate will work directly with professional and technical staff performing a variety of analytical tasks and support work. The Temporary Student Intern will perform meaningful, productive, and challenging work by making significant contributions to routine laboratory work, special projects, research, or other primary District functions. Temporary Student Interns will receive hands on training emphasizing teamwork, independence, and development of technical skills within a quality framework.

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 a minimum of 12 units of school study.

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

This position is 100% in-office, meaning employees are expected to work from our Sand Canyon Headquarters or Operations Center office full-time, without the option for remote work.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Assists with entering data results into the Technical Information Management System (TIMS).

Assists in laboratory support and analysis related to the detection and quantification of microorganisms in water.

Assists in laboratory analysis and support work using Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) practices and aseptic techniques.

Assists with preparing and QC reagents, media, and solutions for use in laboratory analysis.

Assists with routine maintenance and cleaning on laboratory equipment, glassware, and supplies.

Assists with compiling, organizing and analyzing data.

Assists with preparing documents, memos and other correspondence necessary for project completion.

Attends meetings as needed.

Complies with general laboratory and analysis-specific Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols.

Complies with the guidelines and follows the laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS) under the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (CA-ELAP).

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

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Education

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:

At the time of appointment, active enrollment as a student in an institution of higher learning, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, is required.

Experience

Completion of chemistry, microbiology, or environmental science and laboratory college level courses required.

License/Certifications

None.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge of laboratory techniques, research methods, and data collection techniques including data analysis methods, English usage, grammar, punctuation, report writing techniques and intermediate to advanced level skill in Microsoft Office Suite required.
Knowledge of Quality Management and good laboratory practices; Industrial Hygiene; Laboratory Chemical Inventory and Safety; and/or Asset Management software a plus.

Ability To

Under close supervision in the office and laboratory; read and interpret complex technically written materials.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; use tact, discretion, patience and understanding in dealing with all levels of employees, customers, external partners and the public.
Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages.
Use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel). Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job.
Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.
Remain calm in crisis and emergency situations.
Use discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive and confidential information.
Reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop, and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator, and to operate standard office equipment. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requires clear speech and hearing.

Employees primarily work in an office setting but may occasionally need to go out in the field. When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; ability to 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. These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather 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.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Qualifications

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Spark Hire Assessment: As part of our interview process, candidates will participate in a one-way video interview conducted through Spark Hire. This interview allows candidates to showcase their ability to communicate clearly and confidently in a recorded format. During the interview, candidates will respond to a series of pre-recorded questions, demonstrating their verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ability to articulate their qualifications efficiently.

Oral Interview Examination: will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

Prorated Holiday Pay

No Other Benefits

01

Are you currently enrolled as a student in an institution of higher learning at either the undergraduate or graduate level?

02

Please indicate your area of study for your degree.

Chemistry
Biochemistry
Biology
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Ecology
Environmental Science

03

Please indicate your college level for Fall 2025

Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Graduate

04

What software or computer programs are you proficient in using?

Word
Excel
Access
Powerpoint
Oracle
Computerized Maintenance Management

05

Please List Any Relevant Laboratory Classes You Have Completed

06

I acknowledge this position is an in-person internship opportunity.

Yes, I acknowledge.
Required Question

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD)

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