Student Interns - Santa Rosa Water

STUDENT INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The City of Santa Rosa is committed to building a workforce reflective of our community and establishing a lasting culture of equity and belonging within our organization. Our collective talents and expertise contribute to high-quality public services that support a vibrant, resilient, inclusive City for our community and visitors. We celebrate a diverse workforce and welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

Santa Rosa Water has excellent paid internship opportunities in the Water-Use Efficiency, Energy and Sustainability, Environmental Laboratory, Environmental Compliance, and Storm Water and Creeks sections.

This recruitment is to establish a list for current vacancies and anticipated future vacancies in other sections. Depending on job performance and the Department's operational needs, internships can last from one to three years.

APPLY ONLINE ONLY AT WWW.SRCITY.ORG/JOBS

ABOUT THE POSITIONS:

Water-Use Efficiency:

Water-Use Efficiency interns are college or vocational program students with an interest in water use efficiency, water resource management and/or urban water systems. Interns gain on-the-job training in a range of water use efficiency duties, strategies, technologies, and programs. This rewarding internship provides Interns with the knowledge to conduct water-use efficiency surveys, usually a pre-requisite to full-time water efficiency positions. To learn more about Santa Rosa's Water-Use Efficiency programs, please visit our website www.srcity.org/WaterSmart.

An ideal candidate in Water-Use Efficiency is:

• Interested in learning how to conduct water-use efficiency audits

• Able to work 15 to 20 hours per week in 5-hour (or longer) shifts during the regular work week

• Enjoys a mix of in-office and field work

• Able to work occasional evenings and weekends, as available

• Skilled in customer service and teamwork

• An effective and respectful communicator

Energy and Sustainability:

The position will perform administrative, outreach, and promotional support for the Take it From the TAP! Program and other Department sustainability initiatives. The position is for students interested in a career in communications and outreach or environmental sustainability.  The candidate will promote the wholesomeness and conservation of the City's water resources, develop educational curriculums for all ages, provide presentations to school age children and the public, and broad support for public outreach events.

An ideal candidate in Energy & Sustainability is:

• Experienced in working with children

• Knowledgeable of our water system, water supply, environmental justice and environmental sustainability issues

• Passionate about engaging the public about water quality, supply and sustainability issues

• Able to work 15-20 hours in 5-hour (or longer) shifts during the work week

• Able to work occasional evenings and weekends, as available

• Able to work well with a collaborative team

• Able to follow instructions (verbal and written)

• Possession of California Class C driver's license is required

Environmental Laboratory:

Environmental laboratory interns work alongside experienced laboratory staff to learn about environmental laboratory operations. Qualified students will be enrolled in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Studies or a related program. The position is located at the City's Laguna Environmental Laboratory at 4300 Llano Road, Santa Rosa, California. The candidate must be available to work during typical work-week hours.

The Ideal Candidate in the Laboratory Section is:

• Able to learn and follow safe laboratory practices

• Detail-oriented and able to produce accurate, high quality work

• Able to work well in a team environment

• Able to follow instructions (verbal and written)

Environmental Compliance:

Environmental Compliance Interns are students that have an interest in wastewater sampling techniques, a desire to learn field analysis skills and are available to work mornings 20 hours a week. Interns will be trained to set up, maintain and clean sampling instrumentation, learn sampling and data entry software, table outreach events, and will learn local, state and federal pretreatment guidelines. This position provides an opportunity to interact with the public, other City or Water Department sections, and regulatory agencies. In addition, students will learn about storm water and wastewater collection systems, environmental compliance inspections and standard operating procedures of different wastewater sampling methods. Interns will be working alongside experienced Inspectors and will focus primarily on pretreatment work listed below:

The Ideal Candidate in the Environmental Compliance Section is:

• Able to follow safe sampling practices in industrial and street/traffic settings

• Detail-oriented

• Able to work well in a team environment

• Able to follow instructions (verbal and written)

Storm Water and Creeks:

Work will be performed in both an office setting and outside in the field on uneven slopes. The work requires walking and standing for periods of time in potentially adverse weather conditions as well as lifting of materials up to 25 pounds. Qualified candidates should have the ability to:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• record field measurements
• read construction plans
• work with computers and perform database entry
• work outside for up to 4 hours at a time

HOW TO APPLY:

Please complete a thoughtful, thorough Supplemental Questionnaire submission. As part of the selection process, your responses to these questions will be scored using criteria specific to this position. Incomplete responses and responses such as "See Resume" can result in disqualification from the selection process. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter.

THE SELECTION PROCESS:

The selection process will include a minimum qualifications assessment; and may also include an application and supplemental questionnaire review, followed by department selection interviews.

For more information about this exciting opportunity, please contact Debbie Gutman at dgutman@cpshr.us

Water-Use Efficiency:

• Work with staff to assess water use efficiency in single family homes, apartment complexes, businesses, and institutions

• Prepare recommendations for helping customers improve water use efficiency

• Conduct pre- and post-inspections to qualify customers for rebates and incentives

• Promote water use efficiency at public outreach and education events

• Measure landscapes, identify plants, assess irrigation systems and collect data

• Enter data into databases and conduct analysis of customer water use histories

Energy and Sustainability:

• Work directly with the public to provide information at events

• Promote environmental programs such as the Earth Day Fair and Take it From the TAP! 

• Research and identify sources of grants, awards or other income

• Assist with writing grants, as needed

• Assist with the development of outreach materials

• Give presentations to K-12 and college students as well as at various community groups

• Participate in public events and help plan campaigns and events

Environmental Laboratory:

• Clean laboratory glassware

• Stock laboratory supplies

• Scan and file laboratory documents

• Prepare reagents and bacteriological media

• Dispose of completed samples

• Assist with routine lab duties

Environmental Compliance:

• Assist in set up, deployment and cleaning automated sampling equipment

• Calibrate pH meters

• Test grab and composite samples

• Follow procedures to preserve samples for the laboratory

• Assist in restaurant inspections working with business representatives

• Assist in education tabling public outreach events

• Data entry and filing

Storm Water and Creeks:

• Assist in conducting wetland delineations, animal and plant surveys, and preparing environmental documents and regulatory permits for City projects.

• Assist with storm water sampling, field assessments, calibration and use of field equipment.

• Assist on storm water investigations and survey of summer flow to creeks.

• Assist or lead storm water outreach activities, including public education, events, web page and social media updates and development of outreach resources.

• Assist with the Creek Stewardship Program activities such as creek clean ups, education, coordination, signage and restoration.

• Assist or lead creek restoration planning and field monitoring.

• Research historic creek maintenance responsibilities and recorded easements to support a citywide database.

General Qualifications: To qualify for any Student Intern position, individuals must be enrolled in a full-time or part-time academic or vocational program or curriculum which is directly related to the work the Intern would be performing for the City. Student Interns are classified as temporary employees and work variable hours per week on a schedule that accommodates their academic coursework or schedule and the operational needs of the department. Interns must have the ability to: complete basic arithmetic calculations; efficiently and accurately use computer software programs; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and if required, have the ability to work outside periodically.

License: For assignments that require travel to locations throughout the City, individuals must be physically capable of operating a motor vehicle safely and possess a valid, Class C California driver's license OR be able to demonstrate the ability to travel on scheduled and unscheduled visits to various locations in the City which may or may not be reachable by public transportation.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Water-Use Efficiency: Interns in Water-Use Efficiency work a flexible schedule, depending on program needs, occasionally including evenings and weekends. Our most successful interns work an average of 15-20 hours per week. The majority of their work is performed in teams. Tasks often involve working outside and require walking and standing for periods of time as well as lifting of materials up to 25 pounds. Office work includes using Microsoft Office software to create documents and spreadsheets and ARC GIS to generate maps for site audits (training provided). Qualified candidates should have the ability to calculate basic arithmetic, conduct field work in a variety of environments, be collaborative team members, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, accurately record data and enter it into a database, and provide excellent customer service.

Energy and Sustainability: Interns assigned to this classification work a flexible schedule, depending on program needs, including evenings and weekends. Our most successful interns work an average of 15-20 hours per week. Knowledge of our watershed, outreach strategies, fund development, structure of and effective techniques working with nonprofits, government agencies, and organizations. The ability to assist with the preparation of Tap! lesson plans for school age students. Exceptional oral communication skills sufficient to give educational presentations face-to-face or to large groups. Familiarity with problem-solving techniques and rules of English grammar, punctuation and spelling sufficient to prepare reports, surveys, and correspondence. Ability to work effectively with minimum supervision, follow written and oral direction and operate computer terminal and keyboard.

Environmental Laboratory: Most of the work will be performed in the laboratory. Interns must be able to stand for long periods of time and they must be able to carry light objects long distances and sometimes lift these objects over their shoulders. Interns sometimes lift and carry objects weighing up to 45 pounds for short distances. Interns must be able to perform repetitive arm/hand motions and must be able to perform data entry tasks on a computer keyboard. Interns also must be able to wear designated protective equipment and follow instructions to properly work with various chemicals. Interns must be able to discern changes in colors and must be able to hear and respond to auditory alarms such as timers.

Environmental Compliance: The Intern receives oral instructions from Inspectors regarding sampling locations, procedures and protocols. Work is performed sitting at a desk, standing at outreach events or in the field at commercial and industrial sites. The ability to pick up and move equipment weighing up to 75 pounds while he or she bends or stoops repeatedly using lower back muscles is necessary for the position.  Field tasks includes working with and around wastewater, industrial wastes, chemical preservatives and hazardous substances. Duties are performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to traffic and the elements for extensive periods of time. These exposures require personal protective equipment when the situation dictates. Tasks include travel to sites within the Regional collections system (Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Cotati and Rohnert Park) to set up equipment and sample various locations. Environmental Compliance Interns are expected to obtain industrial meter reads, set composite samplers and retrieve sampling equipment. Daily duties require climbing ladders or steps, using common hand tools and cleaning sampling apparatus wearing normal protective clothing. Interns conduct field work in a variety of environments, are a team player, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, accurately record data and enter it into a database, and provide excellent customer service. Attention to detail is a must. The candidate must be available to work from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at least four of the five days.

Storm Water & Creeks: Work will be performed outdoors in the field and in an office setting.  Incumbents will sit or stand for extended periods with the ability to rest as needed. Communication occurs face to face, outside over distances, on the telephone, and via electronic devices. Computer work involves continuous or repetitive arm-hand movements when using the mouse and keyboard. Field work includes work on steep and uneven terrain, possibly during adverse weather conditions, and requires lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.

SANTA ROSA - A WONDERFUL CITY TO CALL HOME:

The City of Santa Rosa is nestled in the center of famous Sonoma Wine Country, located just 55 miles north of San Francisco and 30 miles east of the Pacific Ocean with a population of approximately 180,000. Santa Rosa serves as the County seat and the center of trade, government, commerce, and medical facilities for the North Bay. The surrounding area is home to over a hundred wineries and vineyards and many beautiful parks and recreational facilities, including golf courses. Santa Rosa is in the center of a nationally recognized cycling area. We boast many attractions associated with large cities, including a symphony, performing arts center, theater productions and internationally recognized restaurants, yet still retain the warmth and small town feel of decades past. Santa Rosa has been named one of the 50 greenest cities in the United States with one of the top five mid-sized downtowns in California.

The City of Santa Rosa is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment. Requests for reasonable accommodations needed to participate in the recruitment process may be made by submitting a Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form within five (5) business days of being noticed that an event requiring accommodation is occurring. You may also contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 543-3060 or jobs@srcity.org.