GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for aTemporary Student Intern - Regulatory Compliance in the Regulatory Compliance Department.

Apply now! Applications will be accepted through Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m .

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 Corporate 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.

I RWD'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 General supervision, performs a variety of research tasks and support work and prepares comprehensive reports and studies as assigned, working directly with professional and technical staff in assigned areas. Temporary Student Interns will perform meaningful, productive and challenging work by making significant contributions to projects, research or other primary District functions. Temporary Student Interns will receive hands on training emphasizing teamwork, independence and development of technical skills.

Student Interns in the Regulatory Compliance Department will gain hands on training and experience performing field sample collection of water, recycled water, and wastewater facilities using multiple techniques. Interns will also gain experience with entering data for regulatory reporting, reviewing new and existing regulations in the water and wastewater industries, using software to streamline data management and regulatory processes, and gain valuable knowledge about water permitting and public health and environmental protection while serving the local community.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Student Intern is a temporary job classification who is actively enrolled as a student in an institution of higher learning at either the undergraduate or graduate level.

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.

Performs a variety of office and/or field research, data collection and analysis related to an assigned subject.

Under supervision, utilize appropriate field instruments and equipment to measure and record physical water quality parameters and/or collect appropriate water samples at various locations for laboratory analysis.

Shadows expert position(s) within the department and train in a variety of tasks.

Compiles, organizes and interprets data with meticulous attention to detail and investigative ability when a problem arises.

Prepares comprehensive technical reports and/or studies on assigned subject matter.

Performs preliminary quality assurance review of field water quality data that has been entered into LIMS (Laboratory Information System) by Regulatory Compliance Field Monitoring Staff.

When assigned to monitoring, tasks may also include preparing for sample collection, collecting samples, and completing chain of custodies.

Prepares documents, memos and other correspondence as necessary for project completion.

Attends meetings as required.

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

Works a maximum of 20 hours per week as school schedule permits.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities in 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 the graduate level, is required.

Experience : None

Knowledge of:

• Research methods and data collection techniques including statistical methods, English usage, grammar, punctuation, report writing techniques and intermediate to advanced level skill in Microsoft Office Suite required.

Ability to :

• Work independently, without close supervision, in the office and field; 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.

License/Certifications Required
Valid Class “C” California Drivers' License required.

• 
  

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; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing up to 25 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.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION
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

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 conductedthrough 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

Closing Date/Time: 7/31/2026 10:00 AM Pacific

Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code (see Authorizing Statue/Enabling Act), Irvine Ranch Water District 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. Board members are elected from five divisions and serve four-year terms. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager.