GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for three (3) Temporary Student Intern - Automation positionin the Automation Department.

Apply now! Applications will be accepted through Monday, August 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.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 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.

The Position

Under direct supervision, performs a variety of technical research, documentation preparation, and supports related work within the Automation Department, as well as works directly with professional and technical staff in other assigned areas of the organization. Student Interns assigned to the Automation Department will get exposure to various aspects of Information Technology (IT), Operational Technology (OT), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Cybersecurity technologies utilized in the water/wastewater industry. Student Interns will perform meaningful, productive, and challenging work by receiving hands on training emphasizing teamwork, independence, and development of technical skills.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Student Interns must be 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 assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations, so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Participates in relevant technical and qualification training.

Assists in designing, implementing, and installing server, network, and SCADA infrastructure.

Assists with coding, developing, and deploying Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) applications and solutions.

Assists with troubleshooting software and hardware issues.

Receives training in problem solving, presenting, and applying the solutions.

Assists with performing software, hardware, firmware upgrades, patching & testing in development and production environments.

Assists with creating automated reports and alerts.

Assists with gathering, compiling, and integrating data into the districts computerized maintenance management systems.

Assists with preparing documents, memos, and other correspondence as necessary.

Assists with ordering materials and services within the procurement system.

Attends meetings as needed.

Performs other duties as required.

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, actively enrollment as a student in an institution of higher learning at either the undergraduate or graduate level is required. Must be majoring in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Software, Computer, Electrical, Control System or Mechatronics Engineering, or related major at the junior or senior bachelor’s degree level.

Experience:

None required.

License/Certifications:

A valid Class “C” California Drivers’ License.

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 are required.
• Prior experience with Microsoft Servers, Linux, SQL Database, Splunk, VS Code, Codex and Claude are desired.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop, and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 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. This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. 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, requiring 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

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 (tentatively scheduled for August 17, 2026) : 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 (tentatively scheduled for September 1, 2026) : 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: 8/3/2026 11:59 PM 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.