Internship - Graduate - Systems Planning for Water/Wastewater/Reclaimed Water (Austin Water)

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles—Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity — anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

AUSTIN WATER

For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1 million people in the Austin metropolitan area, spanning more than 548 square miles.

The utility draws water from the Colorado River into three regional water treatment plants, Handcox, Davis, and Ullrich, which have a combined capacity of 335 million gallons per day.

Austin Water has two wastewater treatment plants, Walnut Creek and South Austin Regional, that can receive up to 150 million gallons per day of sewage to treat. Wastewater is cleaned into high-quality effluent that is safely returned to the Colorado River to augment environmental flows. More than a billion gallons of this high-quality effluent are reclaimed annually for outdoor irrigation, industrial cooling, manufacturing, and other purposes.Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position assists in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government related to benchmarked professional positions, performing advanced internship duties.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.

• Conducts research, collects and organizes data, performs analyses, and prepares reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.

• Proposes solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.

• Is responsible for special projects as assigned.

• Leads, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

 None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.

• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.

• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.

• Knowledge of statistical analysis.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in using computers and related software applications.

• Skill in problem solving.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

• Ability to create clear and concise reports.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an accredited college or university graduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

•  None.

Notes to Candidate:

About Department & Key Responsibilities

Austin Water is seeking a Civil or Environmental Engineering Student, or student with similar training, to join our Systems Planning Division. This team plans new utility infrastructure, uses hydraulic models for analysis of water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and water supply systems, and reviews infrastructure plans relating to growth in Austin. The purpose of this position is to perform duties to support Systems Planning's team.
 

Tasks may include:

• Performing site visits to water and reclaimed water facilities to verify locations, elevations, and similar specifications of infrastructure. Includes identifying major appurtenances, interpreting record drawings and schematics, measuring elevations of sensors, correlating sensors to SCADA tags, and thoroughly documenting findings.

• Collecting data from hydrants within the water distribution system by taking pressure readings and performing fire flow tests. Includes utilizing GIS to locate hydrants, operating hydrants, and reading pressure gauges.

• Updating GIS databases based on as-built drawings, planning documents, and similar data sources.

• Creating maps and performing GIS analyses related to wastewater, water and reclaimed water.

• Assisting in hydraulic model building and calibration.

This summer internship is anticipated to start in late Summer 2025 and requires candidates to work a hybrid schedule, including reporting to our downtown Austin office for in-person days and traveling to additional sites across Austin.

Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with a flexible schedule.

Payrate:

$21.63 per hour.

Location:

625 E. 10th Street Austin, Texas 78701

NOTE:

A cover letter and résumé are required for this position. Please be sure to upload your documents for consideration.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

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