Internship - Treatment Plant Operations

Recruitment #20-20001026-600

Introduction

MWRD's Internship Program offers paid internship positions. While the main focus is on wastewater management, there are opportunities to gain knowledge and practical experience in a wide range of functions in each department.

Paid Interns

Paid interns are limited to 119 working days per calendar year and receive $15.00 per hour. They do not receive benefits or paid days off.

Required Documents

  • Referral from a class instructor, professor, or Internship Coordinator from current school or university. 
  • Cover letter stating interest in position.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Enrollment in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university.
  • Permanent residency in Cook County (but students may attend school outside the county limit).
  • Applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an individual otherwise legally authorized to work in the U.S.

    Candidates are required to submit the Online Internship Application, submit a cover letter and referral letter through MWRD’s Online Employment Center.

    Questions regarding the internship program may be directed to MWRDInternships@mwrd.org. 

    Minimum Requirements

    Position Title:

    Dual Treatment Plant Operations Intern

    Department:

    Maintenance and Operations

    Location:

    O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant

    3500 Howard Street

    Skokie, IL 60076


    Kirie Water Reclamation Plant

    701 West Oakton Street

    Des Plaines, IL 60018

    Description:

    The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is in search of a current college student seeking an internship opportunity in the Maintenance & Operations Department. The prospective intern will assist with duties related to key operations at the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant and the Kirie Water Reclamation Plant. The prospective intern would use basic AutoCAD, word processing, and spreadsheet software to help update plant equipment/layout drawings and analyze plant data for use in process control. The intern is expected to gain experience with the process for treating wastewater and offer recommendations for possible improvements based on their engineering education and training. They will be afforded the unique opportunity to use their education in a practical environment and apply critical thinking methods while observing and assessing current District treatment functions. The intern would also be working with operations staff to understand the MWRD's role in treating wastewater and protecting our water environment. Internship will be split between KWRP and OWRP.

    Rate of Pay:

    This is a paid internship at $15.00/hr.

    Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:

    Applicants must have a current residence in Cook County, IL; be a citizen or national of the U.S., an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an individual otherwise legally authorized to work in the U.S.; and must obtain a referral letter from current school, class instructor or Internship Coordinator.

    Educational Requirements:

    Applicants must be a current graduate or undergraduate engineering student seeking a degree in Civil, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering. Familiarity with design plan, basic CAD, GIS and spreadsheet software desired, but not required. Ability to commute to either Skokie or Des Plaines.