Internship - Laboratory and Data Collection

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 letter of recommendation through MWRD’s Online Employment Center.

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

Position Title:

Laboratory & Data Collection Intern

Department:

Monitoring and Research

Location:

Stickney Water Reclamation Plant 

6001 West Pershing Road 

Cicero, IL 60804

Description:

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) is in search of a current college student seeking an internship opportunity in the Monitoring & Research Department’s Industrial Waste Laboratory. The prospective intern will participate in an ongoing cyanide data collection project. The intern will learn to operate a cyanide segmented flow instrument for the generation of both total and weak acid dissociable cyanide data, safe preparation of samples and reagents, and learning to operate the Laboratory Information Management System. The inter will learn how to manage sample flow through the laboratory ensuring no samples exceed their holding time. The intern will also learn how to critically assess data for reproducibility and quality. The intern will gain valuable experience in how a large laboratory operates, learning how to organize his/her time along with instrument running time to maximize productivity. In addition, the intern will obtain his/her Demonstration for Capability certification in both of the analyses showing their ability to proficiently analyse samples for cyanide.

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 student seeking a degree in a science related field. Chemistry and Environmental or Biological Sciences are preferable. An interest working with scientific instrumentation is desirable.