Internship - Environmental Soil Science

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. 

Position Title:

Environmental Soil Sciences Intern

Department:

Monitoring and Research

Location:

O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant

3500 Howard Street

Skokie, IL 60076

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. The prospective intern will participate with a collaborative effort between the MWRD and Iowa State University (ISU) focusing on the utilization of algae for nutrient recovery from wastewater by evaluating Revolving Algal Biofilm (RAB) System as a sustainable solution for nutrient recovery to meet effluent phosphorus limits. Intern will learn about water quality, wastewater treatment processes, and role of nutrients in causing eutrophication. Intern will also learn about nutrient cycling and making valuable products from algae biomass. Intern will run day-to-day operations of RAB system at O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant, taking samples of influent and effluent, harvesting algae biomass, drying the biomass, and data management. In addition, they will set up and conducting experiments at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant greenhouse to test the algae biomass and other analysis in the laboratory. At the conclusion of this experience, the intern will be able to articulate their findings and the relationship between this study and the mission of the District.

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 degree in Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, or related field of study; have a driver’s license; and may require personal transportation.