Industrial Waste Lab Intern

Recruitment #23-20001026-702

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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 $18.00 per hour. They do not receive benefits or paid days off.

Required Documents:

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

Eligibility Requirements

  • Enrollment in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university.
  • Permanent residency within the territorial boundaries of the MWRD (students may attend school outside the territorial boundaries).
  • You must be a citizen or national of the United States, or an individual who is otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States.

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

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

Minimum Requirements

Position Title:

Industrial Waste Lab 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 is seeking an intern to serve in the Monitoring and Research Department. The laboratory is responsible for analytical analysis of Total Organic Carbon; Biochemical Oxygen Demand; Hexavalent Chromium; Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids; Fats, Oil and Grease; Cyanide and Phenol for plant operation as well as industrial users. 

The intern duties will include learning:

  • to operate a Skalar Segmented Flow Analyzer for the generation of total cyanide and phenol data.
  • use an Ion Chromatograph Analyzer for the analysis of Hexavalent Chromium, 
  • all safety protocols for the proper preparation of samples and reagents, 
  • how to critically assess data for reproducibility and quality,
  • how to operate the Laboratory Information Management System. 

During the program, interns will work closely with the laboratory staff on daily workflows and prioritizing assignments for maximum productivity. In addition, interns will obtain their Demonstration of Capability certification in their assigned analysis, showing their ability to proficiently analyze samples for said analysis.

By the completion of the internship, the intern will have gained valuable experience working in a fast pace, high production environmental laboratory.

Rate of Pay:

This is a paid internship at $18.00/hr.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Attention to detail
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Educational Qualifications:

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program majoring in environmental science, biology, or chemistry.