Treatment Plant Operations Intern

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.

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

• Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university and will be enrolled in the 2026/2027 school year.
• 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.

Position Title:

Treatment Plant Operations Intern

Department:

Maintenance and Operations 

Location:

Intern will work between three plant locations 

Egan Water Reclamation Plant

500 Meacham Road

Schaumburg, IL

Kirie Water Reclamation Plant

701 Oakton Street

Des Plaines, IL 

Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant

1220 Sycamore Avenue

Hanover Park, IL

Description:

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is seeking an intern to work within the Maintenance and Operations Department. The prospective intern will participate in:

• sampling activities, 
• laboratory analysis, 
• IEPA reporting protocols, 
• and learn about instrumentation for process control. 

Throughout the assignment, the intern will help with case studies and analysis of current data, actively discussing recommended solutions to ongoing challenges. The intern will also:

• assist the plant engineer in ongoing Maintenance and Operations projects, 
• contract administration, 
• site visits for ongoing construction projects, 
• work with Asset Management database, 
• and any other relevant projects. 

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:

The prospective intern will: 

• Participate in sampling activities, laboratory analysis, IEPA reporting protocols
• Learn about instrumentation for process control
• Help with case studies, analyze current data, and actively discuss recommended solutions to ongoing challenges. 
• Assist the plant engineer in ongoing M&O projects, contract administration, and site visits for ongoing construction projects. 
• Work with the Asset Management database and any other relevant projects. 
• Good oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Proficient in MS Excel and Word. 
• An understanding of basic Engineering principles and practices. 
• An exposure to wastewater treatment principles is a plus, but not required. 
• Reliable transportation. Intern will be split between 3 North Area plants (Egan/Kirie/Hanover Park) but will be stationed at only one plant each day.

Educational Requirements:

• Applicants should be entering their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of Engineering school and possess good oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. 
• The applicant should be proficient in MS Excel and Word and have an understanding of basic Engineering principles and practices. 
• An exposure to wastewater treatment principles is a plus but not required. 
• The intern will be split between 3 North Area plants (Egan/Kirie/Hanover Park) but will be stationed at only one plant each day. (Egan WRP - 550 S Meacham Road, Schaumburg. Kirie - 701 W Oakton Street, Des Plaines. Hanover Park - 1220 Sycamore Avenue, Hanover Park)