Industrial Waste Analytical Lab 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 2024/2025 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:

Industrial Waste Analytical Lab Intern

Department:

Monitoring and Research Department

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, Total Suspended Solids; Fats, Oil and Grease; Cyanide and Phenol for plant operation and industrial users. 

The intern duties will include learning:

• to operate a Skalar Segmented Flow Analyzer to generate total cyanide and phenol data,
• use an Ion Chromatograph Analyzer to analyze Hexachrome, 
• learn all safety protocols used in a laboratory environment, 
• proper preparation of reagents as well as samples, 
• learn how to operate the Laboratory Information Management System.

During the program, the intern will work closely with the laboratory staff to learn daily workflows and prioritize assignments for maximum productivity. The intern will also learn to critically assess data for reproducibility and quality. In addition, the intern will obtain his/her 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.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Attention to detail
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Can work a minimum of eight weeks

Educational Requirements:

• Possess a background in one of the STEM fields
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program majoring in environmental science, biology, or chemistry.