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Industrial Waste Analytical Lab Intern

M

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

24d ago

  • Internship
    Full-time
    Summer Internship
  • Science
    Research & Development
  • Chicago

AI generated summary

  • You must be enrolled in a STEM program, reside within MWRD boundaries, be a U.S. citizen, skilled in Microsoft Office, detail-oriented, and able to follow instructions for at least eight weeks.
  • You will operate analytical instruments, prepare samples and reagents, follow safety protocols, manage data, and collaborate with staff to ensure quality and productivity in lab workflows.

Requirements

  • Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university and will be enrolled in the 2025/2026 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.
  • 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
  • Possess a background in one of the STEM fields
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program majoring in environmental science, biology, or chemistry.

Responsibilities

  • 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.

FAQs

What is the duration of the internship?

The internship requires a minimum commitment of eight weeks.

What is the hourly pay for the internship position?

The hourly pay for the internship position is $18.00.

What documents are required to apply for the internship?

Required documents include a letter of recommendation, a cover letter stating your interest in the position, and a resume.

What educational background is needed to apply?

Applicants must possess a background in one of the STEM fields and be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program majoring in environmental science, biology, or chemistry.

Where is the internship located?

The internship is located at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, 6001 West Pershing Road, Cicero, IL 60804.

Is the internship a paid position?

Yes, the internship is a paid position.

How do I submit my application?

Candidates must submit the online internship application, cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation through MWRD's Online Employment Center.

Are there any citizenship requirements for the internship?

Yes, applicants must be a citizen or national of the United States or otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States.

What types of analytical methods will I learn during the internship?

Interns will learn to operate a Skalar Segmented Flow Analyzer, use an Ion Chromatograph Analyzer, and prepare reagents and samples in the laboratory.

Who can I contact for questions regarding the internship program?

Questions can be directed to MWRDInternships@mwrd.org.

M

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

The MWRD treats wastewater and manages stormwater for the Chicago region.

Government
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1889
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Established in 1889, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is an award-winning, special purpose government agency responsible for wastewater treatment and stormwater management in Cook County, Illinois. The MWRD provides services throughout an 883 square mile area which includes the City of Chicago and suburban communities. The MWRD serves an equivalent pop. of 10.35 million citizens; 5.25 million people, a commercial and industrial equivalent of 4.5 million people, and a combined sewer overflow of .6 million people. The MWRD's 554 miles of intercepting sewers and force mains range in size from 12 inches to 27 feet in diameter and are fed by approximately 10,000 local sewer system connections. The MWRD's Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) is one of the country’s largest public works projects for pollution and flood control. Four tunnel systems total 109 miles of tunnels, nine to 33 feet in diameter and 150 to 300 feet underground, are in operation. Three TARP reservoirs are in operation and construction is in progress on the remaining 6.5 billion gallon portion of the McCook Reservoir. The MWRD owns and operates the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, the world’s largest, in addition to six other plants and 23 pumping stations. Treating an average of 1.4 billion gallons of wastewater each day, the MWRD's total wastewater treatment capacity is over 2 billion gallons per day. The MWRD recycles all biosolids and has an aggressive outreach program.