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Treatment Plant Operations Intern (Treatment and Mechanical Operations)

M

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

1mo ago

  • Internship
    Full-time
    Summer Internship
  • Science
    Engineering
  • Chicago

AI generated summary

  • You must be enrolled in a degree program for 2025/2026, a U.S. citizen or authorized worker, with basic engineering knowledge, interest in wastewater treatment, and excellent communication skills.
  • You will assist in wastewater treatment processes, conduct basic equipment research, review documents, analyze data, and cross-train in treatment operations to understand the utility's functions.

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.
  • Basic Engineering/Technical science knowledge
  • Interest in wastewater treatment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Can work both independently and in a team-environment
  • Willingness to learn and participate in all aspects of the internship
  • Minimum of one year of undergraduate work in any engineering discipline.
  • Applicants must be a current graduate or undergraduate student seeking a degree in environmental or civil engineering.

Responsibilities

  • The intern will receive experience working in an office and field environment.
  • The intern will learn the basics of wastewater treatment and entry-level engineering duties such as: basic equipment research, document review and creation, and data analysis.
  • The internship will be concentrated in the primary, secondary, and the solids treatment processes.
  • The intern will have the opportunity to cross-train and learn about both sections to understand how the District functions as a wastewater utility.

FAQs

Is this internship paid?

Yes, the internship is a paid position, offering $18.00 per hour.

What is the duration limit for paid interns?

Paid interns are limited to 119 working days per calendar year.

What documents are required to apply for the internship?

Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, a cover letter, and a resume.

What are the eligibility requirements for this internship?

Candidates must be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university, have permanent residency within the MWRD boundaries, and must be a citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States.

Where is the internship located?

The internship is located at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant.

What will the intern learn during this internship?

The intern will learn the basics of wastewater treatment and entry-level engineering duties, including equipment research, document review, creation, and data analysis.

Is there a specific educational requirement for applicants?

Yes, applicants must have completed a minimum of one year of undergraduate work in any engineering discipline, specifically seeking a degree in environmental or civil engineering.

Can interns work remotely?

The job description does not specify remote work; it primarily focuses on a hands-on learning experience in the office and field environments at the treatment plant.

Who should I contact for questions about the internship program?

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

Is there an opportunity to learn about other areas within the organization?

Yes, interns will have the opportunity to cross-train and learn about different sections to understand how the District functions as a wastewater utility.

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.