Wastewater Intern — Key Responsibilities and Required Skills

🎯 Role Definition

The Wastewater Intern will support wastewater treatment plant operations and laboratory analyses to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, optimize treatment processes, and maintain accurate sampling and reporting. This role combines field sampling, bench‑scale and lab testing (BOD, TSS, nutrients, pH, DO, etc.), data collection and entry, SCADA monitoring support, and participation in operations and maintenance activities under the supervision of licensed operators and senior environmental staff. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong lab technique, attention to safety (confined space, PPE), and clear written and verbal communication for regulatory reporting and team collaboration.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Environmental Science or Engineering student internship
Laboratory Technician or Field Sampling intern
Civil/Environmental Engineering co‑op or research assistant

Advancement To:

Wastewater Operator (Grades I–III)
Environmental Technician / Laboratory Technician
Process Engineer / Treatment Plant Process Specialist
Biosolids or Utilities Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Industrial Pretreatment Inspector
Stormwater/Water Quality Technician
Asset Management / CMMS Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct routine influent, effluent and in‑plant sampling following Standard Methods, municipal sampling plans and chain‑of‑custody procedures to generate legally defensible water quality data for NPDES permit compliance.
Perform bench and instrumental laboratory analyses including dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, total phosphorus and other nutrient assays using spectrophotometers, colorimetric kits and titration techniques.
Calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot field probes and laboratory instruments (pH meters, DO probes, turbidimeters, spectrophotometers, auto‑analyzers) and log calibration records according to QA/QC protocols.
Support process monitoring by collecting sludge blanket, mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), sludge volume index (SVI) and solids handling data to assist operators in maintaining biological treatment performance and optimizing chemical feed.
Assist operators during routine plant operations including screening, grit removal, primary clarifier and secondary clarifier checks, pump station inspections, flow measurements and basic operational adjustments under supervision.
Run jar tests and bench‑scale coagulation/flocculation experiments to evaluate chemical dose requirements and support process optimization projects.
Record field and laboratory data accurately, enter results into laboratory information management systems (LIMS), CMMS and spreadsheets (Excel), and prepare preliminary data summaries and trend charts for supervisor review.
Support SCADA and process control monitoring by reviewing logged trends, flagging alarm conditions, verifying sensor outputs and helping troubleshoot instrumentation discrepancies with operations and instrumentation teams.
Prepare and maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, sampling logs and electronic records to ensure data traceability and support regulatory audits.
Assist in the preparation and submittal of routine NPDES and state permit monitoring reports by compiling data, confirming reporting units and ensuring deadlines are met.
Perform QA/QC tasks including running blanks, duplicates, calibration checks and control standards to validate analytical results and document corrective actions when criteria are not met.
Participate in confined space entry, lockout/tagout, hot work and other safety procedures when required; act as safety‑conscious team member and complete required safety trainings.
Support maintenance teams by assisting with preventive maintenance tasks, equipment inspections, lubrications, simple repairs, and documenting work orders in the CMMS.
Conduct field surveys of collection system components and pump stations, log physical condition, identify blockages or infiltration issues, and escalate findings to collection system staff.
Assist with biosolids handling and dewatering operations, sample sludge for solids and pathogen testing, and document volumes and destinations in compliance with biosolids regulations.
Participate in pilot studies, research projects and process modeling activities, including data collection, small‑scale equipment setup, and reporting of preliminary findings to project leads.
Collect and analyze flow data, perform velocity or depth measurements at manholes and channels, and help maintain flow monitoring equipment (area/velocity flowmeters, pressure transducers).
Support industrial pretreatment inspections by collecting trade waste samples, documenting sampling conditions, and assisting with compliance verifications and follow‑up communications.
Maintain laboratory and field supplies inventory, order consumables, prepare reagents and ensure proper chemical storage, labeling and disposal consistent with chemical hygiene plans.
Assist with stormwater monitoring and illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) activities including dry weather screening, visual inspections and sample collection following municipal stormwater programs.
Contribute to community outreach and educational activities by preparing simple data visualizations, participating in plant tours, and explaining basic wastewater treatment concepts to visitors or student groups.
Help prepare technical memos, standard operating procedures (SOPs), sampling plans and incident reports by drafting clear, concise documentation and supporting attachments.
Monitor and report abnormal plant conditions or potential environmental violations immediately to supervisors and assist in corrective action and follow‑up investigations.

Secondary Functions

Support continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting efficiency improvements for sampling workflows, lab throughput and data management.
Assist in cross‑functional projects with engineering, regulatory and maintenance teams to implement pilot technologies or upgrades.
Participate in weekly operations meetings, safety stand‑downs and training sessions; track personal professional development and certifications.
Provide coverage for other entry‑level lab or field roles during staff absences by completing delegated tasks under supervision.
Support basic GIS asset mapping by collecting GPS coordinates during field visits and verifying asset locations in municipal databases.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Practical knowledge of wastewater treatment processes: primary, secondary (activated sludge, trickling filters), tertiary treatment and disinfection.
Proficient in field sampling techniques and chain‑of‑custody documentation for influent, effluent and process samples.
Laboratory analysis skills including BOD5, COD, TSS, TDS, DO, pH, nutrients (ammonia, nitrate, phosphate), turbidity and colorimetric/spectrophotometric methods.
Familiarity with Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater and routine QA/QC procedures (blanks, duplicates, calibration standards).
Experience using common lab equipment: spectrophotometers (Hach/DR), pH meters, DO probes, turbidity meters, balances, and basic titration setups.
Basic SCADA awareness and ability to read process trends, alarms and instrumentation logs; familiarity with PLC concepts is a plus.
Competence with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas), data entry, basic charting and comfort with LIMS or other data management systems.
Knowledge of NPDES permit requirements, reporting schedules and environmental compliance fundamentals; familiarity with state regulatory frameworks desirable.
Ability to operate common field measurement devices: flow meters, depth sensors, and hand‑held multi‑parameter probes.
Hands‑on experience with jar testing, bench‑scale process tests and simple pilot setups.
Basic preventive maintenance awareness and familiarity with CMMS software for work order entry and documentation.
Experience with GPS/GIS data collection tools and ability to help update asset maps preferred.
Laboratory safety and chemical handling knowledge; experience with PPE, chemical hygiene and confined space entry procedures preferred.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and documentation for regulatory compliance.
Clear written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, lab notebooks and team coordination.
Team player attitude with ability to work collaboratively across operations, laboratory and engineering groups.
Problem‑solving mindset and curiosity to investigate process upsets and data anomalies.
Time management and organizational skills to balance field sampling schedules, lab analyses and reporting deadlines.
Adaptability and willingness to perform outdoor field work in variable weather and lift/move equipment as needed.
Safety‑first approach and ability to follow detailed procedures and safety protocols without prompting.
Initiative to learn new instrumentation, software and regulatory concepts quickly.
Professionalism when interacting with contractors, regulatory inspectors, and community members during site visits or tours.
Critical thinking for interpreting monitoring data and supporting continuous improvement recommendations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor's program in Environmental Science, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology or a related technical discipline.

Preferred Education:

Coursework or certificate in wastewater treatment, environmental monitoring, analytical chemistry, water resources, or occupational safety.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Science
Civil / Environmental Engineering
Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry
Biology / Microbiology
Water Resources / Hydrology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–2 years (entry level internship/co‑op); relevant laboratory or field sampling coursework and hands‑on lab/field experience preferred.

Preferred:

Prior internship or part‑time experience in a wastewater or water quality laboratory, municipal utility, environmental consulting firm or research lab; demonstrated familiarity with Standard Methods, sample collection and basic process operations is strongly preferred.