We are now accepting applications for a Spring 2025 internship in the Water Quality Lab. This is an unpaid internship.

Are you passionate about environmental science and eager to gain practical experience in laboratory processes? Join our Water Quality Lab internship program for a valuable hands-on introduction to the methods and techniques used in analyzing water and wastewater.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hands-On Training: Engage directly with lab processes, including sample collection, preparation, and analysis. Gain practical experience in water quality testing, from handling samples to interpreting results.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Learn about the regulatory frameworks that govern water quality standards. Understand the rules and guidelines that ensure compliance and protect public health.
• Data Analysis: Participate in analyzing water samples to evaluate various parameters such as pH, turbidity and contaminants. Develop skills in using specialized lab equipment and software for precise data collection and interpretation.
• Lab Techniques: Acquire practical skills in advanced analytical methods, including spectroscopy, chromatography and microbiological testing. Learn the principles and applications of each technique.
• Reporting and Documentation: Assist in documenting experimental procedures, results, and reports. Enhance your ability to communicate findings clearly and contribute to ongoing research and quality assurance efforts.

Ideal Candidate:

• Educational Background: Interest in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology or a related field.
• Skills and Interests: Strong attention to detail, analytical mindset, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Commitment: Enthusiasm for learning and a dedication to contributing to meaningful environmental research.

Apply now to gain valuable insights and hands-on experience in water quality management!

Are you considering a career in wastewater? If so, you may enjoy an internship with Johnson County Wastewater!

Student internships with JCW help high school and college students get hands-on experience working in the public sector, specifically at a wastewater utility. There is a wide variety of skillsets needed to run a utility, so students can build an internship experience that is diverse and helps them determine if working in this field is right for them.

The purpose of the internship is primarily to benefit the student and guide them in their career goals. Students can intern independently or through a program or requirement of their educational establishment.

Non-student internships with JCW are to support recent graduates or community members who are interested in working in a new profession. There is no age or education requirement for non-student internships.

All student interns must be at least 16 years old and currently enrolled full or part-time in an accredited high school, college or university, and there is no residency requirement for student interns.

Any person under the age of 18 years old must have permission from a parent or guardian. All applicants must agree to comply with all program procedures; local, state and federal laws; policies and procedures; and county policies.

Non-student interns must reside in the Kansas City metro area and must be at least 18 years old.

Interns will receive training from their program supervisor, or another designated staff member. Training will include all necessary safety and job training for the intern to be safe and have a successful internship experience.

Internships are unpaid unless otherwise specified on a case-by-case basis determined by program funding at the time of the internship and the recruitment needs of the work area. Reimbursement of ancillary expenses, such as mileage, is not provided. Interns are responsible for their own personal expenses. Additionally, there is no cost or fee to participate in the program.

Student internships are a commitment of at least one semester or one summer session, not to exceed two consecutive semesters or one semester and one summer session, consecutively. They cannot intern more than three semesters or summer sessions total.

Students and their program supervisor will work out a schedule that works best for the intern and the staff member. Interns can work 1-20 hours per week and will follow all county closures.

Non-student internships are scheduled in six-week blocks, not to exceed 12 consecutive weeks or 18 non-consecutive weeks. Interns and their program supervisor will work out a schedule that works best for the intern and the staff member. Interns can work 8-20 hours per week and will follow all county closures.

It is the intern’s responsibility to arrive and leave on time.

All work areas are eligible to host interns, so long as all safety protocols are followed, and there is ample work available for the intern.

Interns must comply with all county policies and procedures, in addition to following all local, state and federal laws. They must also comply with all safety requirements. Failure to follow these policies, procedures, laws and safety protocols may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Participants who ride in a county-owned vehicle must provide valid, state-issued identification. Participants are not authorized to drive county vehicles.

Participants are required to wear steel toed boots, jeans and a shirt for an O&M internship or job shadow, in addition to any weather-appropriate outerwear. JCW will supply a safety vest as well as gloves glasses and hardhat. For all other work areas, dress will be determined based on work area on the advisement of the staff supervisor.

If an intern in the program is unable to furnish the necessary clothing for an O&M position, they can discuss options with the program director. There is no guarantee JCW or Johnson County Government will furnish clothing for an intern or job shadow participant.