Research & Development (R&D) Laboratory Intern
Orange County
Friday, 22 May 2026
Research & Development Laboratory Intern (Fountain Valley)(20-25 hours per week) - Year-round Internship (not a summer internship)Under supervision, the intern will assist Research & Development scientists with laboratory and field work for various research projects dealing with wastewater purification by microfiltration (MF), reverse osmosis (RO) and ultraviolet light/advanced oxidation process (UV/ AOP), as well as water quality analyses (chemical and microbial). While supervised, will perform sample collection, media and reagents preparation, operation of laboratory and other equipment, laboratory analyses, and cleaning and maintenance of glassware and bench workspace. This position requires a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Typical Qualifications
Candidates must be a current full-time undergraduate or Master’s-level (preferred) student with an emphasis in one or more fields related to water treatment and/or water recycling, including chemistry, microbiology or molecular biology, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or equivalent. Ability to analyze and interpret laboratory protocols, documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Perform duties in a timely manner with proper documentation and supervision; handle various chemical reagents used in laboratory procedures; maintain a neat work area. Require strong organizational, teamwork, and communication skills. Previous laboratory experience in handling chemicals, conducting laboratory work, performing and documenting experiments, or completed science courses, as well as knowledge of laboratory safety practices, are preferred. Require experience with Microsoft Office suite. A valid California Class “C” Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance are required.#1 - Interns must be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited bachelor's or graduate program related to this field. #2 - Interns must have at least one year or more remaining in school.(You will not be considered if you do not meet the criteria for both #1 & #2 above.) Internships intend to provide meaningful training and work experience for students pursuing academic studies related to the District’s mission and goals. Interns must submit proof of full-time enrollment, class schedules, and grades each semester/quarter. Interns are not eligible for employee benefits. Interns are “at-will” and can be terminated at the discretion of the Department Manager with or without cause and with or without prior notice. This is not a seasonal internship. Interns work year-round. - - - - Please attach a resume, unofficial transcript, and a cover letter explaining how your schooling relates to this internship. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT - The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Physical: Positions in this class typically require stooping, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Light Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, extreme temperatures, and intense noises. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight; verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Supplemental Information
Schedule: Up to 20-25 hours/week during weekdays, Monday to Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Hourly Rate: Undergraduate: $20 per hour & Graduate: $25 per hour. You must submit an OCWD online employment application to be considered. Please visit to complete an application. Candidates given an offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination and background check. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number apply. EOE