VVWRA | College and Vet Internship | Collections & Environmental Compliance Intern | 100 hours
Quick overview
Job description
Employer: Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority (VVWRA)
Location: Victorville, CA
Student Level: Community College
Department: Collections & Environmental Compliance
Duration: 100 hours
Company Overview
Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority (VVWRA) is a public agency responsible for wastewater treatment, water reclamation, and environmental stewardship in the Victor Valley region. VVWRA provides essential wastewater services while supporting sustainable water management, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health and the environment.
VVWRA offers students hands-on opportunities to explore technical careers in wastewater operations, environmental compliance, infrastructure maintenance, and public utilities while learning directly from experienced industry professionals.
Position Overview
The Collections & Environmental Compliance Intern gains hands-on field experience supporting the operation, inspection, maintenance, and environmental monitoring of wastewater collection systems.
Working alongside experienced VVWRA field personnel, the intern will participate in supervised activities involving wastewater collection infrastructure, preventative maintenance, field inspections, environmental sampling, and pollution prevention.
This position is designed for students who enjoy working outdoors, learning how mechanical and infrastructure systems operate, using tools and equipment, and solving real-world problems.
The internship provides practical exposure to careers in wastewater collections, environmental compliance, water and wastewater operations, and public utility maintenance.
Key Responsibilities
Wastewater Collection System Operations & Maintenance
● Work alongside collections personnel during routine inspection and maintenance of wastewater collection infrastructure.
● Assist with preventative maintenance activities involving sewer pipelines, manholes, and related collection system components.
● Observe and assist with sewer line cleaning and maintenance operations using appropriate tools and equipment under direct supervision.
● Learn how to identify potential collection system problems, including blockages, infiltration, structural damage, and other operational concerns.
● Assist with preparing, organizing, and maintaining tools, equipment, and materials used during field operations.
Field Inspections & Infrastructure Assessment
● Participate in supervised field inspections of wastewater collection facilities and infrastructure.
● Learn how field crews assess the condition and performance of collection system components.
● Assist with visual inspections, field measurements, and identification of maintenance needs.
● Gain exposure to closed-circuit television (CCTV) sewer inspection equipment and techniques.
● Learn how field inspection findings are used to prioritize maintenance and repairs.
Environmental Compliance & Field Monitoring
● Accompany environmental compliance personnel during field inspections and monitoring activities.
● Assist with environmental sampling and monitoring activities under appropriate supervision and training.
● Learn how to use basic field monitoring instruments and sampling equipment.
● Participate in field activities related to pollution prevention, source control, and environmental protection.
● Gain exposure to industrial wastewater inspections and pretreatment program activities, as applicable.
● Assists with the daily maintenance, cleaning, and monitoring of municipal sanitary sewer networks, lift stations, and storm drains under the supervision of certified operators
Equipment Operation & Technical Skills
● Learn the proper use, care, and maintenance of tools and equipment commonly used in wastewater collections and environmental monitoring.
● Assist with equipment setup, cleaning, and routine maintenance under supervision.
● Observe the operation of specialized collection system equipment, including sewer cleaning vehicles, pumps, and inspection systems.
● Develop familiarity with basic mechanical systems, field troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance practices.
● Learn how to identify equipment concerns and communicate findings to supervisors.
Safety & Field Operations
● Participate in safety orientations, toolbox talks, and job-site safety discussions.
● Learn about hazards associated with wastewater collection systems, including confined spaces, traffic exposure, hazardous atmospheres, and biological hazards.
● Practice proper use of personal protective equipment and safe work procedures.
● Assist with setting up and maintaining safe work areas when appropriately trained and authorized.
● Learn about emergency response procedures for wastewater spills, sewer overflows, and other environmental incidents.
Field Projects & Team Support
● Participate in assigned field projects involving wastewater infrastructure, maintenance, and environmental compliance.
● Work collaboratively with collections crews and environmental compliance personnel to complete daily assignments.
● Assist with recording field observations, inspection findings, and completed maintenance activities.
● Learn how different operational teams coordinate to maintain reliable wastewater services and meet environmental requirements.
Learning Opportunities
Interns will gain practical experience in:
● Wastewater collection system operations and maintenance
● Sewer infrastructure inspections and preventative maintenance
● Field equipment, tools, and mechanical systems
● Environmental sampling and monitoring techniques
● Industrial wastewater and pollution prevention practices
● CCTV inspection and collection system assessment
● Workplace safety and field operations
● Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving
● Teamwork and communication in a public utility environment
Qualifications
● Currently enrolled in a community college program, preferably in Water or Wastewater Technology, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
● Strong interest in hands-on fieldwork, wastewater operations, environmental protection, or public utility careers.
● Willingness to work outdoors and participate in physically active assignments.
● Ability to follow safety instructions, technical procedures, and supervisor direction.
● Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn new equipment and processes.
● Ability to work collaboratively as part of a field crew.
● Basic communication and problem-solving skills.
● Ability to perform assigned duties safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Prior experience in wastewater operations or environmental compliance is not required.
Work Environment
This is a primarily field-based internship involving work alongside VVWRA's Collections and Environmental Compliance teams at wastewater collection facilities, infrastructure locations, and environmental monitoring sites.
Interns should expect to spend much of their time outdoors, participating in supervised field activities and learning directly from experienced technicians and operators. Work may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, industrial equipment, wastewater odors, and other conditions commonly associated with utility field operations.
The internship emphasizes active participation, technical skill development, and real-world experience rather than traditional office or administrative duties.
All activities will be performed under appropriate supervision and in accordance with VVWRA's safety requirements. Interns will not independently perform hazardous operations or enter confined spaces.