STUDENT PROGRAMS
Get Involved and Make a Difference!
The State Water Boards offer exciting internship opportunities. If you are interested in mentoring with professionals whose mission is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California's water resources, this is an opportunity for you.
The State Water Boards' Internship Program offers both paid and non-paid internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students of all majors and backgrounds.
These programs are designed to provide students who have an interest in California's water resources with practical, real-world experience. Our internships may qualify for academic credit and are coordinated between the student and school. Interns' hours vary and are dependent on the needs of the Water Boards and the intern.
If you are a student interested in water resources, an internship position with the Water Boards may be just what you are looking for.
Student Programs
Get Paid To Make A Difference!
The Water Boards are seeking undergraduate and graduate students to work with dedicated mentors on important issues including climate change, water conservation, drinking water, water quality, and groundwater. Visit CalCareers for opportunities.
To apply for a paid internship at the Water Boards, please submit the following:
- STD 678 Job Application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Transcript
- Letter of Recommendation (1)
- Proof of Enrollment
- A Statement of Qualification (See job posting)
Have questions? Email DAS-HRB-RecruitmentUnit@waterboards.ca.gov .
Intern with the Water Boards!
The Water Boards are seeking undergraduate and graduate talent of all majors and backgrounds who have an interest in California's water resources. The Water Boards are responsible for monitoring water quality, ensuring safe drinking water, developing polices and permits to protect all uses of water, and providing financial assistance to protect the public and environment.
To apply for a nonpaid (volunteer) internship at the Water Boards, please submit the following:
- STD 678 Job Application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Transcript
- Letter of Recommendation (1)
- Counties of interest
- Dates of availability
Email your internship application package to DAS-HRB-RecruitmentUnit@waterboards.ca.gov.
Legal Internship with the Office of Chief Counsel (OCC)
The Office of Chief Counsel offers summer, fall, and spring externships. Application windows will be announced through law school career offices. To be considered, applicants should submit a Cover Letter, Resume, Transcript, and 3-5 Page Writing Sample.
If you have questions, please contact Chris Moskal at Christopher.Moskal@waterboards.ca.gov
Legal Internship with the Office of Enforcement (OE)
The Office of Enforcement offers summer, fall, and spring legal internships. Application windows will be announced through law school career offices and on this website.
If you have questions, please contact Kailyn Ellison at Kailyn.Ellison@waterboards.ca.gov
Current Opportunities for Students
To view a complete list of employment and internship opportunities, visit the CalCareers website.
The Division of Drinking Water (DDW) has one opening in Monterey, CA for a Scientific Aid in the North Central Section. To qualify for a Scientific Aid position, the applicant must have completed a minimum of 10 semester hours in science courses, equivalent to about two years of college.
Accepting applications now through February 26, 2026.
The Division of Drinking Water has an opening in Sacramento, CA for a Student Assistant in the Resiliency and Data Management Branch. To qualify for this position, the applicant must be enrolled in a college or university program. This positions expires June 30, 2026 with potential for 6-month extension.
Accepting applications now through March 6, 2026.
The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board Board has 1 opening in Rancho Cordova, CA for a Scientific Aid in the Stormwater/Water Quality Certification Unit. To qualify for a Scientific Aid position, the applicant must have completed a minimum of 10 semester hours in science courses, equivalent to about 2 years of college.
Accepting applications now through March 10, 2026.
The Division of Drinking Water has an opening in Santa Ana, CA for a Student Assistant (Engineering & Architectural Sciences) in the Field Operations Branch in the Santa Ana District. To qualify for this position, the applicant must be enrolled in an engineering program. Depending upon availability of funding for the position, the selected candidate would be able to continue working until graduation.
Accepting applications now through March 10, 2026.
Stay Informed
Subscribe to receive notifications and the latest updates on employment, internship, and volunteer opportunities.
Contact Information
If you have questions regarding employment opportunities, internships or volunteer opportunities, please contact at DAS-HRB-RecruitmentUnit@waterboards.ca.gov
To reach the Recruitment Team by phone, please call (916) 322-1686.
Connie Bi-On & Jonelle Greenwell, Talent Acquisition & Outreach Coordinators
Taylor Rodriguez, Workforce Management Analyst
Jagbir Mavi, Recruitment Unit Manager
Sean Singh, Talent Acquisition & Admin Section Manager
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Recruitment Events
Frostburg State University Spring Virtual Career and Internship Fair
Handshake Online Platform
March 4, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST
Fresno State Spring Career and Internship Expo
5241 N. Maple Ave.
Fresno, CA 93740
March 4, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
San Francisco State Spring Career & Internship Fair
755 Font Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94132
March 5, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cal State East Bay STEM & Healthcare Career & Internship Fair
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94542
March 19, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Chico State Spring Internship & Job Fair
400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929
March 25, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
CSU Stanislaus Anthropology Day
1 University Circle
Turlock, CA 95382
April 2, 2026
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cal Poly Humboldt Info Session
1 Harpst St.
Arcata, CA 95521
April 3, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
UC Davis Environmental Science and Policy Research Internship Fair
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
April 3, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Spring Career Fair – Day 2
101-113 Longview Lane
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
April 9, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
UC Irvine Spring Career & Internship Fair
311 W. Peltason Dr.
Irvine, CA 92697
April 9, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Yuba College Spring Job Fair / Career Expo
2088 N. Beale Rd.
Marysville, CA 95901
April 16, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m
UC Santa Barbara Spring Job & Internship Fair
1210 Cheadle Hall
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
April 28, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Work for California Spring Career Fair
925 Del Paso Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
April 30, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Elk Grove Career Fair
10051 Big Horn Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95757
May 1, 2026
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Interested in having the Water Boards do a free virtual info session for your university, program, or student organization?
Contact us at DAS-HRB-RecruitmentUnit@waterboards.ca.gov with "Info Session Request" in the Subject line. Information sessions can be tailored to your group's needs.
"It's because of the formative opportunities internships have provided me that I'm excited to see the Water Boards develop a focused program," said State Water Resources Control Board Member E. Joaquin Esquivel. "Like many sectors, the water sector is facing a tidal change as retirements multiply and challenges filling critical positions grow. I see this program as a first step to greater engagement by the Boards in workforce development challenges sector wide.
"Although it's a benefit for us as an agency to have new bright minds at the Boards, the program is designed first and foremost to meet the needs of the students," Esquivel said. "The work at the Water Boards is diverse, demanding and crucial to so many Californians. With a successful initial cohort, I'm hopeful the program will continue to expand the number of paid opportunities in future years."
Follow Us
#OurWaterOurFuture
#CaWaterBoards
