STUDENT PROGRAMS

Get Involved and Make a Difference!

The State Water Boards offers exciting internship and youth aid 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. The youth aid program offers opportunities to high school students to work and get paid during the summer break.

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 and youth aid position with the Water Boards may be just what you are looking for.

News Advisory: Water Boards Announce New Statewide Internship Program

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
Letter of Recommendation (1)
Proof of Enrollment
A Statement of Qualification (See job posting)

Have questions? Email recruitment@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
Letter of Recommendation (1)
Counties of interest
Dates of availability

Email your internship application package to internships@waterboards.ca.gov.

Legal Internship with the Office of Chief Counsel (OCC)

None at this time.

If you have questions please contact Anne.Hartridge@waterboards.ca.gov

Legal Internship with the Office of Enforcement

The Water Board’s Office of Enforcement is seeking legal interns for Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022. Legal interns will conduct legal research and writing related to water quality and water rights enforcement matters, interpret statutes and regulations, and prepare legal documents such as subpoenas, memoranda, reports, summaries, etc.
Prerequisite: Only accepting applications from students currently attending law school.

To apply for an unpaid legal internship with the Office of Enforcement, submit the following to kailyn.ellison@waterboards.ca.gov:

A cover letter,
A resume,
An unofficial transcript, and
A writing sample (7 pages or less)

Applications for Fall 2021 will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Applications for Spring 2022 and Summer 2022 must be received by July 9, 2021.

Test the Waters!

Do you want to learn about enhancing and protecting California's waters, while developing career skills and abilities then this is an opportunity not to pass up. Make a difference! Join the team!

To Qualify:

Between the ages of 15 and 18
In high school
Meet high school’s work permit criteria

Steps to Apply:

Create a CalCareers Account
Search for State Water Resources Control Board Youth Aid positions
Read the job posting and duty statement and submit the required documents to apply

Have questions? Email recruitment@waterboards.ca.gov.

Recruitment Events

“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."

Joaquin Esquivel, Board Chair State Water Boards