Position: Water Production Intern
Department: Water Production
Pay: $15.00
DEADLINE: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Job Summary:
Clayton County Water Authority (CCWA)
The Water Production Intern will gain hands-on experience in drinking water treatment, laboratory operations, environmental sampling, and distribution system management. This internship provides practical exposure to regulatory compliance, water quality analysis, and daily plant operations that ensure safe and reliable water for the community.
The intern will provide critical support in several key areas, including:
Field Sampling & Compliance
- Collect drinking water samples from the distribution system for compliance testing (BacTs, HPCs, chlorites, WQPs, TTHMs/HAA5s, TOC, and customer complaint investigations).
- Collect environmental samples from reservoirs, streams, creeks, and the Flint River for analysis including algae identification, taste & odor, PFAS, metals, wet chemistry, and other chemical parameters.Field Sampling & Compliance
Laboratory Operations
- Assist with sample preparation, bottle preparation, and glassware cleaning.
- Support laboratory analyses using various instruments and testing methods.
- Perform data entry and assist with maintaining accurate laboratory records.
- Participate in daily laboratory workflow and quality control procedures.
Water Treatment & Plant Operations
- Learn about treatment chemicals used to remove bacteria and organic materials from drinking water.
- Assist with state-regulated laboratory tests, including:
Chlorine residual (finished water)
Manganese (raw, filtered, and finished water)
pH testing (raw, treated, and finished water)
Alkalinity testing (raw, treated, and finished water)
- Accompany operators on plant rounds to:
Monitor chemical feeders and pumps
Identify operational issues
Learn basic troubleshooting techniques
Distribution System Exposure
- Observe and assist in overseeing distribution system operations.
- Learn how lift stations function and how pump operations are managed to maintain proper water flow and meet county demand.
Minimum Requirements to Perform Work:
Must be a recent high school graduate entering college, undergraduate or graduate student; no experience required but some work experience preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Required Licenses/Certifications:
- Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID.
- Provide an official transcript with a minimum 2.8 GPA or a college acceptance letter
Physical Demands:
This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as light work involving lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
Work Environment:
Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
May be exposed to the outdoor elements if performing work in the field. May work evenings or weekends depending on assigned area.
At CCWA, it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees, including temporary employees, and applicants for employment based on qualifications, abilities, and merit. Therefore, CCWA prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants or any other legally covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), citizenship, genetic information, disability status, past, current, or prospective membership in the uniformed services or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to job advertisements, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.