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 internship@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 internship@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.
If you have questions, please contact Lauren Marshall at Lauren.Marshall@waterboards.ca.gov
Legal Internship with the Office of Enforcement (OE)
The Office of Enforcement offers summer, fall, and spring externships. All positions are currently filled. Application windows will be announced on this page and through law school career offices.
If you have any 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 San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board has an opening in Oakland, CA for a Scientific Aid in the Watershed Management Division. 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 May 3, 2024.
The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has an opening in Fresno, CA for a Scientific Aid in the Title 27 Unit to assist in the preparation of water quality scientific research projects. 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 May 3, 2024.
The State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Enforcement has an opening in Sacramento, CA for a Graduate Legal Assistant in the Legal Unit to assist with water rights-related enforcement work. To qualify for a Graduate Legal Assistant position, the applicant must have current eligibility to take the California State Bar examination under the Business and Professions Code sections 6060 and 6061.
Accepting applications now through May 2, 2024.
The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board has an opening in Oakland, CA for a Scientific Aid in the Planning Division supporting regional monitoring and agricultural permitting programs. 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 April 30, 2024.
Stay Informed
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Contact Information
If you have questions regarding internship and volunteer opportunities, please contact internship@waterboards.ca.gov.
If you have questions regarding employment opportunities, please contact recruitment@waterboards.ca.gov.
Connie Bi-On & Daniel Sandoval, Talent Acquisition & Outreach Coordinators
Jagbir Mavi, Recruitment Unit Manager
Jenny Fitzgerald, Talent Acquisition & HR Liaison Section Manager
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Recruitment Events
University STEM Virtual Career Info Session
Handshake Online Platform
April 23, 2024
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
"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."
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Contact Information
If you have questions regarding internship and volunteer opportunities, please contact internship@waterboards.ca.gov.
If you have questions regarding employment opportunities, please contact recruitment@waterboards.ca.gov.
Connie Bi-On & Daniel Sandoval, Talent Acquisition & Outreach Coordinators
Jagbir Mavi, Recruitment Unit Manager
Jenny Fitzgerald, Talent Acquisition & HR Liaison Section Manager
1001 I Street, 18th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
