INTERNSHIP - ENGINEERING - SEWER UTILITY

Job Description:

INTERNSHIP - ENGINEERING - SEWER UTILITY

Description

OVERVIEW

Kitsap County Public Works is seeking an enthusiastic and driven intern to join our dynamic Sewer Utility Division ( Central Kitsap Treatment Plant) and support our efforts in identifying and addressing challenges within the municipal sewer system. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the management of sewer systems while directly impacting the infrastructure of the community. You will be involved in a range of activities that provide real-world insights into how sewer systems are maintained, optimized, and improved.
This role offers an exceptional chance to develop skills in both fieldwork and data analysis, with a focus on infiltration and inflow (I/I) impacts on sewer capacity and the operational intricacies of managing a public utility. By participating in inspections, data collection, and field investigations, you’ll play a key part in supporting both engineering and operational staff while building your career in municipal infrastructure and environmental engineering.
As the Sewer Utility Intern, you will:

• Analyze system maps, flow records, and GIS data to identify infrastructure concerns and support improvements.
• Participate in field inspections of manholes, pump stations, and collection systems to detect and document sources of infiltration and inflow (I/I).
• Assist with smoke testing and other techniques to locate unauthorized or improper sewer connections.
• Review sewer service accounts and compare them with water utility data to identify discrepancies or unbilled connections.
• Support data collection and analysis related to sewer system operations and capital projects.
• Contribute to technical documentation including reports, drawings, and presentations for both internal teams and public review.
• Participate in site visits and construction inspections of sewer infrastructure projects to gain field experience.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and administrative teams to support the planning, design, and management of sewer systems.

This internship will:

• Provide hands-on experience in field inspections, data collection, and infrastructure assessment.
• Allow you to actively contribute to solving real-world challenges related to infiltration and inflow (I/I) in a municipal sewer system.
• Offer exposure to the daily operations of a public utility, including engineering, construction, and administrative functions.
• Help you develop technical skills in GIS, engineering drawings, and sewer system analysis.
• Allow you to contribute to essential documentation and reporting that supports public infrastructure projects.
• Offer professional development opportunities through collaboration with experienced staff in the public works and engineering fields.

What you bring:

• Educational Excellence:
  • Currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior or senior in civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field.
  • Post-graduate eligibility:
    • Graduated within the last 6 months from a college or university with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering or related field OR
    • Graduated and continued to a related higher education program.
• Communication/Interpersonal Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to assist with documentation, reporting, and coordination across teams. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Technical Foundation: Basic understanding of engineering principles, especially as they relate to sewer systems and municipal infrastructure.
• Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail when reviewing sewer accounts, inspecting infrastructure, and analyzing technical documentation.

For more information about Kitsap County Public Works: https://www.kitsap.gov/pw

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Covered by the Kitsap County Extra Help Policy
• Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:
  • Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
  • Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
  • Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration.
• Driving Requirements
  • The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:
    • Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle.
• Supervision:
  • Intern will receive supervision from an administrative superior as assigned.
  • Work is performed in accordance with established policies and accepted practices.
  • Work is reviewed through status reports, meeting and observations.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, p olitical affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• Work hours for this position are 8:00 - 4:30, 40 hours per week.
• This internship will last for a duration of 12 weeks.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other re lated materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.

No benefits are offered with this position exceptthose required by the state or federal law.

Closing Date/Time: 4/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$24.22 - $26.07 Hourly