InTERNSHIP PROGRAM. DC WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY Internship Program 1

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1 InTERNSHIP PROGRAM DC WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY Internship Program 1

2 1 Facts about DCWASA 3 Internship Program 3 Summer Internships 4 Year-Round Internships 5 Placement 5 Compensation 5 Program Requirements 6 Application Guidelines 7 Internship Application Form 8 Positions Available 10 Selection Criteria 11 Sample Application

3 Facts about DCWASA DCWASA is a multi-jurisdictional regional utility that provides drinking water, wastewater collection and treatment to more than 500,000 residential, commercial and governmental customers in the District of Columbia, and also collects and treats wastewater for 1.6 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George s counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. Approximately 1,200 employees work at various facilities throughout the District. DCWASA s service area covers approximately 725 square miles. DCWASA delivers water to over 130,000 locations in Washington, DC, and provides nearly 135 million gallons of drinking water a day for use by individuals and businesses. DCWASA operates the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is the largest advanced wastewater treatment plant in the world. The Plant covers 150 acres with a capacity of 370 million gallons per day (mgd) and has a peak capacity of billion gallons per day. Internship Program 1

4 DC Water and Sewer Authority INTERNSHIP The sky s the limit to the opportunities for Interns at DCWASA!

5 INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) is committed to supporting the educational goals of college students interested in careers in the public sector. As a result, WASA sponsors an internship program that exposes participants to job assignments, which will provide meaningful work experiences that compliment their academic training and career aspirations. Students will participate in day-to-day operations at the world largest advanced wastewater treatment facility. SUMMER INTERNSHIPS WASA has offered summer internships to students from colleges and universities since The program starts in June and continues to mid-august. Internships are offered in engineering disciplines, computer science technology, biology, finance, and business. Participants gain experience in: Customer Service Administrative Management OSHA-required Safety Inspections Financial Management Public Affairs Legal Research Water Quality Sampling and Distribution Information Technology Wastewater Processing and Discharge In addition to being exposed to jobs related to the students course of study, interns receive professional development training on teambuilding and communication skills. Interns are also required to attend presentations sponsored by various WASA departments such as Occupational Safety and Health, Risk Management, and the Office of Finance. These presentations help broaden the intern s knowledge of different WASA organizational functions. To expose participants to other careers associated with the public utility industry, engineering consultants under contract to WASA meet with the interns to discuss different perspectives on available careers and offer suggestions on networking for future employment opportunities. To ensure that the internship program remains beneficial to WASA and interns, ongoing feedback is solicited for program effectiveness. The intern s perspectives and WASA s business needs help determine future program content. Interns receive an in-depth overview of careers in wastewater collection and treatment; potable water distribution; finance and support services. Participants will gain: Exposure to WASA concepts, policies, and procedures to promote an understanding of organizational dynamics Skills training to improve individual and professional development Self-confidence in making sound business decisions through exposure to innovative technology and top-notch professionals Networking with career professionals for future employment opportunities Knowledge of federal and local regulations governing WASA and other wastewater and water distribution facilities Internship Program 3

6 DC Water and Sewer Authority INTERNSHIP The summer program includes field trips to environmental and regulatory agencies such Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission and Arlington Water Pollution Control Division. YEAR-ROUND INTERNSHIPS WASA also offers year-round internship positions to junior level students and above. These positions are designated for undergraduate and graduate level students majoring in engineering and environmental sciences, which includes chemical, civil, environmental, process and mechanical engineering; and computer and network engineering. Interns selected for these positions must have a working knowledge of regulations and processes involved in wastewater processing and water distribution or information technology. Participants may be involved in researching biological nutrient recovery systems, creating networks for Novell or NT servers, establishing chemical or microbiological parameters for water quality, or interpreting and evaluating engineering problems associated with water and sewer facilities. The objective of the Year-round Internship Program is to provide long-term exposure to complex assignments, which enables the interns to apply theoretical and practical knowledge learned in the classroom to the work environment. Year-round interns must possess a high degree of discipline and will be required to handle projects and assignments independently, from start-up to completion. Some interns will be required to be the team leader on special projects. The Training and Development Branch will assist the department in developing and communicating job tasks and measurable outcomes so that the intern knows what is expected. Establishing two-way communication between the intern and his or her sponsor and supervisor is key to the success of the internship experience. DC Water and Se er Authori 4

7 WASA realizes the brightest students seeking internships look for rewarding work PLACEMENT WASA internships are open to undergraduates in at least the second semester of their sophomore year and graduate students who attend an accredited college or university. Eligible students must meet the minimum cumulative GPA, which is 2.5 for undergraduate and 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for graduate students. Graduate school and law school students must be actively enrolled for the fall semester of the school year. All applicants must be motivated, responsible, well-rounded and interested in developing skills for future success. Depending on availability, students qualifying for the program will be placed in the division or department that can best utilize their skills, academic interest and/or major area of study. COMPENSATION WASA realizes the brightest students seeking internships look for rewarding work experience and the opportunity to earn funds to supplement education expenses. As a result, WASA s provides a salary for interns that is highly competitive. Appointments for summer internships begin in June and end in August. Interns will be compensated at a minimum rate of $10.50 per hour for 40 hours per week. There are no other benefits provided for summer interns. Appointments for year-round internships are on a 12-month basis. Compensation will depend on the student s academic level and the nature of the assignment. Interns will be compensated at a minimum rate of $11.50 per hour for up to 20 hours per week during the school year, and up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Eligibility Requirements 1An applicant must be in good standing at an accredited college or university and enrolled in a degree program directly related to the internship requested. Enrollment in summer school is not a requirement. Students graduating before the internship program begins, or who are not enrolled in graduate school full-time for the fall semester are not eligible to participate in the program. 2Undergraduate students accepted as interns must be at least a second semester sophomore and have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Internship Program 5

8 DC Water and Sewer Authority INTERNSHIP 3.Undergraduate students accepted as year-round interns must be at least a junior and maintain a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and must maintain a 3.0 throughout the duration of the internship. Interns will be required to provide transcripts at the end of each semester to verify their grade point average. 4.Graduate students must be enrolled in a graduate degree program for the fall semester and have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Legal interns must have completed the first year of law school. Interns will be required to provide transcripts at the end of each semester to verify their grade point average. Application Guidelines Please follow all instructions. A complete application is necessary, since it is the initial source used for determining your qualifications. 1In order to be considered for an internship, you must write an essay on your career aspirations and, if selected, what you would like to gain from this internship assignment. The essay must be typed (double spaced) and should not exceed two (2) pages in length. 2Applicants must submit the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority Internship Program Application form, along with a current sealed official college transcript, the essay, and a letter of reference (from an academic advisor). The completed D.C. Water and Sewer Authority Internship Program Application form, along with the transcript, essay and letter of reference must be received in the Human Resources Department on or before 5:00 p.m., on April 15. The application package must be mailed to: DC Water and Se er Authori 6

9 DC Water and Sewer Authority Human Resources Department Training and Development Branch 5000 Overlook Avenue, S.W. Washington, DC Fax (202) The application package may be faxed Monday through Friday, except holidays, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Please fax to: (202) A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application, but may be included as supplemental information. Incomplete application packages will not be processed. Applicants who do not meet minimum requirements for the position will not be considered for participation in the program. Applications, essays, transcripts, and letters of reference will become the property of the Authority and will not be returned. Internship Application form 1The applicant completes and submits Sections I through VII of the application form, including signature and date, and a current sealed official college transcript, letter of reference, and the essay to the Authority s Human Resources Department. The transcript may be mailed directly from the school; separate from the application. 2The applicant fills in his or her name and social security number in Section VIII of the application and submits it to his or her Academic Advisor. The advisor should complete the information and mail or it to the following: (Continued on Page 10) Internship Program 7

10 DC Water and Sewer Authority INTERNSHIP Positions available for the program are as follows: Division/Department GENERAL MANAGER Internal Auditor Job Duties Handle correspondence with other water and sewer authorities, update electronic auditing files; input data into database management system Public Affairs Arrange press kits; prepare press releases; assist with: press conferences, community outreach, WASA events, newsletter, customer questions and service requests General Counsel ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER Human Resources Facilities and Security Fleet Conduct legal research; review legal briefs; handle correspondence; respond to freedom of information requests Input data in spreadsheets using Microsoft word and excel; filing correspondence; research labor relations topics; assist with personnel records processing and training coordination Develop charts using microsoft office; answer phones; operate corporate switchboard; landscaping and horticulture Maintain fleet information files; answer phones; log in/out corporate vehicles Occupational Safety and Health Develop sampling strategies; conduct exposure assessments; conduct daily audits CHIEF ENGINEER Water Services Engineering and Technical Services Wastewater Treatment Sewer Services Maintenance Services DC Water and Se er Authori 8 Monitor water quality; respond to technical questions concerning pipeline disinfection; perform laboratory functions using microbiological and chemistry parameters Answer customer complaints; pull historical data for reports public responses and court cases ; input data for customer service inquiries Research and collect professional engineering reference material; input data in Geological Information System; update CAD/CAM drawings; assist in preparing and assembling technical specifications Conduct research on biological nutrient recovery; prepare research paper on advanced wastewater processes; Assist with laboratory chemical analyses; monitor wastewater treatment processes; sample effluent; conducts laboratory and field tests; prepares charts and curves on process control parameters Assist in maintaining modification repair projects on sanitary, storm, and combined sewers; prepare daily and weekly reports; reviews television inspection tapes; reviews and evaluates storm drain sites Assist with staff support functions; performance equipment inspections and drawing specification reviews; collect and input data in maintenance management system

11 Division/Department CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Finance Customer Service Procurement Information Technology Job Duties Reconcile invoices, federal and municipal billings; assist with bank and revenue account reconciliations; review departmental budgets; assist with revenue forecasting Respond to customer service inquiries; schedule payment arrangement; research delinquent billing; research property records Review affirmative actions plans proposed by contractors; monitors contract compliance; responds to pre-award inquiries Research government federal schedules on Internet; input data in vendor database; assist with maintaining electronic filing system; evaluates purchase ordersprepare invitations for bid; review request for proposals; drafts cure letters for noncompliance Load software; install hardware; assist help desk with troubleshooting hardware and software problems; input data using microsoft excel or access Internship Program 9

12 DC Water and Sewer Authority INTERNSHIP Continued from Page 7 INTERNSHIPD.C. Water and Sewer Authority Human Resources Department Training and Development Branch 5000 Overlook Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C Fax: (202) internpr@dcwasa.com Access online application at Selection Criteria Selection of program participants will be based on the selection panel s review and evaluation of the following criteria: Academic record Essay Recommendations (from the academic advisor) References Availability of a position that reflects the applicant s interest and major Candidates selected for an internship will be notified by May 1. DC Water and Se er Authori 10

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16 DC Water and Sewer Authority Serving the Public Protecting the Environment 5000 Overlook Avenue, S.W. Washington, DC