Employer: Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority

Duration: 100 hours

Dates: February 17-April 18, 2026, 2 days per week

Location: Victorville, CA
Compensation: Paid Internship

College Credit: If selected, college credit will be available through Victor Valley College.

The Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority (VVWRA) is a regional public utility that treats and reclaims wastewater for the Victor Valley community. VVWRA provides hands-on learning opportunities for students interested in environmental services, water technology, and technical careers that help protect local water resources and support sustainable growth.

Program Overview

The Technology & SCADA Internship is designed to provide community college, CTE students, and veterans a unique, hands-on introduction to the technical systems that drive modern utilities. This role sits at the intersection of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), supporting VVWRA’s digital resilience.

This role is ideal for individuals studying or trained in computer systems, industrial automation, networking, or cybersecurity who want to apply their technical knowledge in a real-world, critical infrastructure environment.

Learning Objectives

• Gain exposure to how IT and control systems support water and wastewater operations.

• Develop technical, organizational, and problem-solving skills through hands-on tasks.

• Learn industry best practices in cybersecurity, data documentation, and industrial safety.

• Understand the fundamentals of SCADA systems, including process monitoring and data collection.

• Build professional readiness for roles in IT, automation, or technical maintenance.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

IT & Technical Support

• Provide first-line support for user hardware and software issues.

• Help image devices, install software, and prepare workstations for use.

• Assist in tracking hardware, software, and control panel components using asset management tools.

• Log support requests, track resolution status, and escalate high-priority issues through the VVWRA CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System.

Cybersecurity & Digital Awareness

• Support cybersecurity awareness campaigns and training materials for staff.

• Help create visuals, presentations, or digital content about password safety and phishing prevention.

• Research and summarize current cybersecurity threats for team briefings.

• Learn secure data-handling practices and IT safety protocols.

Data and Documentation Support

• Update internal documentation, user guides, and standard operating procedures.

• Assist with updating HMI/SCADA screens or collecting operator feedback on system usability.

• Organize SCADA logs, equipment inventories, and control system documentation.

• Support data entry and cleanup in spreadsheets, databases, or historian systems.

Systems Monitoring and SCADA Exposure

• Observe real-time control room operations and learn how industrial networks communicate.

• Help update network maps, configuration files, and software version logs for PLCs and HMIs.

• Monitor dashboards to understand system uptime, performance, and reporting protocols.

• Learn escalation procedures for downtime or communication issues in industrial systems.

Project Assistance and Research

• Participate in special IT or automation projects such as equipment upgrades or digital migrations.

• Conduct supervised research on new software tools, cybersecurity trends, or SCADA innovations.

• Assist with preparing presentations or visuals summarizing technical findings for staff meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrollment in or completion of a community college or CTE program in:

  • Information Technology or Computer Systems

  • Industrial Automation or Process Control

  • Cybersecurity or Networking

  • Electrical or Instrumentation Technology

• OR a veteran with technical, IT, or systems maintenance experience.

• Familiarity with Windows systems, basic networking concepts, or PLC/HMI terminology preferred.

• Strong attention to detail, organization, and confidentiality.

• Eagerness to learn industrial safety and technical protocols.

Work Environment

Interns will experience both office-based IT work and industrial site exposure within VVWRA’s treatment facility. Assignments include desk-based computer tasks, documentation, and supervised site visits to control rooms and equipment areas. Strict adherence to cybersecurity and safety protocols is required at all times.