Water Replenishment District | Water Leaders Academy | CUSD

Employer: Water Replenishment District (WRD)

Position Title: Intern

Department: Office | Field

Reports To:  Janel Ancayan

Location: On-site

Duration: Approximately 50 hours

Compensation: $20

COMPANY OVERVIEW

The Water Replenishment District (WRD) is a public agency responsible for managing and protecting groundwater resources across Southern Los Angeles County. WRD works in partnership with regional agencies such as Metropolitan Water District, West Basin Municipal Water District, Long Beach Utilities, and LA County Sanitation Districts to ensure sustainable water supply, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance. Through education and workforce initiatives like the Water Academy, WRD invests in building the next generation of water and environmental professionals.

JOB SUMMARY

The WRD Water Academy Internship is a two-week, paid immersive experience designed to introduce Compton USD high school students to careers in water systems, environmental sustainability, and public utilities. Interns will participate in site visits, hands-on technical learning, career panels, and professional development workshops led by regional water agencies. The program builds foundational knowledge in water treatment, groundwater replenishment, environmental compliance, and infrastructure systems while exposing students to college and workforce pathways in the water industry.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The WRD Water Academy Internship provides structured exposure to Southern California’s water infrastructure through facility tours, technical demonstrations, and direct engagement with industry professionals. Over two weeks, interns explore treatment operations, water recycling, groundwater science, sustainability practices, engineering, and public utility management.

Participants gain insight into career pathways including water operator roles, environmental compliance, water quality analysis, engineering, process technology, and public works. The program blends field learning with professional skill development, helping students build readiness for college programs, technical certifications, or future internships such as the WRD Operator Internship.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Interns will learn to:

• Understand the regional water system, including groundwater replenishment, recycled water, and treatment processes.

• Explore multiple water industry careers through agency partners, speakers, and site experiences.

• Strengthen awareness of environmental compliance, sustainability, and regulatory frameworks.

• Gain introductory exposure to SCADA, treatment processes, groundwater monitoring, and water quality fundamentals.

• Build readiness for deeper opportunities such as the WRD Operator Internship, college Water Technology programs, or CTE pathways.

• Develop professional skills including teamwork, communication, industry expectations, and field safety awareness
  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Career Exploration & Learning Engagement

• Actively participate in daily workshops, guest speaker sessions, and hands-on activities led by WRD, West Basin, MWD, and City of Long Beach staff.

• Demonstrate curiosity by asking questions, taking notes, and engaging in career discussions.

Field & Facility Participation

• Attend scheduled site visits to partner facilities such as WRD treatment sites, West Basin MWD, MWD’s Weymouth Treatment Plant, and the Long Beach training yard.

• Follow all safety instructions and adhere to required protocols during facility tours.
  

Project-Based Learning & Reflection

• Complete assigned activities, including water-system observations, group challenges, and reflection prompts.

• Contribute to a small capstone or end-of-program reflection showing understanding of water careers and industry concepts.
  

Program Completion Requirements

• Attend the full 2-week program (June 15–26| 9a-3p daily).

• Participate in orientation on May 18, 2026, cohort activities, and the end-of-program celebration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Students are encouraged to apply if they:

• Are enrolled in a Compton USD high school or CTE pathway.

• Have interest in fields such as:

  • Environmental science

  • Engineering

  • Water or wastewater systems

  • Sustainability

  • Public works or utilities

  • Technology and process systems

• Want to learn more about local government, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, or STEM careers.

• Are willing to participate in field trips and hands-on learning experiences.

• Can commit to the full program schedule and participate actively in sessions.

• Demonstrate curiosity, responsibility, and a willingness to learn — no prior experience required.

• Work Permit-Required.

• Additional considerations (not mandatory):

  • Participation in CTE pathways (Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Service, ICT, etc.)

  • Interest in future internships (WRD Operator Internship, agency mentorships, or summer opportunities).

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Engage directly with engineers, operators, scientists, and utility leaders across multiple agencies.

• Develop professional skills including communication, teamwork, punctuality, and workplace etiquette.

• Participate in resume workshops, interview preparation sessions, and career pathway guidance.

• Build industry awareness of safety standards, regulatory compliance, and field professionalism.

• Complete a capstone reflection project demonstrating understanding of water systems and career pathways.

• Network with regional agencies to explore future internships, mentorships, and technical education programs.

• Strengthen STEM exposure and environmental literacy aligned with college and CTE pathways.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Field & Facility Experiences

  • Visits to operational facilities such as treatment plants, training yards, groundwater replenishment sites, and university-based environmental programs.

  • Experiences may involve:

    • Walking through outdoor facilities

    • Observing treatment equipment and water infrastructure

    • Touring lab or monitoring spaces (with staff supervision)

• Safety & Supervision

  • All site visits are fully supervised by agency staff, WRD educators, and Tomorrow’s Talent team members.

  • Students will receive clear safety guidelines before entering any operational areas.

• Program Conditions

  • Students may be walking outdoors and should be prepared for varying weather conditions.

  • Closed-toe shoes may be required for field days.

  • All activities emphasize safety, professionalism, and respect for operational environments.

  • Dress code:

    • Long pants and closed toed shoes (unless otherwise specified)

    • Cohort t-shirt or polo

    • Business casual dress may be required for some days (i.e.; networking opportunities, presentations, celebrations)
      

Program Completion Requirements

Attend the full 2-week program (June 15–26).

Monday, 6/15

WRD HQ (4040 Paramount Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90712)

WRD 101, intro to water careers, networking

Tuesday, 6/16

Metropolitan Water District  - PureWater (24501 S Figueroa St, Carson, CA 90745) or HQ (700 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012)

Imported water/distribution

Wednesday, 6/17

LA County Sanitation District - San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant (1955 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601)

Wastewater careers/water quality

Thursday, 6/18

WRD Albert Robles Center (4320 San Gabriel River Pkway Pico Rivera, CA 90660)

AWT operations

Friday, 6/19 (Juneteenth)

CUSD - TBD 

Free time to work on capstone project (9a-12p)

Monday, 6/22

HQ (4040 Paramount Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90712)

Skills training – Work-based skills (resume, interviews, etc) + UCLA researcher

Tuesday, 6/23

Long Beach Utilities (1800 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, CA 90807)

Trades, field operations

Wednesday, 6/24

WRD Albert Robles Center (4320 San Gabriel River Pkway Pico Rivera, CA 90660) and Spreading Grounds  (9716 Washington Blvd. Pico Rivera, CA 90660)

*Spreading grounds and hydro demo

Thursday, 6/25

West Basin Municipal Water District - Intuit Dome OR Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility

Engineering

Friday, 6/26

CUSD Free time to work on capstone project (9a-12p)

*Participate in orientation on May 18,2026, cohort activities, and the end-of-program celebration.