Environmental Laboratory Intern

MWRD's Internship Program offers paid internship positions. While the main focus is on wastewater management, there are opportunities to gain knowledge and practical experience in a wide range of functions in each department.

Paid Interns

Paid interns are limited to 119 working days per calendar year and receive $18.00 per hour.

Required Documents:

• Letter of recommendation from a class instructor, professor, or Internship Coordinator from current school or university.
• Cover letter stating interest in position.
• Resume.

Eligibility Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university and will be enrolled in the 2025/2026 school year.
• Permanent residency within the territorial boundaries of the MWRD (students may attend school outside the territorial boundaries).
• You must be a citizen or national of the United States, or an individual who is otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States.

Candidates are required to submit the Online Internship Application, cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation through MWRD's Online Employment Center.

Questions regarding the internship program may be directed to MWRDInternships@mwrd.org.

Position Title:

Environmental Laboratory Intern

Department:

Monitoring and Research

Location:

Stickney Water Reclamation Plant

6001 West Pershing Road

Cicero, IL60804

Description:

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is seeking anEnvironmental LaboratoryIntern to join the Monitoring and Research Department. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to learn the operation of instruments such as the SEAL discrete chemical analyzer, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS, along with gravimetric analytical methods. The intern will be trained to follow laboratory safety protocols and quality assurance procedures. They will gain hands-on experience in a laboratory setting, learn to utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and develop an understanding of laboratory operations. Additionally, the intern will work in a collaborative team environment, interacting with laboratory technicians and chemists to understand workload prioritization, workflow management, and the implications of errors during the analytical process.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:

• Experience in general laboratory and safety practices.
• Familiarity with analytical instrumentation
• Preferred knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Educational Requirements:

Applicants must be a current graduate or undergraduate student seeking a degree in chemistry, biology, or related sciences.