WaterOne is searching for a talented, creative, and eager-to-learn Laboratory Intern for our Water Quality Laboratory department. This unique, paid-internship will provide an excellent opportunity for you to gain real world experience by assisting the WQ Laboratory Staff on a multitude of exciting projects that impact the world’s most valuable resource – water!

You will play a crucial role in assisting with research and experiments to solve problems and performing specialized research assignments. This excellent opportunity gives you the chance to learn from our experts in the field, show your stuff, and be hands-on with a leader in the water production and distribution industry.

WaterOne is an independent public water utility. We’ve been proudly serving the Johnson County, Kansas area since 1957. Every day, nearly 455,000 customers rely on WaterOne to provide fresh, clean water on demand. It’s a responsibility we deliver on. Our passion is water, because water touches everything we care about: family, health, safety, and community. We serve our community by bringing award-winning water to their homes, businesses, and public places.

WaterOne provides competitive benefits and compensation ranges.  Selected candidates are placed in the position’s pay range based on their qualifications.

Pay rate is $18.00 per hour

• Performs both unusual and routine physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological analyses of water and a variety of related materials following specific procedures.
• Recognizes potential or actual problems which may occur in an analytical procedure; applies known procedures or confers with other to find solutions.
• Sets up, calibrates, operates, performs, and keeps records of routine maintenance on a variety of complex laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Collects, receives, extracts, and digests, a variety of samples; prepares field and sample control documentation and submits / receives samples for analysis; may plan short-term project sampling programs.
• Assists chemists & microbiologists in performing research and experiments to solve problems; may perform specialized research assignments on well-defined projects.
• Compiles and records data for a variety of logs, reports, and records, performing calculations as required; performs peer data review to ensure accuracy of calculations and records prepared by others; recommends modifications to procedures and forms; enters results of analyses into the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and produces reports.
• Prepares standard and uncommon chemical solutions, reagents, stains, and bacteriological media.
• Conducts various field screening assays, routine and advanced.
• Maintains proper QA/QC records and documentation; assists with implementation of QA/QC programs.
• Observes standard safety precautions related to the work; maintains proper quality assurance techniques in performing analytical work.
• Maintains an inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies according to predetermined levels; Assists with ordering, receiving, and maintaining an adequate supply of chemicals, supplies and replacement laboratory equipment.
• Helps prepare material for shipping, including materials being returned to vendors. Assists with receipt of materials, inspecting materials for damage, checking for correct amount shipped, and storing material appropriately.
• Assists with managing materials stock levels in Laboratory central storage areas.
• Confers with other WaterOne employees, representatives of governmental or other organizations, and consumers of WaterOne water, and others on matters relating to the work.
• Performs all duties pertaining to all hazardous waste operations in accordance with all applicable requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• Minimum educational requirement of two years (or 60 credit hours) completed towards a Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology or related bachelor’s degree, with at least 15 credit hours of science-related coursework.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0. 
• Must commit to 12-13 week duration of the summer internship from May 20th until August 9th.
• This internship will take place onsite; hours will be M-F 7:00am-3:30pm.
• Experience in an environmental laboratory is preferred. Experience in Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Science may be substituted for environmental laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of standard methods for the analysis of water samples, standard laboratory equipment and its uses; statistical analyses, and laboratory safety practices.
• Working knowledge of methods to determine water contamination sources; skill & ability to perform difficult and precise analyses of water according to established procedures; evaluating the outcome of laboratory determinations in order to detect errors and recommending effective solutions.
• Ability to adapt analytical methods and equipment to obtain accurate test results; setting up, using, and calibrating complex analytical instruments.
• Demonstrates ability in making accurate calculations; keeping accurate records; making clear and concise reports; preparing media and reagents to exact specifications and performing standard laboratory support work.
• Ability to read and interpret technical operations manuals.
• Ability to make decisions under high stress situations and to continuously show good judgment in routine decisions.
• General knowledge of principles of water treatment and distribution.
• Skill in analyzing complex problems, interpreting laboratory and plant operating data, data mining, report generation, reaching sound conclusions, and making appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to adhere to and provide recommendations to improve process control and laboratory quality assurance programs.
• Must have experience with or have the ability to learn and apply all applicable requirements pertaining to hazardous waste operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively with WaterOne employees and other agencies.
• Requires very good oral and written communication skills. Must be a good listener.
• Knowledge of personal computer technology and applications (i.e., Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and Windows). Demonstrated proficiency with spreadsheets and word processing is required. Experience with laboratory information management system and enterprise resource planning software such as SAP is preferred.
• Ability to work individually or in a team setting; ability to work effectively with the public.
• Must have a valid driver's license and continuously meet WaterOne driving standards.
• Must pass post offer medical exam, including drug screen and background verification (may not apply to current employees).

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally lift/or move up to 75 pounds with assistance and frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee must be able to use a computer for five hours a day. The employee must be able to move occasionally from one location to another or be able to remain in a stationary position for up to several hours a day. The employee must be able to use office productivity equipment such as a personal computer, calculator, printer, and copy machine. The employee must be in possession of a licenses and be able to operate a vehicle at any given time. The employee must be able to occasionally position self-collect samples, use equipment, perform analyses and be able to work in outdoor weather conditions. The employee must be able to distinguish colors. The employee must meet qualifications for using air purifying and air supplied respiratory protection.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Protective equipment, including but not limited to personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, may be required and shall be maintained in the sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of process or environment, chemical hazards, or mechanical hazard encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.

Equal Opportunity Employer
WaterOne is an independent public water utility. We’ve been proudly serving the Johnson County, Kansas area since 1957. Every day, nearly 455,000 customers rely on WaterOne to provide fresh, clean water on demand. It’s a responsibility we deliver on. Our passion is water, because water touches everything we care about: family, health, safety, and community. We serve our community by bringing award-winning water to their homes, businesses, and public places.

Complete job description is available upon request and will be provided during the selection process.