Water Conservation Intern

The Solano County Water Agency is offering a temporary Water Conservation Intern position in Vacaville, CA, with an hourly wage of $26.18. Responsibilities include providing technical assistance, participating in outreach events, and performing landscape inspections. The role involves about 70% fieldwork and 30% office work, focusing on water conservation education. The internship lasts up to 6 months, with potential for extension, and is ideal for students interested in sustainable landscaping.
JOB DESCRIPTION

Water Conservation Intern

SOLANO COUNTY WATER AGENCY

HOURLY WAGE RANGE
$26.18 Hourly

JOB TYPE: Temporary

CLOSING: Open Until Filled

LOCATION: Vacaville, CA

Water Conservation Internship

This is a temporary position providing technical assistance to the Solano County Water Agency and Landscape Rebate program. Other job duties will include participating in education and outreach events, serving as a point of contact for customer inquiries, and assisting with other duties as assigned. The internship program will allow students to learn about the role water conservation plays in managing crucial water resources. Additionally, students will be introduced to various aspects of landscaping design and plant selection, specifically, the role of native plants in reducing water use and encouraging biodiversity. This position will not exceed 40 hours/week or 1000 hours in a year. Experience or knowledge of water conservation is preferred but not required.

Employment Duration: 6 Month term with possible extension

(internship duration may be extended dependent on Water Agency needs)

Essential Job Functions:
• Approximately 70% Field, 30% Office
• Perform landscape conversion inspections for the cash for grass program
• Continuous and routine public engagement in person about plants, soil, and sustainable landscapes, indoor water conservation
• Public outreach and education at people’s homes and at special events
• Provide helpful insight on water efficient landscape concepts to the public
• Up to date knowledge of California’s drought and methods of outdoor water conservation
• Data management / data entry / detailed record keeping / library maintenance
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits for Water Conservation Intern:
• Opportunity to work independently and gain experience in landscape design projects
• Enhanced knowledge of local horticulture
• Enhanced knowledge of water efficient and sustainable landscaping

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field and in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium physical work; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or tablet. Internships listed above bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work. Interns must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Interns partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to potentially hazardous physical substances. Interns also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Interns may interact with upset members of the public.

COMPENSATION:

Internships are temporary positions ($26.18 per hour). Medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits are not provided. Staff will receive up to 24 hours of sick leave within a calendar year, which is accrued at 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. There is a 90-day waiting period before sick leave can be used. Staff will be required to drive to their primary reporting locations, and mileage will be provided for work-related driving.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Prior experience in customer service preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills as well as the ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work independently and identify and initiate completion of tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and co-workers.
• Microsoft Outlook and Office experience (Word and Excel).
• Environmental education and outreach experience encouraged but not required.
• Possess a valid CA Driver’s license.
• Good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years duration. Driving record must not contribute to an increase in the Agency’s automobile insurance rates.
• Availability during employment durations listed.
• Willingness to have a relatively consistent schedule (minimum of 10 hours per week, maximum of 40 hours per week) and be available when special events are scheduled, including occasional weekends.

Preferred but not required:
• Current student in the process of an undergraduate degree or a recent graduate student that graduated within the last year.
• Focus of study or declared major in: landscape design, landscape architecture, environmental science, environmental planning, watershed science, horticulture, soil and water science, communications, or similar field.
• Prior experience in customer service such as service industry, retail, or other.
• Environmental education and outreach experience.
• Bilingual

This is a temporary position providing technical assistance to the Solano County Water Agency and Urban Water Conservation Committee staff. Interns will mainly assist in the implementation of the Water Efficient Landscape Rebate Program, Residential Water Survey Program and occasionally perform sheet mulching workshops and educating the public at various public outreach events. The position will also require the promotion of sustainable landscaping through social media and special events. This position will not exceed 40 hours/week or 1000 hours in a year. Experience or knowledge of water conservation is preferred but not required.

TO APPLY:

Submit a completed application, resume, and cover letter.