- Salary: $19.71 Hourly
- Location: Burlington, VT
- Job Type: Internship
- Job Number: DPW Water Resources Internship
- Department: Public Works
- Division: Water Resources
- Opening Date: 03/24/2026
- Closing Date: 4/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
- FLSA: Non-Exempt
- Bargaining Unit: Non Union
General Purpose
Responsible for assisting Water Resources staff with projects and programs assigned to the Engineering & Asset Management workgroup. This internship is a part-time, hourly paid position that will work in administrative offices at the Main Wastewater Plant located on the waterfront of Lake Champlain, and in the field. Additionally, there may be time spent on construction projects with a project manager. The selected intern will become an integral part of a small technical team, learning the following skills: teamwork, organization, accountability, time-management and most of all, how to collaborate with a team!
General Internship Learning Outcomes:
- Strengthen ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
- Develop confidence in writing and editing professional content for distribution to an audience that may include team members, managers, and the public
- Develop project management skills and ability to work in a professional team environment
- Become involved in activities that will develop professional skills and foster professionalism
- Develop an understanding of a water resource utility as well as an understanding for a public works department
Work Schedule: We anticipate a flexible schedule to accommodate schoolwork to the end of semester. In the summer, the intern will be expected to work a 32-hour week that will not include holidays or weekends. Hours can be more or less than the 32-hour week if coordinated with their supervisor. Interns are not granted overtime or holiday pay. Tentative Duration of internship May 11th – August 31, 2026 (dates are flexible).
Union Affiliation: Non-Union
Pay Grade: $19.71 / Hour
Remote Tier 1: Zero (0) days remote/week
Essential Job Functions
The City of Burlington’s Water Resources Division is responsible for the oversight and management of Burlington’s wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater infrastructure. The Division conducts a wide variety of tasks, including:
- Administration of the City’s water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities;
- Operation of three wastewater treatment facilities and one drinking water plant;
- Maintenance and operation of the City’s subsurface water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure;
- Capital planning and prioritization of various water resources projects;
- General infrastructure asset management;
- Regulatory oversight of various private development projects for compliance with local stormwater and wastewater regulations;
- Compliance with various State and Federal clean water regulations.
The Water Resources Division is seeking an intern for the summer of 2026, to assist with a range of these tasks. Assignments may include:
- GIS editing, analysis, and data management;
- Use of GPS equipment and mobile devices to collect asset information in the field;
- Assistance with Stormwater Program initiatives;
- Assisting with data management and tracking for ongoing State reporting requirements;
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) inspections/evaluations (inspection, sampling, documentation at City’s outfalls to ensure there are not illicit connections or discharges to the City’s stormwater system);
- Site data collection, including but not limited to surveying and soil borings;
- Inspection of Water Resources assets (pipes, manholes, catch basins, outfalls, etc.);
- Water quality sampling of surface water and wastewater;
- GIS and asset management technology support;
- Assisting with CCTV sewer assessment program implementation, under the guidance of the Infrastructure Asset Manager;
- Maintaining organized, current data related to: Operational performance metrics (catch basin cleaning, outfall inspections, pipe condition, etc.), Combined Sewer Overflow and rain gauge data;
- Developing public outreach material;
- Preparing technical memos to document findings of various activities listed above;
- Maintaining accurate records and files;
- Performing other duties as required.
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements
- Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
- Completion of two years course work in an Environmental Science or Engineering program, or other water quality related program.
- Possess a valid Driver’s License.
- Familiarity with the concepts of drinking water, wastewater and/or stormwater management. .
- Demonstrated ability to effectively use computer equipment and related software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite, (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Publisher) and ESRI ArcGIS.
- Proficiency with ArcGIS (Pro, Online, Field Maps), and/or HydroCAD, are preferred.
- Experience with computer programming, and database management are preferred.
- Experience with field data collection and documentation.
- Willingness to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.
- Good verbal and written communication skills required.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to exercise independent judgement within the limits of the position.
Additional Information
Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity.
The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.
In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.
Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through our Government Jobs website.
For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-2505 or careers@burlingtonvt.gov.
Employer: City of Burlington, Vermont
Address: 149 Church St. Burlington, Vermont, 05401
Phone: 802-540-2505
Website: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov
