This is what you are going to do
Do you want to contribute to improving water safety in the Netherlands and work on innovative solutions to protect our regions against flooding? At Rijkswaterstaat, you will have the opportunity to work as an intern on cost-benefit analyses for regional flood defences. An internship with impact and the chance to learn from experts. Does this sound like something for you? Then read on!
How you contribute
The Netherlands is protected against flooding by both primary and regional flood defences. Work is currently underway to update the safety approach and standards for regional flood defences. In this process, it is important to determine which safety level is socially and economically optimal.During your internship, you will investigate whether the Diqe-Opt model can be used for this purpose. This model has previously been applied and tested for the dikes surrounding the IJsselmeer, but not yet for deriving economically optimal standards for regional flood defences. Your challenge is to conduct a pilot study for this.
Your duties
During your internship, you will go through the entire process: from preparing the model and collecting data to analyzing and presenting the results. This way, you not only learn to work with data and modeling, but also gain insight into how research results contribute to decisions regarding water safety. The activities listed below are indicative. Together, we will determine how the internship assignment best aligns with your studies and learning objectives.
- Modify model: you make the existing Diqe-Opt model more flexible, so that data for regional flood defences can be entered more easily.
- Gathering information: together with regional water manager(s), you collect data on, among other things, flood probabilities, potential damage, costs of improvement measures, and scenarios for climate and economic development.
- Analyzing and validating: you apply the model to one or more regional flood defences, assess the results, and perform sensitivity analyses. In doing so, you learn to critically evaluate model outcomes and research data.
- Discussing results: you present and discuss your findings with Rijkswaterstaat, regional water managers, and other stakeholders.
- Reporting: you process your research into a report that can serve as a basis for an objective assessment of the applicability of the Diqe-Opt model for regional flood defences and the derivation of optimal water safety levels.
Your internship at Rijkswaterstaat
At Rijkswaterstaat, you work on a socially relevant issue that directly impacts the water safety of the Netherlands. You have the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge to a current practical challenge, collaborating with professionals within and outside Rijkswaterstaat. At the same time, you are given the space to further develop yourself substantively and professionally.
This is what you get
- €800
- Graduation internship / thesis
- Feb 1, 2027 – Jul 30, 2027
- 32 – 40 hours
We offer even more of this
Do you work fewer than 40 hours? Then your compensation is pro rata. In addition to your internship allowance, you are entitled to paid vacation hours.If you do not have a student travel product, you are eligible for a mobility card from Rijkswaterstaat.
Please note! This only applies if you are no longer entitled to an OV-chipkaart. If you are in possession of a student travel product but incur extra travel expenses for the purpose of carrying out your internship duties, you can claim these travel expenses.
We ask this
- You are pursuing a university master’s degree in operations research, mathematics, economics, or another technical or hydraulic engineering program.
- You have experience programming in Python and are interested in (water) management and technical modeling.
You recognize yourself in the following competencies
- Independence and accuracy: you can work independently and possess a keen analytical eye.
- Communication skills: you make contact easily and can present technical results clearly.
You will be working here
About Rijkswaterstaat
Rijkswaterstaat
Rijkswaterstaat is the implementing organization of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and consists of 6 national and 7 regional organizational units. For more than 225 years, we have been working daily on a safe, liveable, and accessible Netherlands. We manage and develop national roads, waterways, and waters, and focus on a sustainable living environment. Together with others, we work on a country that is protected against flooding. Where there is sufficient greenery, and sufficient and clean water. And where you can get from A to B quickly and safely. Working together on a safe, liveable, and accessible Netherlands: that is working at Rijkswaterstaat.
Talent as the foundation, diversity as strength
Rijkswaterstaat is an inclusive organization. An organization that offers space to everyone and uses the power of employee diversity to achieve better results for the Netherlands together. Inclusive means that everyone feels involved and valued; not despite, but because of the differences. That is why we would like to invite you to apply if you recognize yourself in this vacancy.
Water, Traffic and Living Environment (WVL)
Do you want to work at Rijkswaterstaat within Water, Traffic and the Living Environment (WVL)? This organizational unit is leading in thinking about, and preparing for, major transition issues such as climate adaptation and circularity. WVL anticipates challenges, opportunities, and possibilities for a future-proof Netherlands by developing, managing, and sharing knowledge.In doing so, WVL collaborates closely with knowledge institutes, local authorities, and domestic and international market parties. This often involves scarce, highly specific knowledge, such as sustainable and smart mobility, an approach to litter around and on our roads and in our waters, and innovations like a circular viaduct. Research is also being conducted into how water can be retained more effectively during periods of drought. Furthermore, WVL monitors and analyzes traffic accidents and optimizes safety on and around the roads for people, animals, and nature.In total, over 900 people work within WVL, spread across four directorates: Operations, Procurement & Performance Management, Accessibility & Network Quality, Safety & Water, and the Living Environment.
Details
- This concerns a graduation internship/research internship.
- You can only do an internship at Rijkswaterstaat if you are enrolled at a Dutch educational institution.
- The internship starts in February 2027 and lasts until August 2027. We will determine the exact start and end dates by mutual agreement.
- The internship is initially for 32 to 40 hours per week. If this does not suit you, we can of course determine the number of hours you will intern in consultation.
- For interns, the Bring Your Own Device policy applies to your laptop and phone. An exception may be made in consultation with the internship supervisor.
Visit our website for
more information about internships at Rijkswaterstaat .Do you have substantive questions about this internship vacancy? Please contact Rob van Veeren at
Apply
Rijkswaterstaat invites you to apply on their website. By clicking the button below, you will leave this site and go directly to the application form. The Dutch government values a diverse and inclusive organization. Working in diverse teams makes us more effective, more innovative, and makes work more enjoyable. Everyone is therefore invited to apply.
