About the Position

For all positions at the District, we have enhanced and exceeded safety precautions for all essential operations. Some positions will require the intern to be in the lab, office or field and will be clearly labeled as such on the job postings. We’ll provide interns with training and experience with virtual collaboration tools and remote work as needed. Each intern will work with a supervisor and will be provided professional development training, participate in networking events, and attend meetings, either virtually or in-person as conditions allow.

When you intern at the District, you are joining a team that works together to recover resources and clean wastewater for return to nature 365 days a year through our innovation and expertise!

Internships will be available in the following areas:

• Well Water Sampler Intern
• Operations & Maintenance Intern
• Engineering Intern
• Pollution Prevention Intern

Additional opportunities may be added as other departments evaluate their internship needs.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At MMSD we desire to build and sustain a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that embraces and values diversity. If you’re excited about this role but your educational background and/or experience don’t perfectly align with every qualification listed in the job description, we encourage you to still apply. Non-students may be classified as LTE instead of interns. You may have the core competencies and transferrable skills that make you the right candidate for this role.

Please include a COVER LETTER with your application materials expressing your interest in this position and how it relates to your career goals.

We reserve the right to begin interviews before the closing date and close any of the above vacancies early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Duties

WELL WATER SAMPLER INTERN

The Well Water Sampler Intern will provide support for the District's Metrogro program and laboratory activities. The intern will work in the Ecosystems Department and will gain valuable experience while learning proper sample collection procedures. The ideal candidate would be available to work a full 40 hours per week during the summer and have a valid driver's license.

JOB DUTIES

• Collect water samples for chemical and microbiological parameters from homes in Dane County and the surrounding areas
• Utilize and maintain laboratory issued equipment to collect data related to samples at collection
• Work under the supervision of and assist the District's lab manager and chemists

This is an excellent opportunity for a self-starter with a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and the motivation to do quality work

REQUIREMENTS

• Currently enrolled college student pursuing an education in sciences.
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to work independently / self-starter
• Technical skills and proficiency with Microsoft applications
• Comfortable with talking on the phone
• Physical job requirements - walk on uneven ground, lift > 20 lbs, manual dexterity, bending over / working outside

HOURS & LOCATION

• The ideal candidate would be available to work a full 40 hours per week during the summer and have a valid driver's license.

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE INTERN

As an Operations & Maintenance Intern, you will assist in migrating documentation and setting up the District’s new SharePoint document management system. This position is ideal for students interested in technical documentation, information management, and maintenance management.

JOB DUTIES

• Assist with migrating documents from various locations (both electronic and physical) to SharePoint.
• Classify and apply metadata to documents for efficient sorting and retrieval.
• Understand relationships between metadata and documents to ensure logical organization.
• Troubleshoot issues with the SharePoint system and recommend corrective actions.
• Support document standardization and organization efforts across departments.
• Collaborate with IT and other teams to improve documentation workflows.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be enrolled in a 2- or 4-year degree program with a focus on information technology, library science, business, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze and categorize information effectively.
• Basic technical proficiency and willingness to learn SharePoint functionality.
• Ability to work independently and problem-solve technical/documentation challenges.
• Respect and appreciation for diversity and inclusion.

HOURS & LOCATION

• Monday - Friday, up to 40 hours per week during the summer, can be continued past summer with reduced hours during the school week.

ENGINEERING INTERN

The Engineering Intern will work in Engineering and support other departments as needed. Ideal candidates will have some familiarity with engineering concepts and principles, surveying applications, GIS data, and applications, and will be interested in expanding their skills in a wastewater utility profession. Work will support infrastructure construction projects, collection system planning and evaluation, application of the GIS program, asset management and mapping, and engineering records management.

JOB DUTIES

• Field work including field surveying, GPS data collection, utility locating, and coordination activities
• Collection system or wastewater treatment plant construction observation and project administration activities
• Coordination with Owner Communities to collect record drawings of their collection system at various locations.
• Gathering and evaluating data of the collection system storage capacities to correlate risks associated with District pumping stations
• Updating construction contract documents, including standard details in AutoCAD and technical specifications
• Digitize, organize, and associate record drawings and other data to the GIS platform
• Reviewing, organizing, and maintaining electronic records for the District's sewer collection system and condition assessment program
• Updating and implementing asset management activities and systems
• Participation in gathering and evaluating data relating to high flows or other unusual events in the District's collection system
• Evaluation of GIS data quality, editing GIS data, GIS applications development, creating maps, and applying GPS field captured data as needed

REQUIREMENTS

• One or more years of college studies in engineering, environmental science, geography, or a similar technical field
• Excellent data management and analysis skills including proficiency (2+years) in using MS Excel spreadsheets and functions; pulling data from various data sources; general data sorting, merging, manipulating, and quality control activities
• Familiarity with GIS data and analysis
• Familiarity with fluid dynamic hydraulic calculation systems
• Familiarity with surveying instruments and applications of use in the field
• Ability to interpret engineering plans for assigned tasks
• Electronic file manipulation, storage, organization, and management

HOURS & LOCATION

• Hours will be up to 40 hours/week during the summer. These positions can continue beyond the summer, with flexible hours expected to range between 10-20 hours/week during the school year.
• Initially, these positions will require work at our physical plant location approximately 80% of the time. Remote work would be possible for the other 20%. These percentages will fluctuate from week to week depending on projects, needs, and training.

POLLUTION PREVENTION INTERN

The Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District is seeking a Pollution Prevention Intern to support our pollution prevention and pretreatment initiatives. This internship offers the opportunity to apply communication, marketing, and outreach skills to environmental sustainability efforts. The intern will work in the Ecosystems Department under the supervision of the District’s Pollution Prevention Manager, collaborating with technical experts to drive engagement in pollution prevention programs.

This role is ideal for students interested in social marketing, public outreach, and environmental communication. The intern will help increase awareness and participation in pollution prevention programs through creative strategies such as:

• Developing social media content and marketing campaigns to educate the public.
• Supporting an engaging “hacks” campaign focused on pollution prevention tips.
• Collaborating on existing behavior change programs to encourage sustainable practices.
• Designing and implementing pilot projects to test new outreach strategies.

The intern will work closely with the District’s Pollution Prevention Specialists, Pretreatment Coordinator, Communications Department, and other staff to develop engaging and effective outreach efforts.

JOB DUTIES

• Assist in developing and implementing education, outreach, and communication activities to support pollution prevention.
• Help design and implement pollution prevention initiatives and engagement strategies.
• Identify opportunities and barriers to behavior change and contribute to the development of effective messaging and strategies.
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize data and insights to support program planning and reporting.
• Perform additional tasks as needed to support District programs.

SKILLS

We encourage applicants to highlight relevant background and skills, though none are required. Ideal candidates may have experience in:

• Marketing, outreach, or public engagement campaigns
• Social media strategy and content creation
• Video production or graphic design
• Behavior change principles and strategies
• Water/wastewater or environmental sustainability topics
• Education, public speaking, or informal teaching activities
• Fluency in additional languages (please indicate proficiency levels in speaking, listening, and writing)

REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college program (sophomore or above) or a graduate program.
• Recent graduates (within the last year) will also be considered.
• Students taking a gap year or transitioning between undergraduate and graduate programs may be eligible if they plan to return to school.

While students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, preferred majors include:

• Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations
• Environmental Studies, Sustainability, or Public Policy
• Graphic Design, Multimedia, or Digital Media
• Psychology, Sociology, or Behavioral Science

This internship is a great opportunity to apply storytelling, marketing, and behavioral science to real-world environmental challenges. If you are passionate about using communication and outreach to drive sustainable change, we encourage you to apply!

HOURS & LOCATION

Hours are flexible, between 8-12 hours/week during the school year, with the option for full-time LTE hours during the Summer. Preference is for the intern to spend at least half the hours in-person at the District’s Nine Spring’s wastewater treatment plant. The remaining time each week could be either virtual or remain in-person

This position will require some in-person work at the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant. The incumbent will be working in an office environment using traditional office equipment, including a computer and telephone. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to access various parts of the plant and other facilities throughout the collection system.

The Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, located in Madison, has a history of excellence in STEM, innovation, and sustainability, and is pleased to announce our 2025 Summer Internship Program. This program is an excellent opportunity for enrolled university and technical college students to gain valuable experience in their field of interest while making an impact on the organization and our local communities, enhancing the quality of our water. The District strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and we encourage women and people of color to apply for these internships.

Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college, either as an undergraduate (sophomore or above) or graduate student. Interns must be able to work full-time during the summer, either on-site or remotely – some positions may offer the opportunity to work part-time during the academic year.

Candidates pursuing degrees directly related to their desired internship will be given preference in being invited to interview.

Ideal candidates

• Are detail-oriented, thorough, and analytical, and can work well both as part of a team and independently.
• Respect and demonstrate appreciation for diversity and inclusion.
• Possess a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and motivation to do quality work.

Please apply directly on our career page.