STUDENT PROGRAMS
Get Involved and Make a Difference!
The State Water Boards offer exciting internship opportunities. If you are interested in mentoring with professionals whose mission is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California's water resources, this is an opportunity for you.
The State Water Boards' Internship Program offers both paid and non-paid internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students of all majors and backgrounds.
These programs are designed to provide students who have an interest in California's water resources with practical, real-world experience. Our internships may qualify for academic credit and are coordinated between the student and school. Interns' hours vary and are dependent on the needs of the Water Boards and the intern.
If you are a student interested in water resources, an internship position with the Water Boards may be just what you are looking for.
Student Programs
Get Paid To Make A Difference!
The Water Boards are seeking undergraduate and graduate students to work with dedicated mentors on important issues including climate change, water conservation, drinking water, water quality, and groundwater. Visit CalCareers for opportunities.
To apply for a paid internship at the Water Boards, please submit the following:
- STD 678 Job Application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Transcript
- Letter of Recommendation (1)
- Proof of Enrollment
- A Statement of Qualification (See job posting)
Have questions? Email DAS-HRB-RecruitmentUnit@waterboards.ca.gov .
Intern with the Water Boards!
The Water Boards are seeking undergraduate and graduate talent of all majors and backgrounds who have an interest in California's water resources. The Water Boards are responsible for monitoring water quality, ensuring safe drinking water, developing polices and permits to protect all uses of water, and providing financial assistance to protect the public and environment.
To apply for a nonpaid (volunteer) internship at the Water Boards, please submit the following:
- STD 678 Job Application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Transcript
- Letter of Recommendation (1)
- Counties of interest
- Dates of availability
Email your internship application package to DAS-HRB-RecruitmentUnit@waterboards.ca.gov.
Legal Internship with the Office of Chief Counsel (OCC)
The Office of Chief Counsel offers summer, fall, and spring externships. Application windows will be announced through law school career offices. To be considered, applicants should submit a Cover Letter, Resume, Transcript, and 3-5 Page Writing Sample.
If you have questions, please contact Penn Scoble at Penn.Scoble@Waterboards.ca.gov
Legal Internship with the Office of Enforcement (OE)
The Office of Enforcement offers summer, fall, and spring legal internships. Application windows will be announced through law school career offices and on this page.
If you have questions, please contact Naomi Rubin at Naomi.Rubin@Waterboards.ca.gov or Paul Ciccarelli at Paul.Ciccarelli@Waterboards.ca.gov
Current Opportunities for Students
To view a complete list of employment and internship opportunities, visit the CalCareers website.
The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board has 1 opening in San Diego, CA for a Scientific Aid in the Agriculture and Waste Management Unit. To qualify for a Scientific Aid position, the applicant must have completed a minimum of 10 semester hours in science courses, equivalent to about 2 years of college.
Accepting applications now through October 30, 2026.
The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has 1 opening in Rancho Cordova, CA for a Scientific Aid in the Title 27 Permitting and Mining Unit. To qualify for a Scientific Aid position, the applicant must have completed a minimum of 10 semester hours in science courses, equivalent to about 2 years of college.
Accepting applications now through November 2, 2026.
The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has 1 opening in Redding, CA for a Scientific Aid in the Cannabis Regulation and Enforcement Unit. To qualify for a Scientific Aid position, the applicant must have completed a minimum of 10 semester hours in science courses, equivalent to about 2 years of college.
Accepting applications now through November 4, 2026.
Stay Informed
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Contact Information
If you have questions regarding employment opportunities, internships or volunteer opportunities, please contact at DAS-HRB-RecruitmentUnit@waterboards.ca.gov
To reach the Recruitment Team by phone, please call (916) 322-1686.
Connie Bi-On, Talent Acquisition & Outreach Coordinator
Jessica Salud, Talent Acquisition & Outreach Coordinator
Taylor Rodriguez, Workforce Management Analyst
Jagbir Mavi, Recruitment Unit Supervisor
Sean Singh, Talent Acquisition & Admin Section Manager
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Recruitment Events
Scripps College Empowering Women Panel
Zoom Online Platform
October 27, 2026
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Virtual Environmental Career & Networking Fair
Handshake Online Platform
October 29, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cal Poly Humboldt Engineering Internship & Job Fair
1 Harpst St.
Arcata, CA 95521
October 29, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
CWEA SFBS Annual Students and Young Professionals Career Fair
2150 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
November 6, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Caltech: Sustainability & Energy Industry Day
1200 E. California Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91125
November 9, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Work4CA Winter Career Fair
1600 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
November 10, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Harvey Mudd: Sustainability & Energy Industry Day
301 Platt Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
November 10, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Civil/Environmental Engineering Career Fair
1 Grand Ave.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
November 13, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Work4CA Bay Area Winter Career Fair
3500 Capitol Ave.
Fremont, CA 94538
December 9, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Interested in having the Water Boards do a free virtual info session for your university, program, or student organization?
Contact us at DAS-HRB-RecruitmentUnit@waterboards.ca.gov with "Info Session Request" in the Subject line. Information sessions can be tailored to your group's needs.
"It's because of the formative opportunities internships have provided me that I'm excited to see the Water Boards develop a focused program," said State Water Resources Control Board Member E. Joaquin Esquivel. "Like many sectors, the water sector is facing a tidal change as retirements multiply and challenges filling critical positions grow. I see this program as a first step to greater engagement by the Boards in workforce development challenges sector wide.
"Although it's a benefit for us as an agency to have new bright minds at the Boards, the program is designed first and foremost to meet the needs of the students," Esquivel said. "The work at the Water Boards is diverse, demanding and crucial to so many Californians. With a successful initial cohort, I'm hopeful the program will continue to expand the number of paid opportunities in future years."
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