Water Conservation Internship

Water Conservation Internship 
 

At Colorado Springs Utilities, the work of water conservation offers a unique opportunity for college students to learn about the careful management of water resources that includes stewarding the efficient use of water for our customers. This work is unique in that it combines what are often two unique disciplines within the water profession—conservation and water resource management. The many learning experiences acquired within the Water Resources Management department offers a well-balanced introduction into our industry and on our business.  

A Water Conservation Internship offers the following learning opportunities:

• Overview of water conservation and water resources management in Colorado Springs and our unique water systems and challenges
• The programs and best practices of water conservation in the west and which are best suited for our community and region
• Exposure to program management skills (tools, follow-through, reporting, etc.) to ensure careful processes and standards are followed in program implementation
• Extensive training and field experience in customer communications, education and conflict resolution including tools and services to support same
• General soil preparation and irrigation management principles and best practices for watering urban landscapes appropriate to our region
• Opportunities according to aptitude and enthusiasm to explore further education in water conservation and other water resources management disciplines
   

In this position the water conservation intern will learn and help customers understand where our water comes from, its value and how much is used in the landscape, best practices in water use to keep landscapes healthy in our climate and within three-days-per-week watering rules and provide resources to empower customers to incorporate the best practices related to landscape soil preparation and irrigation management in their landscape establishment and maintenance.
 

Specifically, the following duties make up this internship position: 
 

• Required learning of multiple computer tools and systems to assist with overall management and work within Water Conservation. (ongoing)
• Establishment Permit Processing (35%)
  • Support staff responsible for the permitting process related to customers’ establishment of new landscapes
  • Call, email and in-person connections with customers to support same
• Education/Enforcement of Water-Wise Rules (30%)   
  • Support staff members with education and enforcement of Water-wise Rules to help customers be successful under these rules
  • Support educating contractors and landscape professionals about Water-Wise Rules and Establishment Permits
• Commercial Landscape Audits (10%)
  • Support staff members with commercial audits to help customers better manage irrigation systems and landscape water use
• Water-wise landscape design, installation, and maintenance (10%)
  • Support two demonstration gardens through the development and installation of landscape improvements focused on water-wise landscape principles
• As time allows and as projects occur, work with various staff in Water Conservation & Water Resources to assist field work and other projects that have critical timelines (15%)
   

This is a seasonal position requiring 40 as-needed work hours/week; with 40 hours per week preferred during the summer months mid- May through August or September. The position can be designed to support a student’s school schedule after early August. The majority of the effort will be needed between June through August with start date of mid-May and decreasing work requirements after August (less hours required and/or a fluctuation in job responsibilities according to work requirements). This position can extend through September if it works with student’s schedule. 

*This is an on-site, non-remote/non-telecommuting position 
*Hourly rate is dependent on year completed of academic degree, e.g., second year complete, third year complete, etc. 
*Candidates MUST be enrolled in a degree seeking program (Associates/Bachelors/Masters) and be able to provide documentation if requested.  Enrollment in a certification program does not qualify. 
*A valid, unrestricted driver's license is required for this position

Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities.  They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving.  We do not just say people are important – we prove it!  That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the