Student Engineer Program
Your Engineering Journey Starts Here!
Applications for the Student Engineer Program are now being accepted.
Collaborate with professionals, learn key engineering skills, and make a meaningful impact in environmental sustainability.
Full-Time (Summer 2026)
The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (Districts) are a large regional agency that owns and operates wastewater treatment plants, sewage collection systems, and solid waste facilities. One of the key missions of the agency is to promote environmental sustainability in California by converting waste into resources such as recycled water, energy and recycled materials.
The Districts' Student Engineer Program is one of the largest paid engineering student worker programs in Southern California. The program allows engineering students that have a career interest in environmental engineering to gain valuable experience during the summer. Participating students are placed in various sections and come together each week to share their work experience and hear technical presentations from some of the Districts' over 200 professional engineers. Students may obtain experience in areas such as: design of wastewater treatment plants, sewers, and solid waste facilities, energy recovery, stormwater management, wastewater and solid waste operations, water and air quality compliance, planning, construction management, and source control.
These internships are 12-week programs. Some positions may allow students to continue working on a part-time basis during the school year. If students are not able to participate during the summer, they may still be contacted for new part-time positions that may become available during the school year. Undergraduate or Graduate students participating in this program who will be completing their degrees in school year 2026-2027, may be invited to participate in a competitive selection process to be placed in a full-time engineering position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- To be eligible for the Student Engineer Program, candidates must:
- Maintain student status in an ABET-accredited undergraduate or graduate Civil or Environmental Engineering program during employment.
- Demonstrate strong computer skills relevant to engineering tasks.
- Be available to work full-time for at least twelve weeks during normal business hours in the summer.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Possess a valid California Class C driver license (or an equivalent license issued by another U.S. state or territory) for positions that require driving.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Application Process:
Only online applications will be accepted. A resume may be submitted but will not be accepted in place of a completed application. Most positions are based in Whittier, with some positions in Carson and Compton. Applications may be accepted until all positions are filled.
The selection process will begin with a review of applications to ensure candidates meet the minimum qualifications. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process.
Interviews are expected to begin in January/February 2026 and will continue periodically until all positions are filled. Notifications of placement are anticipated in March/April.
All recommended candidates must successfully complete a background process, which includes submitting official transcripts, completing a conviction questionnaire, review of DMV records, and a pre-employment drug screening.
If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Shelley Glasman at shelleyglasman@lacsd.org or at 562-908-4288 Ext. 1340.
Class Level- Hourly Rate
- Freshman - $21.00
- Sophomore - $22.00
- Junior - $23.00
- Senior - $24.00
- Bachelor's Degree Conferred - $25.00
- Master's Degree Conferred - $26.00
As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.