Valley Water's 2026 Summer Internship Program
Valley Water's 2026 Summer Internship Applications
Applications are now open on our Careers page. We’re excited to offer 32 internship opportunities this year. Applicants may apply to more than one position; however, responses to supplemental questions should be tailored to each specific internship.
Valley Water's 2026 College Summer Internship Program offers students nationwide a chance to gain practical experience while exploring careers in the water industry. Each intern will have a Valley Water staff mentor and will receive professional development training, participate in networking events, and prepare a capstone presentation at the end of the program. Although some positions in the program will follow a hybrid format, with a mix of in-office and remote work based on business needs, other roles may require interns to work on-site full-time in a lab, office, or field setting, as specified in the job postings.
Intern compensation is $28.27 per hour.
2026 Summer Internship Business Areas:
- Accounting, Finance, Budgeting
- Communications (Graphic Design)
- Construction Contract & Support
- Electrician
- Engineering (Civil, Construction, Water Resources, Restoration, Software)
- Environmental Health & Safety
- Environmental Planning & Policy
- External Affairs (Government Relations & the Office of Office of Resiliency, Engagement, & Development Initiatives (REDI))
- Grants & Research
- Human Resources (HRIS)
- Information Technology (IT) - Software Services & Division Deputy's Office
- Laboratory Services (Chemistry/Microbiology/Biology)
- Office of the CEO
- Water Conservation
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate applicants must be enrolled in an accredited community college or college/university and have completed at least two full-time years of study (i.e., entering their third or fourth year) by Fall 2026, or have graduated within the past six months.
- Graduate applicants must be enrolled in an accredited graduate program at a college or university in Fall 2026 or have completed their degree within the past six months.
- Proof of enrollment will be required prior to the start of the assignment.
- Applicants must be able to work full-time (40 hours/week) during the College Summer Internship Program.
- Only applicants who have not participated in a Valley Water College Summer Internship Program before will be considered.
- Valley Water requires interns to work within 150 miles of the Valley Water office they are to report to by their start date. The intern must perform their work in the State of California, not more than 150 miles from Valley Water’s office (5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA, or 1121 L Street, Suite 1000, Sacramento, CA) for the duration of their internship.
- Selected candidates must pass a pre-employment screening process, which includes reference and background/criminal checks.
Important Information:
Under each summer internship job posting look at the following sections to help you best understand the role. These areas will also best help you prepare for your supplemental question (short essay questions) answers.
- About the Unit
- Internship Location Status
- Desired Skills & Competencies
- Key Responsibilities and Internship Tasks
Applicants may apply to more than one position; however, responses to supplemental questions should be tailored to each specific internship.
Start Dates depend on your school system:
- Semester system students: May 26, 2026 – August 14, 2026 (12 weeks)
- Quarter system students: June 15, 2026 – September 4, 2026 (12 weeks)