Research & Innovation-Drinking Water Intern

Summary

One Water, One Team
When you work at Great Lakes Water Authority, you make a difference in the environment and in your local community. “One water, one team” is more than just a phrase, it’s a way of doing business. Here, you don’t work for GLWA, you work with GLWA. 
We are racing toward a shared goal to become the region’s most-trusted, high-quality water and wastewater resource.

About the Role
GLWA’s Research & Innovation team is seeking a motivated undergraduate or graduate student to support an applied drinking water research project focused on understanding and optimizing treatment strategies to reduce disinfection by product formation and improve biological stability in drinking water distribution systems.
The intern will work alongside experienced water professionals, gaining hands-on experience with water quality monitoring, analytical methods, pilot testing, and data analysis.

Project Description

The goal of this project is to characterize total organic carbon (TOC) in GLWA’s drinking water sources and evaluate how source water conditions and treatment strategies influence the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs). The intern will contribute to developing approaches that enhance drinking water quality and operational resilience across treatment plants and distribution systems.

Job Responsibilities

• Collect water samples from targeted locations across treatment plants, source water, and distribution system.
• Conduct field and bench-scale water quality tests, including:
  • pH and alkalinity
  • Ultraviolet absorbance spectroscopy
  • Dissolved organic carbon
  • Turbidity
• Assist with laboratory sample preparation and method development.
• Perform statistical analysis and create data visualizations to support research findings.
• Maintain detailed records, document test results, and support research reporting.

Ability to:

• Work in a laboratory environment
• Organize work to meet tight deadlines
• Maintain effective working relationships with others
• Effectively utilize appropriate security and safety equipment and procedures
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Communicate frequently with team members and team leaders

Required Education and Experience

At the time of application, applicant must;

• Undergraduate or graduate student preferably in the fields of science and engineering
• Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory environment

Preferred Experience:

•  Any previous experience in laboratory and data analysis is a plus.

Other Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License.