Austin Water - Water Conservation Internship - Undergraduate

Job Description:

Austin Water - Water Conservation Internship - Undergraduate

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position assists in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.
  
• Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.
  
• Assists, as necessary, with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.
  
• Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.
  
• Assists with special projects.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
  
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
  
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  
• Ability to create clear and concise reports.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
  
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university undergraduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Water is seeking two interns to join our Water Conservation team for an eight-month internship, where they will assist with water-use benchmarking projects and other technical tasks. This position provides a valuable opportunity to develop skills in water conservation and data analysis while working alongside a dedicated team in a dynamic and impactful field.

These roles will be onsite at our offices in downtown Austin. We welcome applicants from associates, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate career levels. Candidates should be able to commit to working 20-40 hours per week during the internship period. Ideal candidates will have an academic background in Geography, Geospatial Science, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Additional fields of study such as Urban Planning, Water Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, and related disciplines will also be considered.

The mission of the Water Conservation Division is to conserve water through education, incentives, research, and the development and enforcement of policies to ensure a sustainable and equitable water future for the Austin community.

The intern will primarily assist in data development but will also assist in researching and implementing water-saving programs, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to the development of policies and initiatives aimed at promoting water conservation throughout the city. The intern will contribute to the success of three key initiatives:

1. Commercial Customer Classification

• Research and categorize commercial properties using NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes.
  
• Update and maintain classification records to ensure they reflect current land use and business types.
  
• City of Austin Service Agreement
  

2. Data Collection and Research

• Conduct online research to collect property-specific details, such as the number of apartment units in multifamily buildings or the number of suites in mixed-use developments.
  
• Cross-reference multiple data sources to verify and improve the accuracy of the collected information.
  

3. Irrigated Area and Impervious Cover Mapping

• Identify and map irrigated areas on both commercial and residential properties.
  
• Use aerial imagery, site plans, and other resources to estimate irrigation zones.
  
• Analyze and map impervious surfaces (e.g., driveways, parking lots) on properties within the Austin Water service area using GIS software and aerial imagery.
  

Preferred Field of Studies

Geography, Geospatial Science, Geographic Information Systems, Urban Planning, Water Resource Management, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management and related fields of study.

Schedule and duration

May through August

Monday to Friday. Between 30-40 hours per week.

Location

625 E. 10th Street Austin, Texas 78701

Pay Rate

$22.05 per hour

NOTES

A resume is required for consideration

Cover Letter is optional.

*This position is open only to candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship. We are unable to support CPT/OPT or provide employment verification for visa-related purposes.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-04-06