Paid Summer Internships

[Applications are currently closed but on track to open back February 2026]

The 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.

Get to Know Us Better

Valley Water is run by a Board of Directors, which includes seven elected members representing equally divided districts. Interns will have the valuable opportunity to attend Board meetings during the program.
Read about Valley Water’s Mission, Vision, and Values to learn about who we are, what we believe in, and where we want to go.

Eligibility [Applications are currently closed but on track to open back February 2026]

• 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.

Intern Information Sessions

Join us for our very own Summer Internship Information Sessions to help set you up for the best success on your summer internship applications! We will be discussing expert insights on how to navigate the application process, important deadlines, tips to excel, and past internship experiences. Join us to learn what Valley Water is all about!

If you are interested in learning more about upcoming summer internship information sessions, please join our Next Gen Career Pathways Program email list.

1. Valley Water Intern Information Session - Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PST.
2. Valley Water Intern Information Session - Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PST.
3. Valley Water Intern Information Session - Thursday, January 29, 2026 - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PST.

Zoom Meeting Link:

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://valleywater.zoom.us/meeting/register/oFbMDRdJSYC1PquwSU7epg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Application Process

Apply online: [Applications are currently closed but on track to open back February 2026]
Complete the required online employment application

• Resume (recommended)
• Provide detailed responses to the Supplemental Questions listed in the online application

Please note: In the work experience section of the online application, school projects, volunteer and extracurricular activities may be included in lieu of work experience.

The schedule above may be subject to change

Timeline

February 2026: Applications close and supplemental questions are reviewed by Valley Water.

March 2026: Mentors review applications and select interview candidates.

March-April 2026: Interviews are conducted via Zoom.

April 2026: Offers extended to the selected candidate and background checks processed.

May 2026: All students will be notified via a phone call if they are selected, so make sure you have your voicemail set up.
The schedule above may be subject to change.

Additional Information

• Participation in the Summer Internship Program does not automatically guarantee full-time employment. 
   
• Valley Water does not provide medical benefits, vacation pay, or holiday pay as part of the intern program.

FAQ

Can I apply for more than one internship position?
Yes, you are welcome to apply for more than one position. We will be asking applicants to enter their TOP THREE (3) roles out of the internships they apply to. Application and supplemental question responses should be tailored to each position applied for accordingly.
I am a Sophomore. Can I apply for the summer internship program?
Our summer internship program is for third years and above based on your college transcript for Fall 2026. A current second year could apply for our summer internship program as long as they would be a third year come Fall 2026. 
Do you offer year-round college internships?
Yes, year-round part-time internships are offered at Valley Water for local students. Please send your resume to [email protected] (Subject: Year-Round Internship).

Are summer interns hired directly by Valley Water?
No, summer interns are hired by our third-party temporary agency, Tryfacta. Tryfacta is the summer intern’s employer. They will provide W-2s and verify employment.

Do you sponsor international students?
Valley Water’s third-party temporary agency will only hire individuals who are authorized to be lawfully employed in the United States. They do not sponsor international students.

Could my internship turn into a full-time position?
Yes, each year we have a handful of interns who are successfully hired as full-time employees. Interns interested in full-time positions need to apply and compete for the full-time positions along with other external candidates.

Do you provide housing or relocation expenses?
Valley Water doesn’t provide housing or relocation. Our summer interns often sublet from San Jose State University or Santa Clara University Students. Please note interns must perform their work in the state of California not more than 150 miles from Valley Water office (5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA for San Jose office or 1121 L Street, Suite 1000, Sacramento, CA for Sacramento office) for the duration of their internship.

Questions?

For more information, please contact the Next Gen Career Pathways Program via email at [email protected] (Subject: Summer Internship).