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    Image
    Box culvert in West Little Llagas Creek
    A look at a completed flood wall as part of the Coyote Creek Flood Management Measures Project.
    January 23, 2026
    Valley Water’s annual Capital Improvement Program: Projects to reduce flood risk 

    Editor’s Note: This is the first in a three-part series highlighting some of the projects included in the Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2027-2031 Preliminary Five-Year Plan.

    Read More
    Image
    Valley Water completes erosion repair project along Saratoga Creek in fall 2025
    January 21, 2026
    Providing flood protection through ongoing stream maintenance projects

    Each summer, under the Stream Maintenance Program (SMP), Valley Water takes important steps to protect neighborhoods from flooding. Over time, sediment can accumulate in creeks, reducing their capacity to carry stormwater. During heavy rains, this can lead to an increased risk of flooding for nearby homes, roads and businesses.

    Read More
    Image
    Mockups Design
    January 7, 2026
    Discover how Valley Water is building climate resilience; read the latest biennial report

    Valley Water’s mission is to provide safe, clean water, protect against flooding, and care for local streams. Climate change is affecting this mission. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, more severe droughts, a declining Sierra Nevada snowpack and rising sea levels all impact water reliability, infrastructure, and ecosystem health throughout Santa Clara County.

    Read More
  • About Valley Water
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Home

Main navigation

    • FAQ
    • Permits and District Business
    • Valley Water Websites
  • For Residents
    Highlights
    Access Valley Water
    Easily send requests, reports or feedback directly to helpful district staff.
    Rebates & Surveys
    Programs and rebates helping you save water and money.
    Water Conservation
    Learn the best ways to save water indoors and outdoors.
    Current Water Charges
    Valley Water is funded by property taxes, well owners, agricultural water customers and water retailers like San Jose Water Company
    Emergency & Planning
    Flood Emergency Action Plans
    Drought Information
    Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
    Get Flood Ready
    Preparation for Extended Power Outages
    Alert System Real Time Data*
    Levee Safety
    Save Water & Money
    Rebates & Surveys
    Watersavings.org
    Current Water Charges
    Water Savings Videos
    Indoor Conservation
    Outdoor Conservation
    Projects & Plans
    Projects In Your Neighbourhood
    Creek & River Projects
    Dam & Reservoir Projects
    Grants and Environmental Protection
    Infrastructure Improvement Projects
    Climate Change Action Plan
    Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Programs
    Studies and Reports
    Hydraulic Model Data (HEC)
    Stream Maintenance Program
  • Your Water
    Highlights
    Access Valley Water
    Easily send requests, reports or feedback directly to helpful district staff.
    Current Water Charges
    Valley Water is funded by property taxes, well owners, agricultural water customers and water retailers like San Jose Water Company
    Rebates & Surveys
    Programs and rebates helping you save water and money.
    Water Conservation
    Learn the best ways to save water indoors and outdoors.
    Water Sources
    Groundwater
    Imported Water
    Local Dams and Reservoirs
    Recycled and Purified Water
    Where your water comes from
    Information & Resources
    GIS Data
    Glossary of Water Terms
    District Library
    Popular Documents and Data
    Local Dams and Reservoirs
    Water Planning
    Water Supply Master Plan
    Water Supply Planning
    Water Treatment
    Water Treatment Plants
    Water Quality
  • Learning Center
    Highlights
    Access Valley Water
    Easily send requests, reports or feedback directly to helpful district staff.
    Rebates & Surveys
    Programs and rebates helping you save water and money.
    Water Conservation
    Learn the best ways to save water indoors and outdoors.
    Current Water Charges
    Valley Water is funded by property taxes, well owners, agricultural water customers and water retailers like San Jose Water Company
    Learning & Exploration
    Next Gen Career Pathways Program
    Water Education programs and Events
    Water 101 Academy
    Public Tours
    Local Dams and Reservoirs
    Volunteer Engagement
    Volunteer and Engage
    Valley Water Youth
    Commission
    Adopt a Creek
    Grants & Partnerships
    Public Art
    Environmental Science & Conservation
    Healthy Creeks and Ecosystems
    Watersheds of Santa Clara Valley
    The Water Treatment Process
    Aerial Drone Pilot Program
  • News & Events
    Highlights
    District News
    Learn more about the latest headlines and announcements from around the district
    Events
    Find district events happening on variety of topics
    Valley Water News Blog
    Catch up on all the latest list of articles and blog posts
    Videos
    Stay up to date with the latest videos from the district
    Public Records
    Public Records feature many commonly requested documents and data sets.
    Recent News
    Image
    Box culvert in West Little Llagas Creek
    A look at a completed flood wall as part of the Coyote Creek Flood Management Measures Project.
    January 23, 2026
    Valley Water’s annual Capital Improvement Program: Projects to reduce flood risk 

    Editor’s Note: This is the first in a three-part series highlighting some of the projects included in the Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2027-2031 Preliminary Five-Year Plan.

    Read More
    Image
    Valley Water completes erosion repair project along Saratoga Creek in fall 2025
    January 21, 2026
    Providing flood protection through ongoing stream maintenance projects

    Each summer, under the Stream Maintenance Program (SMP), Valley Water takes important steps to protect neighborhoods from flooding. Over time, sediment can accumulate in creeks, reducing their capacity to carry stormwater. During heavy rains, this can lead to an increased risk of flooding for nearby homes, roads and businesses.

    Read More
    Image
    Mockups Design
    January 7, 2026
    Discover how Valley Water is building climate resilience; read the latest biennial report

    Valley Water’s mission is to provide safe, clean water, protect against flooding, and care for local streams. Climate change is affecting this mission. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, more severe droughts, a declining Sierra Nevada snowpack and rising sea levels all impact water reliability, infrastructure, and ecosystem health throughout Santa Clara County.

    Read More
  • About Valley Water
    Highlights
    Mission, Vision and Values
    Learn about our core mission, vision for the future, and the values that guide us
    Board of Directors
    Meet the board members who provide leadership and oversight for the district
    Finance/Budget
    Access financial information, budgets, and fiscal reports for transparency
    Committees
    Explore our various committees and their roles in district governance
    Board Meetings, Agendas & Minutes
    Review meeting schedules, agendas, and official minutes from board meetings
    Leadership
    Board of Directors
    Board Meetings Agendas & Minutes
    Committees
    Redistricting
    Board Governance Policies
    Accountability
    Public Records
    Lobbyist Ordinance
    Grand Jury Reports
    Enterprise Systems
    Information & Resources
    Finance/Budget
    Capital Improvement Program
    Public Facilities Financing Corporation
    Community Engagement
    Renewed Safe, Clean Water & Natural Flood Protection: Independent Monitoring Committee
    Committees
    Community Partnering Sponsorship Program
  • Services and Support
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  • Discover Valley Water
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  3. Water Works Program

Water Works Program

Content

Valley Water’s Next Gen Career Pathways Program is proud to host Water Works, an innovative education and career-development initiative that opens doors to one of California’s most vital industries.

Designed for curious, motivated students from all backgrounds, Water Works combines classroom learning, hands-on experiences, and professional mentorship to help participants discover rewarding careers in water management, human resources, engineering, environmental science, communications, and more.

By bringing together education, real-world projects, and expert guidance, the program empowers the next generation of water leaders to gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to make a difference in their communities and the environment.

Whether you’re exploring your first career option or looking to grow in a field that matters, Water Works gives you the tools and support to succeed.

Goals:

  • Offer mentorship and professional development opportunities through customized sessions that combine water industry topics with career development workshops to help students develop skills, expand networks, and gain confidence for long-term career success.
  • Partner with local community-based agencies to recruit college students for the Water Works Program, focusing on those who live or study in Santa Clara County and demonstrate a strong dedication to community service.
  • Participants can earn $2,000 after finishing the entire program while gaining valuable skills, experience, and knowledge.

Program Outcomes:

  • The Water Works Program: Introduces college students to the world of water by offering a comprehensive curriculum that explores Valley Water, local water issues, and the intricacies of current and upcoming water projects within their communities. Career preparation, leadership, and networking skills will also be utilized to develop participants' career readiness. This immersive experience aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the significance of water management and conservation.
  • Guaranteed Summer Internship: The Water Works Program guarantees participants a summer internship within Valley Water. Interns will receive one-on-one mentoring, professional career development training, and contribute to ongoing projects. Additionally, summer interns will receive a competitive pay rate of $28.27 per hour. To learn more about our college summer internship program, click here.
  • Financial Aid Stipend: The Water Works Program offers a stipend of $2,000 to participants who complete the program. This financial support is designed to ease the various challenges linked to the pursuit of educational and career advancement.

Eligibility:

  1. Participants must be part of a community-based organization/student support program and must be receiving a form of support (educational/academic or career) from the program. Participants must show proof by attaching a letter of verification to the Water Works Program application written by an advisor/program staff.
    • What’s a letter of verification? A letter of verification is written by your community-based organization/student support program advisor/staff, written on official letterhead. The letter must state the organization/program’s name, counselor/staff’s name, title, contact information, the student’s name, major, and connection to the organization/program.
      • Letter of Verification Template: Please provide this template to your program's advisor/staff to complete
  2. Participants must be undergraduate applicants who are 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.
  3. Participants must attend all five (5) virtual sessions for the Water Works Academy.
    • These sessions are held every other Friday on Zoom from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, starting February 27 and ending April 24, 2026, with an in-person graduation date set for May 8, 2026.
  4. Participants must reside within 150 miles of the Valley Water office (5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA) for the duration of the summer internship.
  5. Participants must be able to work full-time (40 hours/week) for the duration of the Summer Internship Program (Tentative)
    • May 26 through August 14, 2026 (Semester Students)
    • June 15 through September 4, 2026 (Quarter Students)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Students interested in pursuing a career within the water industry.
  • Students passionate about serving the community & providing excellent service to all customers.
  • Ability to demonstrate Zoom etiquette during Water Works Programs
  • Willing and able to participate, engage, and collaborate in Water Works Programs
  • Able to share and promote the Next Gen Career Pathways Water Work Program to selected audiences.

 

Applications OpenMonday, December 1, 2025
Applications CloseSunday, December 21, 2025
Blind Screening/Interview SelectionJanuary 5 – January 19, 2026
InterviewsJanuary 26 – February 6, 2026
Cohort ConfirmedFriday, February 13, 2026
Water Works Program Session #1Friday, February 27, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Water Works Program Session #2Friday, March 13, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Water Works Program Session #3Friday, March 27, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Water Works Program Session #4Friday, April 10, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Water Works Program Session #5Friday, April 24, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Water Works Program GraduationFriday, May 8, 2026
Semester Summer Internship StartsTuesday, May 26, 2026
Quarter Summer Internship StartsMonday, June 15, 2026
Semester Summer Internship EndsFriday, August 14, 2026
Quarter Summer Internship EndsFriday, September 4, 2026

 

Application Period:

Applications will be accepted Monday, December 1, 2025, through Sunday, December 21, 2025, 11:59 PM PST.

Where to apply:

APPLY ONLINE AT VALLEY WATER'S GOVERNMENT JOBS WEBSITE!

Student Information Sessions:

Target Audience: Students who are part of a student support/student affairs or community-based organization that provides academic, personal, or professional development resources.

Join us to learn more about the Water Works Program and how it can benefit your career pathway!

Join Zoom Information Session Here:

  • Student Information Session #1 Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
    • Zoom Link: https://valleywater.zoom.us/meeting/register/a0lYcnO2SNWVUfMP9A2wgg
  • Student Information Session #2 Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
    • Zoom Link: https://valleywater.zoom.us/meeting/register/24VYkNe9RUCqM1-ltdYFeg
  • Student Information Session #3 Friday, November 21, 2025 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    • Zoom Link: https://valleywater.zoom.us/meeting/register/dASWohQITfm9ESScHIo78Q 

Community Round Table Virtual Information Sessions:

Target Audience: Professionals working in student support, student affairs, or community-based organizations who serve college students or student communities by providing academic support and personal or professional development opportunities.

If you were unable to attend the Community Roundtable Session, you can view the presentation here: 2025 Community Round Table Presentation (PDF)

Water Works Program & Career Development Session Topics:

  • Valley Water and Next Gen Career Pathways Program Overview, Participant Expectations, and Goal Setting
    • Career Development Topic: Goal Setting
  • Water Utility Enterprise - Providing a clean, reliable water supply for current and future generations of Santa Clara County
    • Career Development Topic: Elevator Pitch Preparation
  • Guardians of the Flow: Navigating Flood Protections and Water Resource Planning
    • Career Development Topic: Resume Review
  • Environmental Stewardship
    • Career Development: Creating Your Brand
  • Water Conservation and External Affairs
    • Career Development Topic: Capstone Presentations
  • Water Works Graduation

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