Colorado Springs Utilities is excited to announce a summer internship position in the Water Quality Assurance Group. This internship provides the candidate an opportunity to apply environmental stewardship and public service skills in a kinetic outdoors environment where scientific principles meet real world applications. This position is ideal for recent college graduates who are looking for the opportunity to apply their knowledge and developing skillset to the requirements of regulatory driven work.
The chosen applicant will have learning opportunities and experience in the following areas:
Upon completion of the internship, the selected applicant will have gained knowledge and experience in the application of scientific principles and environmental stewardship with real world public service where methodological skills are not confined to a lab but integrated into the activities of other groups and the community at large. They will also be informed about where Colorado Springs gets its water, how it is treated to state and federal standards, the importance of efficient water and wastewater treatment, and how the role of the laboratory supports these outcomes.
Time Allotment of Focus Areas:
Who You Are… This position is ideal for students majoring in biology, microbiology, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field wanting to gain hands-on experience in environmental microbiology.
This is a summer into fall position that will run from late May, 2026 to late November, 2026. For those students still completing their degree, this will require full-time 40 hours per week for the duration of the summer and up to 20 hours per week during the fall and at which point the internship will end in November. For May 2026 graduates, who are eligible up to 6 months post-graduation, will work full-time 40 hours per week from late May, 2026 to late November, 2026, at which point the internship will end. This timeframe is during the height of the workload for the microbiology laboratory and the selected intern will get a full experience with workload management, sampling and processing, and analysis and reporting of sample results using our laboratory information management system (LIMS). These duty allotments will be redistributed as the workload changes, as needed.
*This is an on-site, non-remote/non-telecommuting position
*Hourly rate is dependent on year completed of academic degree, e.g., second year complete, third year complete, etc.
*Candidates MUST be enrolled in a degree seeking program (Associates/Bachelors/Masters) with a 2.5 GPA and be able to provide documentation if requested. Enrollment in a certification program does not qualify.
*As this position is field focused, the selected candidate will spend time out of doors, hiking/climbing/walking to remote locations and be impacted by various weather conditions
*A valid, unrestricted driver's license is required for this role
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Exerts 20-50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 10-25 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.
- Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions and intense noises.
Who We Are:
Colorado Springs Utilities is the largest community owned, not-for-profit, four-service utility in the nation. For 100 years, we have provided Colorado Springs with safe, reliable and competitively-priced electric, natural gas, water and wastewater services. We care about our community's well-being, support local business and have an interest in all things that help make Colorado Springs a great place to live, work and play
Be a part of a unique, customer-owned and operated four-service utility. With our rare distinction of providing four utility services – natural gas, electricity, water, and wastewater treatment – we offer a varied, fast-paced work culture teeming with potential.
Colorado Springs Utilities infuses corporate responsibility and safety into daily business operations with the foundation of decision-making focused on our community owners, employees, and environment. As an employee, you will have an opportunity to contribute ideas and solutions in an engaging, dynamic team environment.
Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.
Time Off to Recharge
Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month
Financial & Retirement Security
Colorado Springs Utilities is the largest community-owned, not-for-profit, four-service utility in the nation. For 100 years, we have provided safe, reliable and competitively priced electric, natural gas, water and wastewater services. We care about our community's well-being, support local business and have an interest in all things that help make Colorado Springs a great place to live, work and play.
