**Water Conservation Internship** Job Type: **Internship** Pay Range **$21.62 to $28.55** Location **Colorado Springs, CO** Date First Posted **1/28/25** Applications are being accepted through: 2/3/25 _*If no date is displayed, applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis; however, this job posting may close at any time after a minimum of 5 days of being posted._ **Water Conservation Internship** At Colorado Springs Utilities, the work of water conservation offers a unique opportunity for college students to learn about the careful management of water resources that includes stewarding the efficient use of water for our customers. This work is unique in that it combines what are often two unique disciplines within the water profession—conservation and water resource management. The many learning experiences acquired within the Water Resources Management department offers a well-balanced introduction into our industry and on our business. **A Water Conservation Internship offers the following learning opportunities:** + Overview of water conservation and water resources management in Colorado Springs and our unique water systems and challenges + The programs and best practices of water conservation in the west and which are best suited for our community and region + Exposure to program management skills (tools, follow-through, reporting, etc.) to ensure careful processes and standards are followed in program implementation + Extensive training and field experience in customer communications, education and conflict resolution including tools and services to support same + General soil preparation and irrigation management principles and best practices for watering urban landscapes appropriate to our region + Opportunities according to aptitude and enthusiasm to explore further education in water conservation and other water resources management disciplines In this position the water conservation intern will learn and help customers understand where our water comes from, its value and how much is used in the landscape, best practices in water use to keep landscapes healthy in our climate and within three-days-per-week watering rules and provide resources to empower customers to incorporate the best practices related to landscape soil preparation and irrigation management in their landscape establishment and maintenance. Specifically, the following duties make up this internship position: + Required learning of multiple computer tools and systems to assist with overall management and work within Water Conservation. (ongoing) + Establishment Permit Processing (35%) + Support staff responsible for the permitting process related to customers’ establishment of new landscapes + Call, email and in-person connections with customers to support same + Education/Enforcement of Water-Wise Rules (30%) + Support staff members with education and enforcement of Water-wise Rules to help customers be successful under these rules + Support educating contractors and landscape professionals about Water-Wise Rules and Establishment Permits + Commercial Landscape Audits (10%) + Support staff members with commercial audits to help customers better manage irrigation systems and landscape water use + Water-wise landscape design, installation, and maintenance (10%) + Support two demonstration gardens through the development and installation of landscape improvements focused on water-wise landscape principles + As time allows and as projects occur, work with various staff in Water Conservation & Water Resources to assist field work and other projects that have critical timelines (15%) _This is a seasonal position requiring 40 as-needed work hours/week; with 40 hours per week preferred during the summer months mid- May through August or September. The position can be designed to support a student’s school schedule after early August. The majority of the effort will be needed between June through August with start date of mid-May and decreasing work requirements after August (less hours required and/or a fluctuation in job responsibilities according to work requirements). This position can extend through September if it works with student’s schedule._ **_*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) and be able to provide documentation if requested. Enrollment in a certification program does not qualify._** **_*A valid, unrestricted driver's license is required for this position_** **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 do not 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. As a Temporary employee you will enjoy the following benefits: + Time Off – Because everybody needs time off to recharge + Vacation –New employees accrue 13 days of paid time off to start, while our more tenured employees accrue 24 days per year + Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year + Sick Leave – Accrue 12 days of sick leave annually for those days when you or a family member is feeling under the weather + Vacation Buy – Purchase up to 40 hours of additional vacation time + Pension Plan – Looking forward to a comfortable lifestyle once you’re done working? The Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) provides you with retirement benefits and peace of mind when you retire + Medical – Select from three comprehensive medical plans, starting at $0 per month. Employees also enjoy access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). (effective the 1st of the month following your start date) + Wellness Program – Voluntary wellness program that allows you and your spouse to each earn up to $500 to use towards healthcare expenses, $100 in Visa gift cards, and up to $400 in gym membership reimbursements + Dental – Select from two dental plans, with in-network PPO preventive care covered at 100% and access to orthodontia coverage (effective the 1st of the month following your start date) + Vision – Voluntary plan that covers full vision care services and discounts on LASIK eye surgery (effective the 1st of the month following your start date) + Retirement Saving Programs – Supplement your pension plan with voluntary retirement programs such as the PERAPlus 401(k) and MissionSquare’s Roth IRA and 457 plans + Disability Coverage – Short-Term (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance available for purchase (effective the 1st of the month following your start date) + Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Makes the going a little easier by aiding with mental health, stress management, work-life balance, financial and legal matters, and much more + Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC) – Whether it's due to an accident or a serious illness, LTC insurance is available for purchase to help you and your loved ones (effective the 1st of the month following your start date) + Life Insurance – Company-paid life insurance and supplemental coverage available (effective the 1st of the month following your start date) **_ATTENTION_** **_:_** + _All positions will be posted for a minimum of 5 calendar days._ + _Starting pay will be determined within the posted pay range based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate; if there is a single pay rate posted, the job starts at that rate._ + _Colorado Springs Utilities does not sponsor work visas of any kind (including but not limited to H-1B, TN, or F-1 student visas with an OPT extension)._ **_Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States._** **Colorado Springs Utilities is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.** Our differences make us richer. Learning and growing from one another makes us more than what we were. We want our workforce to be as diverse as our business and recognize the limitless benefits of this commitment. Our desire is to have the organization reflect the diversity of the Pikes Peak Region. As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, it is our commitment that no person shall be unlawfully discriminated against because of race, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, religious convictions, veteran status, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Affirmative Action is Colorado Springs Utilities’ effort to ensure positive steps are taken to have a representative workforce reflective of the relevant available labor force. For more information regarding applicant rights, visit https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm **Accessibility Accommodations** . If you are an individual with a disability or disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting us at accessibility@csu.org or by calling 719-668-7500. This option is reserved for individuals who are unable to use or require assistance with the online tools as the result of a disability and is not intended for other purposes. **E-Verify and Right to Work Notice** . Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Colorado Springs Utilities participates in E-Verify. For more information on your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit: http://coloradospringsutilities.jobs/applicants-rights-and-responsibilities/ . If you have a legal right to work in the United States, there are laws to protect you against discrimination in the workplace. You should know that no employer can deny you a job or fire you because of your national origin. Unless mandated by law or government contract, employers cannot require you to be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident or refuse any legally acceptable documents. If any of these things have happened to you, you may have a valid charge of discrimination that can be filed with the OSC. Contact the OSC for assistance in your own language. Call 1-800-255-7688. TDD for the hearing impaired is 1-800-237-2515. In the Washington, D.C., area, please call 202-616-5594, TDD 202-616-5525 Or write to: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel NYA 950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20530. **Have a question?** If you have a question about a position or need assistance from a recruiter, email us at csurecruiting@csu.org or call 719-668-7500. Job Type: Internship