NineStar Connect - Water & Wastewater Internship

NineStar Connect is an innovative community-minded, communications, energy, water, and sewer cooperative. We provide the infrastructure that empowers thoughtful development and improves quality of place in Central Indiana. We believe that no matter where you choose to live or work, you should have access to high quality utility services that allow you an opportunity to thrive.

Why Intern with NineStar's Water & Wastewater Department?

• Hands-On Experience: Gain real-world experience in water and wastewater management.
• Professional Development: Enhance your technical problem-solving skills, work on maintenance and operations projects, and understand water quality assurance processes.
• Mentorship: Work closely with experienced water treatment professionals who will guide you through every aspect of the role, providing valuable career insights and feedback.
• Impactful Work: Play an integral role in the projects and operations that shape the infrastructure of essential services for your community

Core Values: 

- We’re guided by our core values - Act with Integrity, Embrace Differences, Committed to Community, Be Innovative, Make Each Day Meaningful, and Seek Quality Results and we’re looking for team members who share these values!

Are you interested in gaining valuable experience in water and wastewater operations while supporting an essential part of the community? Join the Hancock County Water and Wastewater Department as an intern and work alongside skilled professionals to ensure that clean drinking water is provided and wastewater is properly treated. This hands-on internship will give you exposure to a variety of tasks in water and wastewater management, helping you build the foundation for a career in the industry.

Position: Water & Wastewater Intern

Duration: 1 year = 1000 hours

Start Date: June 2, 2026

What You'll Do:

As a Water & Wastewater Intern, you'll play a key role in supporting daily operations across seven treatment plants within Hancock County. Your responsibilities will include assisting with testing, inventory management, plant maintenance, and troubleshooting, among other tasks.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with daily testing requirements for water and wastewater.
• Helping with material deliveries and maintaining inventory levels.
• Performing buildings and grounds maintenance, including site cleanup and mowing.
• Supporting distribution system maintenance, such as painting.
• Assisting with plant and system troubleshooting or customer issues.
• Learning about treatment processes and water quality goals established by the State of Indiana and the EPA.
• Gaining an understanding of the importance of clean drinking water and wastewater discharge to the environment.

Learning Goals:

• Broaden Your Understanding of the Industry: Gain hands-on experience in water and wastewater management.
• Develop Key Skills: Work toward becoming a certified water and wastewater treatment plant operator.
• Enhance Communication Skills: Improve your ability to work within a team and communicate effectively on projects.
• Refine Problem-Solving Skills: Develop your ability to troubleshoot and address issues in real-world water and wastewater systems.

• High school or college student with a strong interest in environmental science or water treatment.
• Self-motivated with a desire to learn and contribute.
• A safety-oriented mindset is essential.
• Ability to lift up to 45 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Willingness to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Basic understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes is a plus, but not required.

NineStar Connect does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, sexual preference, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.