Chemical Engineering Intern

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees.

The Bureau of Water Supply seeks to hire a Chemical Engineering Intern within the Process Control Unit, Quality Assurance & Support Services Division, Drinking Water Operations Directorate located in Valhalla, New York. The Drinking Water Operations (DWO) is responsible for the operation, maintenance, treatment, and quality of three water supply systems and all associated infrastructure that conveys water to New York City. These systems include the Croton, Catskill, and Delaware Systems. The Directorate also operates and maintains seven Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) and provides maintenance and operation of critical facilities such as the Croton Water Filtration Plant, Jerome Park and Hillview Reservoirs, the Cat-Del UV Plant, and other associated infrastructure.

About the role

Under direct supervision of the Engineering Supervisor, the Chemical Engineering Intern will support the Quality Assurance & Support Services Division, Process Control Unit by performing foundational chemical engineering work that contributes to the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of NYC’s drinking water systems. The intern assists with research, investigations, inspections, testing, and the preparation of engineering plans, treatment reports, and quality assurance evaluations while receiving structured training toward the Assistant Chemical Engineer level.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of a small unit or group engaged in design, construction supervision, service contract supervision, inspection, testing, or computer-aided design drawing.
• Engage in research, investigations, studies, or examinations related to the engineering functions or operational activities of the division.
• Review and prepare regulatory treatment reports and quality assurance checks of treatment plant data.
• Prepare designs, plans, contract and working drawings, service contract specifications, scopes of work, estimates of quantities, contract payment requisitions, and related contract correspondence.
• Participate in or supervise the inspection of premises and the construction, demolition, or alteration of structures in connection with the issuance of certificates of occupancy or other permits.
• Participate in or supervise the maintenance and development of equipment and facility assets in the division’s computerized maintenance and management system.

Skills

• Apply practical diagnostic methods to identify and resolve issues in chemical feed systems, treatment processes, and equipment performance.
• Read and interpret chemical delivery and feed schematics to ensure proper system operation and safe handling of treatment chemicals.
• Understand core water treatment processes, equipment functions, and regulatory requirements relevant to filtration and disinfection systems.
• Demonstrate consistent attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness in daily tasks and documentation.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with team members and supervisors to support coordinated operations.
• Analyze data, identify patterns, and apply sound reasoning to support operational decisions and problem-solving.
• Organize and prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines and support unit workflow.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to use computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software and NYC DEP applications for timekeeping and performance evaluations.
• Ability to program with Python and use PowerBI to support data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to anticipate possible problems and develop contingency plans in advance.
• Ability to work independently.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree in chemical engineering from an accredited college; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in chemical engineering technology and two years of full-time satisfactory experience in chemical engineering work.
• At the time of appointment, candidates must possess a Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York. Employees must maintain this license for the duration of employment.

Physical Demands

• Stand or walk for long periods, lift heavy objects, climb ladders and steep grades, and enter small or confined spaces.
• Lift objects up to waist height; perform tasks requiring fingering, grasping, squeezing, and/or turning objects such as tools and equipment.
• Push and pull objects using one or two hands; reach at a distance up to arm’s length.
• Coordinate movements of hands and feet; balance on foot stools or ladders from 3 to 30 feet in height while working with hands overhead.
• Wear protective equipment such as gloves, boots, goggles, earplugs, noise attenuators, face shields, and/or respirators.
• Work in temperatures ranging from 0°F to 105°F in wetness and varying atmospheric conditions such as high and low humidity.
• Work in the presence of toxic and/or corrosive chemicals and moving parts of machinery and equipment.
• Work in restricted spaces for up to 1 hour at a time and on surfaces made of metal gratings, macadam, and/or cement.

Schedule

Chemical Engineering Interns may be required to work shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Pay

$59,747.00 – $72,352.00

Work Location

465 Columbus Avenue, Valhalla, NY 10595. Valhalla is a hamlet in the Town of Mount Pleasant, Westchester County, NY, approximately 28 miles from mid-town Manhattan.