Division of Water Student Work Program

The Cleveland Water Department (CWD) Student Work Programs is designed to give high school and college students an opportunity to prepare themselves to work effectively in the business world after graduation.  The goal of CWD is to provide a learning experience to all participants.  Because the Division of Water is a multi-faceted organization, there are many areas in which students can gain valuable experience in preparation for future employment with any organization.

We currently have three (3) Student work programs available. The programs will run at designated times through-out the year. Listed below are the programs and time frames.  

         Summer Student Employment Program (paid) – This program is designed to expose youth to a “real work” environment that will help develop their leadership, problem solving and interpersonal skills. The student must currently be in the 12^th grade or a college student and required to work 40 hours a week*. The employment does not have to be related to their field of study. (June – August) 

         Intern Program (non-paid/paid) – This program is designed to give college students “hands on” experience in government where their skills, talents and interests can be utilized and maximized.  This also will allow them to make more informed career choices, which will result in higher job satisfaction and higher productivity. The students must have achieved senior or graduate student status by June of the current. The students must work in their field of study for a minimum of 15 hours per week. (Summer: May – August; Fall: September – December; Winter/Spring: January – April)

         Co-Op Program (paid) – This program is a structured method of combining classroom-based education with practical work experience. A cooperative education experience, commonly known as a "co-op", provides academic credit for structured job experience. These are paid positions lasting from 3 to 12 months, either for a summer, a semester, or a combination of the two for a three (3) year commitment. These are pre-professional experiences that directly relate to the students’ academic studies and must work in their in field of study for 40 hours a week. (Summer: May – August; Fall: September – December; Winter/Spring: January – April)

CWD Student Work Program will contribute to the professional development of a student. Students appreciate the time and guidance provided to them during their experiences, because work activities that include training, observation of practice and personal participation will directly assist them in their career choices and their plans for the future. 

Participants have an opportunity to gain experience in the following work areas:

  Administrative Management

  Financial/Procurement Management

  Communications & Public Affairs

  Human Resources

  Risk/Environmental Management & Safety

  Water Distribution

  Information Technology

  Engineering

  Plant Operations

  Water Quality

  Sustainability

Introduction

The Objectives of the Internship Program

  To introduce and encourage students to consider careers in the water industry;

  To provide students with valuable work experience in the water industry, and;

  To aid the Division in achieving its mission.

  The Cleveland Water Department is committed to equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disabling condition, political affiliation, marital status, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity.

Intern Project

All intern job descriptions will be in project format.  A project is defined as a temporary and one-time endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service, which brings about beneficial change or added value. 

Duties of Intern

Under supervision, performs assigned tasks in any the specified department and section. See sample job description

REQUIREMENTS

l  A U.S. citizen, and;

l  In good academic standing in an accredited institution or high school. You must be a 2nd semester junior or a senior with a 2.5 GPA overall and a 3.0 GPA in the major.

Length of Internships

Students must be available to begin their internship within the date on our Application Processing Timetable.  Interns usually serve for one semester or quarter during the academic year, or for a minimum of 10 weeks during the summer; they are expected to work a 40-hour week.

Application Processing Timetable

Application Deadlines: For the summer program, applications must be postmarked by February 15; for the fall program, applications must be postmarked by July 15; and for the winter/spring program, applications must be postmarked by November 15.

Salary

The majority of all internships are UNPAID.  When funds are available, a few paid internships are granted.

Paid interns receive a temporary appointment as a student assistant, based on education, work experience, and availability of funds.  Paid interns contribute to the Ohio Pension Employment Retirement System. The payband set forth by City Council for student assistants is $10.00 - $10.72. Student Assistants will receive an annual rate increase upon completing one (1) year term for a maximum of three (3) years. *High School Students will receive a starting wage at $10.00 per hr. A term is considered as two (2) summers or (2) semesters which is equivalent to 12 to 16 weeks. Based upon the following schedule below the 2009/2010 salary wage is:

Although unpaid interns are not City employees, and are not entitled to any employee benefits, they are protected in the event of job-related injuries under the Federal Torts Claims Act. 

How Interns are Selected

The Human Resources Talent Acquisition Workforce Planning Team receives all applications and reviews them to ensure that they are complete and that applicants meet the eligibility criteria.  Applications are then forwarded to the Section/Discipline area identified by the applicant.  Manager/Supervisor along with the TAWP Team will interview and select the candidates based on the application materials.  Completing some academic studies relevant to the type of work you wish to perform increases your competitiveness.

The TAWP Team may make a verbal offer to an applicant.  However, the offer is not "official" until selectees receive written notification from the Appointing Authority. This notification is a tentative offer to participate in the internship program.  A final offer is contingent upon successful completion of a security clearance.  Those who are not selected for internships will also be notified by mail. So that we may contact you as soon as possible, please make sure any changes of address after you apply are submitted immediately to the Intern Coordinator.

RETURNING INTERN ELIGIBILITY

An intern has the ability to return as a student as long as their performance was satisfactory during their internship and the Manager/Supervisor approves. This will be confirmed by the Intern Coordinator at the end of each term. The returning intern must still submit all required documentation listed below.

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTERNSHIP

To apply for any internship, you need to have the following:

1. Cleveland Water Internship Application & Personal Essay Form
2. Cover Letter & Resume
3. A transcript - can be unofficial
4. A writing sample from one of your classes
5. Recommendation Letter from Academic advisor's

Please bring or mail this packet of information to the Cleveland Water Human Resources Department at 1201 Lakeside, 4^th Floor, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, ATTN: TAWP Team, or email to: TAWPTeam@Clevelandwater.com.