About the role#
The Research and Innovation team at Great Lakes Water Authority is seeking a student to support an applied drinking water research project. You will focus on optimizing treatment strategies to reduce disinfection by-product formation and improve biological stability within drinking water distribution systems. Working alongside experienced water professionals, you will gain hands-on experience with water quality monitoring, analytical methods, pilot testing, and data analysis.
What you'll do#
- Collect water samples from targeted locations across treatment plants, source water, and the distribution system.
- Conduct field and bench-scale water quality tests, including pH, alkalinity, ultraviolet absorbance spectroscopy, dissolved organic carbon, and turbidity.
- Assist with laboratory sample preparation and method development.
- Perform statistical analysis and create data visualizations to support research findings.
- Maintain detailed records, document test results, and support research reporting.
- Use appropriate security and safety equipment and follow established procedures.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student, preferably in science or engineering fields.
- Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory environment.
- A valid Driver’s License.
- Previous experience in laboratory work and data analysis is a plus.
- Ability to organize work to meet deadlines and maintain effective working relationships.
Location & details#
- Location: Detroit, Michigan.
- Employment type: Part-time, rolling internship.
- Compensation: $17.55 per hour.
- Work modality: On-site.
About Great Lakes Water Authority
The Great Lakes Water Authority is a regional water and sewer utility based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 2016, the organization manages water and wastewater services for 126 municipalities across seven counties. It serves approximately 3.9 million customers, representing nearly 40 percent of Michigan water users. The authority operates through a regional collaboration between the City of Detroit and surrounding counties to maintain infrastructure and environmental compliance.
How to get in at Great Lakes Water Authority
Applying early to the Great Lakes Water Authority gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can apply among the first before the pile grows. Reaching out to the right person can also change your odds. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral, which often improves your response rate.
