2026-BWSO-003-Cross-Connections & Permitting 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. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system’s 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.

The Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations (BWSO) is responsible for the operation, maintenance and protection of the City's drinking water and wastewater collection (sewer) systems, the protection of adjacent waterways, and the development and protection of the Department's Capital Water and Sewer Design Program. New York City has approximately 140,000 catch basins, 114,000 hydrants, 90,000 valves, 14 gatehouses, 3 reservoirs, 68 groundwater wells, a 100-million-gallon underground storage tank and 7,000 miles each of both sanitary sewers and water mains. The responsibility of maintaining these vast networks falls under the responsibility of BWSO. The Bureau also approves and inspects water and sewer connections performed by licensed plumbers and/or authorized contractors. In addition, the Bureau has overall responsibility for the approval and inspection of all public and private construction projects, which could affect the City’s water or sewer systems.

This position will be part of an internal rotational program, offering exciting opportunities to gain experience and knowledge across various areas within the Bureau.

BWSO seeks to hire one summer Intern for the Cross-Connection section of the Division of Connections and Permitting. Under direct supervision, with little latitude for independent judgment, the selected candidates will perform engineering work of moderate difficulty and responsibility, but will not be limited to the following:

-Inspects initial/Annual Test reports for compliance with approved plans within a duly specified time frame. Maintain detailed and accurate records of inspections and reports in database.
-Reviews Applications/Plans and Exemption Letters for Backflow Prevention (BFP) Assemblies. Intern will assist engineers with the review approval of backflow preventer design drawings, applications, and work associated with file management.
-Support and Coordinate professionally with the cross connection unit. Develop detailed knowledge of all application and permit procedures related to water and sewer connections and installations.
-Engages in studies, investigation or examinations related to the engineering functions or activities of the department, including the Planning & Permitting.

In addition, the summer intern will develop a final presentation to display assignments they have been involved with while working as an intern at the DEP Interns Closing Ceremony.

This position is part of a rotational program that allows the selected candidate to rotate through two roles with two different teams. The program offers an exciting opportunity to gain diverse experience and broaden knowledge across various areas within the bureau.

RECRUITMENT CONTACT: interns@dep.nyc.gov

SUMMER COLLEGE INTERN - 10234