Stackable Internships
Welcome to BAYWORK’s Stackable Internship Program Page!
Experience the work environment of an Operator, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Machinist, Electrician, Instrumentation Tech or Lab Worker at a Bay Area water/wastewater agency. Learn to work safely and responsibly while shadowing and assisting tradespeople as they inspect and repair various operational, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems to ensure efficient operation.
The BAYWORK Stackable Internship application for the 2026 Fall rotation is open!
The Stackable Intership Program Provides:Â
- Paid internship at Bay Area water and wastewater agencies
- On the job experience in operations and maintenance trades
- Post-internship referrals to job openings with Bay Area agencies
- Referral to local apprenticeship and civil service testing opportunitiesÂ
Stackable Internship Intern Experiences
Thinking about becoming an intern? See what our interns have to say.
In BAYWORK’s last annual report, we profiled former Las Gallinas lab intern Morgan Phung. We checked in with Morgan to see what she’s been up to since completing her internship, and how the BAYWORK Stackable Internship helped her in her career journey.
Morgan Phung, Intern, Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
1. What have you been up to since completing your internship with Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District (LGVSD)?
Since my time at LGVSD, I have been given the opportunity to take on a Microbiologist role at the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility, an advanced treatment facility that serves over 1.5 million residents.
2. How has your new role at the City of San Jose been going?
Since starting my role at the City of San Jose, I have been able to gain experience in performing routine microbiological and wet chemistry analyses, equipment maintenance, data analysis using XLIMS, checking inventory, drinking water sample collection, and in-house media preparation.
3. Which skills and experiences from your internship helped you with your role at the City of San Jose?
My time at Las Gallinas helped me develop a foundation in microbiological work, which includes drinking water sampling, aseptic technique, microbiological QCs, and documentation for traceability. My previous experience in benchwork and QC helped me quickly adjust to the microbiology department’s workflow and have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities such as creating Excel worksheets for XLIMs implementation, writing work instructions, and helping with updates to the microbiological training program. Â
4. What would you like to accomplish in 2026 when it comes to your work and career?Â
In 2026, I hope to gain experience in more complex analysis, like Toxicology testing, run sophisticated instruments, and continue learning about environmental laboratory compliance! Thanks to the Baywork program, I have been able to gain professional laboratory experience, and I want to refine and expand my current skillset and technical knowledge as I continue my career in this field.
Morgan Phung
Intern, Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
BAYWORK’s internship program allowed me to gain hands-on laboratory experience not only in benchwork and sampling but also introduced me to regulatory requirements such as permits, documentation, and quality control practices. During this time, I gained an interest in QA/QC, an area I want to continue exploring as I progress through my career as an analyst.
One of my biggest challenges was working under a strict assessment preparation timeline while being introduced to TNI standards for the first time. Over time, I was able to gain a strong understanding of traceability and documentation and help implement them by updating or creating new lab practices.
One of my biggest successes was contributing to the success of the lab’s on-site assessment where I helped present documentation and answered assessors’ questions about the quality control system, allowing me to put my technical knowledge to the test. Towards the end of my internship, I obtained my CWEA Laboratory Analyst Grade 1 certificate marking the beginning of my journey as an analyst.
Victor Prado
Intern, East Bay Municipal Utility District
At the end of July I am going to have completed my first year at EBMUD as a water treatment operator trainee. That means I am ready to be promoted to Operator and receive a big pay bump. So basically I am going from earning around 80k as a teacher a couple years ago to 110k in a month. Also I passed mt T3 state test and will be able apply for my credential soon.
Overall, my work in the pre-apprenticeship showed me the path that was possible. My baywork internship opened the door and got me inside to gain valuable experience. These experiences helped me plan and persevere in multiple recruitments.
I obtained work at a pump shop, sep trainee at ebmud(jvs refferal was a prerequisite), I was offered a job as maintenance specialist at ebmud, accepted a job and spent 3 months in Sacramento at the wastewater plant, and finally obtained the position I am now.
Stackable Internship Supervisor Experiences
Thinking about having a Stackable intership program at your facility? See what our supervisors have to say about their intern participants.
Diego AguilarÂ
Victor Prado's Supervisor, East Bay Municipal Utility District
1. How did Victor contribute to the team as an intern at EBMUD?
Victor contributed in many ways, taking on hands-on work such as torch cutting, welding, machining, and the installation of freshwater valves. What stood out most was his ability to adapt to the wide variety of work we do. He was never afraid to make a mistake, always willing to try, learn from it, and quickly adjust. His strong work ethic, critical thinking skills, and ability to communicate and get along with others made him a valuable part of the team.
2. How did he grow as an intern?
Victor’s growth was clear from the very beginning. By his second day, he was already showing how quickly he could adapt and learn visually—watching a task once and then being able to repeat it with confidence. I watched him move across departments, taking in knowledge from different areas and preparing himself for his next steps. His determination and drive eventually led him to become a water treatment operator. Despite having a busy life outside of work, Victor remained focused, balanced his responsibilities, and continued to move forward with impressive dedication.
Victor is a true team player, and to me, it is no surprise that he is where he is today.
Sahar Golshani
Morgan Phung's Supervisor, Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
1. How did Morgan contribute to the team as an intern?
Morgan quickly became an active contributor to the LGVSD laboratory team. She reliably carried out process control and compliance analytical testing, daily sampling, instrument calibration and maintenance, and quality control checks in alignment with TNI standards. She also helped train operations and laboratory staff who performed weekend and holiday lab work, which supported consistency in practices. In addition, Morgan supported the Lab Director by organizing Demonstration of Capability (DOC) schedules and assisting with documentation during the 2025 ELAP accreditation assessment. Her involvement added practical support to the lab’s daily operations and assessment readiness.
2. How did she grow as an intern?
Morgan developed her skills quickly during her internship. She started by learning several analytical tests, such as TSS, TS, Coliform (Colilert), Chlorine, pH, and Conductivity, and was introduced to proficiency testing (PT studies) for BOD and Total Coliform (MTF Method). As she gained experience, she took on additional responsibilities including assisting with staff training, supporting documentation in line with TNI requirements, and helping during external audits. She also applied her strengths in Microsoft Excel and Word to maintain records, schedule calibrations, and track inventory. Over time, Morgan became more confident in regulatory compliance, strengthened her ability to communicate effectively, and adapted well to the needs of the team.
Resources
MEET DIANE AND VICTOR FROM EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT
Partnering with JVS and Laney College, workers get the training needed to fill critical need positions in our industry.
Featured interns in this video: Diane Starr, Machining & Maintenance Worker II at EBMUD, Victor Prado, Water Treatment Operator Trainee at EBMUD
Mentors and Mentees WANTED!
