COLLEGE CO-OP Wastewater Engineering (Capital Planning/SBU Risk Reduction)

The Metropolitan Sewer District posted a number of College Co-Op Job Postings for the Spring Semester beginning January 18, 2027. Please read through all Job Postings and apply for the position(s) you would like to be evaluated for and/or interviewed for as a Co-Op Student Intern.
 
Each job Project Plan is included in the Job Postings. For more information about the different projects please contact [email protected].

The Priority Deadline for applications is November 8, 2026. Applications submitted by this date will be reviewed by MSD hiring managers before the posting closes on November 20, 2026. If selected for an interview, students will be notified via email as early as the week of November 15, 2026. All applications are accepted through the posting close date.

If selected for an interview, you will be contacted via the email provided during the application process.  All applicants should have availability for work scheduled 32 - 40 hours per week.

TO APPLY: 
 
 Applicants must first create an account through govenmentjobs.com to apply for this position.
 
Please click here to create your applicant profile and apply for the College Co-Op/Student Intern opportunity.
 
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with completing your application, please call the NEOGOV Help Line at 855-524-5627.
 
**Applicants with student visa and OPT, CPT, and current valid EAD at time of hire, are welcome to apply.
 
 

Interns/Co-ops/Externs for the City of Cincinnati may be performing duties in any potential field within the City's structure.  These fields may include office-level work/assignments, fieldwork, and/or civic services.  The nature of the work will be based on areas of interest, degree programs, or organizational needs.  Candidates should have the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

MSD WASTEWATER ENGINEERING DIVISION - CAPITAL PLANNING (SBU RISK REDUCTION) 

Mission: 

Support the development and implementation of the SBU Risk Reduction program by collecting, organizing, analyzing, and visualizing infrastructure, environmental, and operational data that will inform risk-based decision making. The co-op will contribute to the creation of sustainable tools, processes, and databases that improve the program's ability to identify, prioritize, track, and mitigate the risk of SBUs across the collection system.

CO-OP Learning Purpose: 

The purpose of this co-op assignment is to provide hands-on experience in engineering data analysis, GIS applications, database management, and program development within a utility infrastructure environment. The student will develop technical and professional skills while working on real-world challenges associated with risk reduction, asset management, and real-time data monitoring.

The co-op will learn how data supports engineering decisions and gain experience building analytical tools that improve organizational effectiveness and long-term planning.

CO-OP Learning Overview: 

The co-op will support the SBU Risk Reduction program and will assist in the development of systems and processes used to identify, evaluate, track, and communicate SBU risks.

Responsibilities may include:

• Collecting and organizing data from multiple internal and external sources
• Supporting development and maintenance of project databases
• Performing data analysis using Excel, SQL, Python, and other analytical tools
• Managing large datasets related to infrastructure, environmental conditions, flow monitoring, and rainfall monitoring
• Developing GIS-based maps and dashboards using ArcGIS
• Supporting project tracking, documentation, and reporting activities
• Identifying opportunities to improve data quality, efficiency, and process standardization
• Creating visualizations and summaries to communicate results to technical and non-technical stakeholders

The position will provide exposure to engineering, data analytics, asset management, GIS, project management, and utility operations.

Learning Expectations:  

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Technical Skills

• Learn and utilize ArcGIS for spatial data management and analysis
• Develop proficiency with SQL databases and querying techniques
• Apply advanced Excel skills for data manipulation and reporting
• Use Python scripting to automate repetitive tasks and perform data analysis
• Maintain data accuracy and consistency across multiple systems
• Produce maps, dashboards, reports, and other analytical deliverables

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate initiative and willingness to learn new technical skills
• Work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Communicate findings clearly and professionally
• Collaborate across engineering, operations, environmental, and planning teams
• Seek opportunities to improve processes and efficiency

 

Personal Development 

• Develop critical problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
• Build confidence working with incomplete or evolving data
• Learn how engineering organizations use data to drive decision making
• Gain experience presenting technical information to a variety of audiences

Learning Deliverables: 

The exact scope may evolve based on program needs and the student's skills; however, anticipated deliverables can include the following:

     Data Management

• Creation and maintenance of program datasets

• Development of standardized data collection templates
• Improvement of file organization and document control systems
• Data quality review and validation activities

• GIS & Mapping
  • Development of ArcGIS maps and applications supporting risk identification
  • Geospatial analysis of infrastructure, monitoring, and environmental data
  • Creation of map products for engineering and management use

• Analytics & Reporting

  • SQL queries and database reporting tools
  • Excel-based tracking and analysis tools
  • Python scripts for automation and data processing
  • Monthly program metrics and status reports
  • Data visualizations and dashboards

Co-Op Learning Milestones:
Orientation & Foundation:  Weeks 1 -2

• Complete required company and department training
• Gain familiarity with the SBU Risk Reduction Program objectives
• Learn available data sources and current workflows
• Complete introductory ArcGIS, SQL, and data management activities
• Understand current file structures and reporting requirements

Milestone: Demonstrate understanding of program goals and independently complete basic data management and analysis tasks.


Data Collection & Analysis:   Weeks 3 - 6

Milestone: Successfully deliver first independent reporting or analysis project.


Data Process Improvement & Automation:   Weeks 7 - 14

•Develop Python scripts or automated workflows
•Create GIS products supporting risk evaluations
•Recommend process improvements based on observations
•Present findings to program leadership

Milestone: Deliver at least one process improvement or automation solution.


Prepare Final Documentation and Report Out    Weeks 15 - 16

•Complete major project assignment
•Finalize documentation and training materials
•Present accomplishments and recommendations
•Transfer knowledge and project status to team members

Milestone: Complete final presentation demonstrating contributions, lessons learned, and recommendations for future program development.


CO-OP LEARNING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
 In order to qualify for the Intern/Co-op Program, a student must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a non-citizen with proof of eligibility to work in the United States
• Individuals under eighteen will require a work permit
• Be enrolled in an accredited institution and have completed 2 semesters of undergraduate coursework
• Have a basic understanding of MS Office
• Submit a City job application for employment
• Pass a background check and drug screen