Student Intern - Warehouse/Purchasing

Rancho California Water District is excited to accept applications for our Student Intern - Warehouse/Purchasing. This opportunity is ideal for a motivated college student who is currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and interested in exploring a career in supply chain management, finance, purchasing or public service. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting a variety of warehouse functions, contributing to meaningful projects, and building valuable professional skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. We welcome applicants who are eager to learn, ready to take initiative, and committed to presenting a professional and positive image of the District. Applications will be accepted through Monday, November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

How to Apply...
Interested applicants must submit a completed application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ranchowater. The recruitment process will include, but not limited to, an application review, skills testing, and panel interview.

Schedule of Events (subject to change)

• Recruitment Closes - Monday, November 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
• Panel Interview - Week of December 14, 2026

JOB DESCRIPTION
Under immediate supervision, to perform various administrative tasks to support the procurement process and warehouse operations; including, material and equipment procurement, contract administration, inventory maintenance, shipping, receiving and staging.   

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a temporary entry level position for a college student intern to work no more than 900 hours per fiscal year, or no more than 29 hours in a 7-day period.  Employees assigned to this level perform limited or routine duties under direct supervision.  Because employees in classifications at this level may be in a training capacity, such positions typically do not require significant previous work experience in the applicable field; however, effective communication (written/verbal), reasoning ability and basic mathematical and computer/system skills will be needed.  

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES(may include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Adhere to requirements of Purchasing Policy in District Administration Code and District Purchasing Practices and Procedures Manual
• Perform routine procurement tasks under direct supervision and within established procedures and guidelines
• Perform standard warehouse duties such as: shipping, receiving, inventory maintenance and cycle counts
• Assist in creating system generated purchase orders and track delivery status regarding late or backlogged orders
• Correct price variances to ensure compliance with pricing terms
• Assist in contract administration and compliance
• Assist in preparation of specifications for a variety of District materials, equipment and services  
• Assist employees with vendor selection and sourcing of materials and services 
• Assist with warehouse operations in evaluating stock levels and reviewing inventory control levels 
• Maintain inventory in computer system through data entry and generate reports
• Maintain the warehouse to include general clean-up, organization and prevention of safety hazards and security
• Analyze cost saving opportunities through quality and risk/cost avoidance techniques
• Identify and escalate issues as appropriate
• Perform related projects or duties as assigned  

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Basic knowledge of business operations and industry practices 
• Basic purchasing principles
• Basic warehouse procedures
• General filing techniques
• Standard telephone techniques
• Foundational knowledge in Microsoft Office applications and applicable business software
• Proper work safety standards

Ability to:

• Operate a PC; to include, standard software systems, and Microsoft Office applications
• Operate standard office equipment (phone, copier, scanner) 
• Maintain quality of work through attention to detail and accurate preparation of work papers as well as maintaining confidentiality of District information
• Effectively represent the District's purchasing functions with vendors, tactfully resolving problems and concerns over shipments and items received
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Comply with the District’s Safety, Health, and Environmental policies

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS
The essential functions of this position will require the employee to perform the following physical activities:

• Communicate verbally with District management, co-workers, and the public in face-to-face, one-to-one, and group settings
• Regularly uses a telephone or e-mail for communication
• Uses office equipment such as a PC, calculator and copier/fax/scanning machine
• Normal standing, walking, sitting, reaching, stooping, climbing and bending 
• Hearing and vision within normal ranges
• Lifting (up to 60 lb.) of materials, with assistance. 

SELECTION GUIDELINES
The appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities can be achieved through a variety of combinations of experience and training.  A typical example is:

EXPERIENCE:	General purchasing experience preferred, but not required
EDUCATION/TRAINING:	Activity in college courses in the area of supply chain management, business, finance or similar area of study.