Through the WaterWORCs in Appalachia project, summer internship opportunities are being offered at three (3) East Tennessee water and wastewater utilities in Greene County and Cocke County. See below for more information about the project.
About the Project
The Tennessee Water Resources Research Center (TNWRRC), affiliated with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has partnered with West Virginia University, the University of Kentucky, and Virginia Tech to help small water and wastewater systems develop and implement summer internship programs. This pilot project is a Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to address workforce challenges in the water and wastewater industry. Visit the WVU WaterWORCs website to learn more.
Through this project, a number of summer internships are funded at participating water and wastewater utilities in East Tennessee. Interns are hired directly by participating utilities for approximately 10 weeks during the summer months. In addition to gaining hands-on work experience at a water or wastewater utility, interns also receive weekly training from the university partners.
Where We Work
This pilot project is currently offered in Greene and Cocke counties in East Tennessee.
Participating utilities include:
- Newport Utilities, Cocke County, TN
- Old Knoxville Highway Utility District, Greene County, TN
- Greeneville Water Commission, Greene County, TN
Eligibility
There are a few general eligibility requirements that are applicable to all participating utilities. All applicants must:
- Be willing to commit to working 40 hours per week over the 10-week internship during the months of June and July (some vacation may be permitted by the utility)
- Be at least 16 years of age by the internship start date (Note: a minimum age of 18 years is required by Greeneville Water Commission)
- Have completed their sophomore year of high school or be enrolled in a GED program or equivalent by summer 2025
- Have not previously worked a full-time job for more than 12 consecutive months
- Reside in the county in which they are seeking employment OR reside close enough that they are able to travel to the utility for work on a daily basis
Some participating utilities have additional eligibility requirements as follows:
- Newport Utilities Additional Requirements
- Applicants must have a valid drivers license
- Applicants working with the wastewater system must have an up-to-date hepatitis C vaccination
- Greeneville Water Commission Additional Requirements
- Applicants must have a valid drivers license
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the internship start date
We are currently accepting applications for Summer 2025 internships. Click here to apply now, or Contact Us for more information!