Intern – Information Technology

Join our team as an Information Technology Intern!
Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a motivated, curious, and customer-focused Information Technology Intern to gain hands-on experience supporting the District’s technology operations. This internship provides exposure to help desk support, cybersecurity processes, databases, networking and infrastructure, enterprise applications, and IT asset management while contributing to projects that support reliable public services. If you enjoy solving technical problems, learning new technologies, and helping others, this is an exciting opportunity to build practical IT skills, collaborate with experienced professionals, and explore different areas of information technology in a fast-paced and supportive environment.

About the Role 
The Information Technology Intern is a temporary, entry-level position designed for a college student seeking practical experience in the IT field. Under the guidance of the Information Technology team, the intern assists with troubleshooting hardware, software, printers, mobile devices, audiovisual systems, and network connectivity; responds to service requests; documents help desk activities; and supports database maintenance, cybersecurity  initiatives, infrastructure projects, equipment deployments, and other special projects. This role is ideal for someone who is dependable, eager to learn, comfortable managing multiple assignments, and committed to providing timely and professional customer service.

Meet Santa Margarita Water District 

SMWD is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship. 

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters. 

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD’s goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies. 

Santa Margarita Water District’s values include: 

• Exemplary service excellence 
• Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive 
• Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency 
• Environmental and resource stewardship 
• Employee development and leadership training 
• Building relationships that strengthen communities 

Duties

What You Will Do

• Assist department with special projects.
• Troubleshoot end user printer issues.
• Troubleshoot and assist in resolving end user application issues.
• Relocate end user computer and peripheral devices.
• Assist in troubleshooting desktop VoIP phone issues.
• Assist in maintenance and administration of intranet system.
• Assist in video management server maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Assist in print server maintenance issues.
• Assist in IT asset management tracking system maintenance.
• Assist in troubleshooting, maintenance and administration of Audio/Visual systems.
• Assist in wireless device connection issues with staff and Board devices.
• Respond to service and trouble calls from users in a courteous and efficient manner.
• Handle system and end user problem resolution professionally and within District SLA’s.
• Repair PC hardware, peripheral and communication devices.
• Assist in deploying new and replacement upgrades for user desktop hardware and software.
• Clean and maintain Datacenters, Wiring and Network areas and IT based assets.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring

• Participate in multiple projects simultaneously.
• Troubleshoot and repair PC hardware.
• Respond to end-user clients in a courteous, efficient and professional manner.
• Troubleshoot and networked printers and other hardware.
• Understand and carry out verbal and written directions.
• Troubleshoot peripherals including HP, Konica, Fujitsu printers and scanners.
• Prototype and test systems prior to use in a production environment.
• Comply with the District’s safety, health and environmental policies.
• Provide first-level contact and problem resolution for users with hardware, software, and application problems.
• Escalate unresolved issues to the appropriate technical team members while maintaining ownership of the issue until resolution.
• Document all helpdesk interactions and troubleshooting steps in the helpdesk system.
• Perform routine database maintenance tasks including data entry, data cleanup, and query support under guidance.
• Assist in the performance of database optimization tasks to ensure data integrity and efficiency.
• Support the maintenance and monitoring of IT infrastructure components including servers, networking equipment, and storage solutions.
• Participate in infrastructure projects, assisting with the deployment and configuration of hardware and software solutions.
• Contribute to cybersecurity awareness programs and assist in conducting vulnerability assessments and audits.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of security protocols and procedures to protect against unauthorized access, modification, or destruction of data.
• Collaborate with IT team members on various small-scale projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and IT service delivery.
• Provide innovative ideas and solutions to improve IT processes and procedures.
• Make sound analyses and evaluations.
• Conduct research using standard research methodologies. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and programs (Word, Excel, Access)
• Adhere to District safety procedures and practices.
• Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with District staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. This includes the ability to always exhibit a positive customer service attitude. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, and effectively in both oral and in written forms. This includes a strong understanding or proper business communications.
• Safeguard confidential and private information in the course of business. This includes understanding the proper and improper ways to distribute information in the course of business.
• Observe and follow operational and technical policy and procedures. 

Supplemental Information