April 19, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Like so many, Daniel Martinez was barely making ends meet.
“I was working in an office supply warehouse working 60 to 80 hours per week and was still struggling,” he said.
Martinez then learned about an opportunity to learn and get paid as a water intern at the city of Grand Rapids.
“I was excited at the prospect of having a stable job working 40 hours a week with security, benefits and decent pay.”
Municipalities are preparing for a large number of employees to retire in the near future. Career opportunities in public works are available in a variety of areas and interests. Because of this, the city of Grand Rapids has partnered with Grand Rapids Community College and Bay De Noc Community College to offer this unique program.
Interns work part time with the city of Grand Rapids Water Department while taking online courses through GRCC and Bay College.
Interns are mentored by current and retired Grand Rapids employees. By the end of the program, students are prepared to take certification tests for Michigan Drinking Water and Municipal Wastewater licensing.
Martinez is pleased with program.
“I found this to be a really supportive system. Everyone wants to see us succeed.”
The interns are encouraged to apply for open positions even as they work through the internship program. Martinez was recently hired in the area of operations.
“I think it’s a fun job to tell people about,” he said. “Most people don’t know anyone who works at the Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery facility or what even happens here. Drinking water is so important and there is really cool science happening here. I already have a friend who is interested in the program for the next session.”
Some of the potential job opportunities include: Water plant operator, utility aide, utility field operator, plumbing inspector and project engineer.
Courses include Wastewater Operations and Management, Water Operations and Management, and general chemistry. Professional Development workshops are also offered.
“What is nice about taking classes while we are working is that if we have any questions or don’t understand something, we can ask the professor, a co-worker, or another intern. Actually, we can just go into the facility and figure things out by looking at the water system,” Martinez said.
The group of six students has been part of the pilot program that began in November 2022 and will end in September. Due to its success, dates are currently being worked out for the next session. If you would like to be contacted about the program, please sign up here or go to grcc.edu/water.