The State Water Resources Control Board oversees water quality and certain water rights in California. The Office of Enforcement was created in 2006 to emphasize enforcement as a key component of the Water Boards’ water quality regulatory functions and statutory responsibilities. Our role is to ensure that violations of orders and permits result in firm, fair, and consistent enforcement through direct actions, the development of policies and guidance, and the identification of metrics for decision-making on enforcement issues.

We are comprised of legal and investigative staff. The attorneys provide legal representation to the State Water Board and nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards in prosecuting administrative enforcement actions involving significant water quality and water rights issues. The investigative staff is divided into four units; the Special Investigation Unit (SIU); the Underground Storage Tanks (UST) Enforcement Unit; the Cannabis Cultivation Unit; and the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention Unit (FWA).

We are seeking a legal intern for the Fall 2020 semester (August/September – November/December 2020). The legal intern will conduct legal research and writing relating to water quality and water rights enforcement matters for the State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards, interpret statutes and regulations, and prepare legal documents such as subpoenas, memoranda, reports, summaries, etc. This position is unpaid. Experience in environmental law is preferred but not required.

Please submit a cover letter, résumé, unofficial transcript, and writing sample to kailyn.ellison@waterboards.ca.gov. The writing sample should be relatively short (7 pages or less), and will preferably address topics involving environmental law or policy. In accordance with Government Code section 18220, preference shall be given to a qualified applicant who is, or has been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, or a formerly incarcerated youth. The preference shall be granted to applicants who are up to 26 years of age. If you believe you fall under one of these categories, please reference this code section in your cover letter. You are NOT required to identify the specific category of eligibility.

Applications are due no later than July 17, 2020.