Intern Water Quality and Green Hydrogen Research Support

WSP is one of Africa’s leading and most diverse consulting firms. We are committed to diversity, equity, innovation, collaboration, and delivering sustainable solutions. Our culture empowers people to grow, take ownership, and make a positive impact.

The Opportunity

WSP is offering an internship within the Water Use & Resource Management Team in Midrand.

The intern will support a Water Research Commission (WRC) project called:

"Scoping Study to Assess Effluent Water Quality Challenges and Issues Associated with Green Hydrogen Initiatives."

This project focuses on understanding water quality, treatment requirements, wastewater management, and environmental risks associated with green hydrogen development in South Africa.

You will work alongside experienced professionals, gain practical research and project experience, and contribute to national water and sustainability initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

As the intern, you will:

Green hydrogen production

Electrolysis technologies

Water treatment requirements

Wastewater and effluent quality risks

Surface water

Groundwater

Seawater

Mine-affected water

Industrial effluent

Treated municipal wastewater

Water quality databases

Data gap registers

Confidence ratings on available data

Support mapping of the water lifecycle, including:

Water sourcing

Treatment

Electrolysis processes

Wastewater generation

Reuse and discharge pathways

Residual waste management

Water quality changes during the process

Wastewater streams

Environmental impacts

Disposal and reuse options

Preparing stakeholder lists

Gathering information

Recording meeting outcomes

Tracking follow-up actions

Environmental risks

Technical risks

Regulatory risks

Social risks

Operational risks

Progress reports

Technical summaries

Tables and figures

Project documentation

Maintain accurate project records and ensure quality control of data, references, and supporting evidence.

Promote a strong safety culture by identifying and reporting hazards, incidents, and near misses.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Requirements

Currently studying towards, or recently completed, an Honours or Master's Degree in:

Water Resources

Environmental Science

Hydrology

Civil Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Water Quality

Chemistry

Environmental Management

Related disciplines

Advantageous

Eligibility to support WRC capacity-building programmes linked to MSc student participation.

Green hydrogen

Water treatment

Wastewater management

Effluent quality

Water resource assessment

Environmental protection

GIS

Data visualization

Statistical analysis

Referencing tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Outlook

Strong technical writing and research skills.

Technical Competencies

Collect, organize, and interpret water quality and wastewater data.

Water resources management

Water treatment processes

Water reuse

Effluent management

Environmental and regulatory requirements

Literature reviews

Technical reports

Risk assessments

Data gap analyses

Process mapping

Data management

Basic analysis

Chart preparation

Quality checking

Demonstrate an interest in the water-energy nexus, particularly green hydrogen and sustainable water management.

Personal Attributes

Has strong problem-solving skills.

Is curious, proactive, and detail-oriented.

Can work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Has excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Manages time effectively and meets deadlines.

Is eager to learn and respond positively to feedback.

Keeps accurate and organized records.

Location

Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa

Internship Focus

Supporting a national research project on water quality and environmental management for green hydrogen development in South Africa.