Job Overview WSP is offering an internship opportunity within its Water Use and Resource Management Team in Midrand, Gauteng. The Intern Water Quality and Green Hydrogen Research Support will contribute to a Water Research Commission (WRC) project focused on understanding water quality challenges, treatment requirements, wastewater management, and environmental risks associated with green hydrogen initiatives in South Africa. The project is titled “Scoping Study to Assess Effluent Water Quality Challenges and Issues Associated with Green Hydrogen Initiatives.” This internship provides an opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, gain practical research and project experience, and contribute to national water resource management and sustainability initiatives. WSP is one of Africa’s leading and most diverse consulting firms, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, sustainable solutions, and professional development. Job Details Company: WSP Job Title: Intern Water Quality and Green Hydrogen Research Support Department: Water Use and Resource Management Location: Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa Employment Type: Internship Project: Water Research Commission project on effluent water quality challenges associated with green hydrogen initiatives Research Focus: Water quality, water treatment, wastewater management, environmental risks, and sustainable green hydrogen development The internship will focus on supporting a national research project that examines the water and environmental considerations linked to green hydrogen development in South Africa. About the Internship The successful candidate will support research and technical activities related to the water lifecycle associated with green hydrogen production. This includes investigating water sources, treatment processes, electrolysis, wastewater generation, reuse and discharge pathways, and residual waste management. The intern will assist with literature reviews, water quality data collection, technical documentation, stakeholder engagement, risk assessments, and project reporting. The role is suited to a candidate with an academic background in water resources, environmental science, hydrology, engineering, chemistry, water quality, environmental management, or a related discipline. Key Responsibilities Research and Literature Reviews The intern will conduct literature reviews and gather relevant information on green hydrogen production, electrolysis technologies, water treatment requirements, and wastewater and effluent quality risks. The research will support the project’s understanding of how green hydrogen initiatives may affect water resources and wastewater management requirements. Water Source Research and Data Collection The intern will collect, organize, and document information about different water sources that may be used or affected by green hydrogen initiatives. These sources include surface water, groundwater, seawater, mine affected water, industrial effluent, and treated municipal wastewater. The intern will assist in developing water quality databases, data gap registers, and confidence ratings for available information. Accurate record keeping and quality control of data, references, and supporting evidence will be important parts of the role. Water Lifecycle Mapping The intern will support the mapping of the water lifecycle associated with green hydrogen production. This will include water sourcing, treatment, electrolysis processes, wastewater generation, reuse and discharge pathways, and residual waste management. The role will also involve identifying potential changes in water quality during different stages of the process, wastewater streams, environmental impacts, and possible disposal and reuse options. Stakeholder Engagement Support The intern will assist with stakeholder engagement activities by preparing stakeholder lists, gathering relevant information, recording meeting outcomes, and tracking follow up actions. This will provide exposure to stakeholder coordination and multidisciplinary project work involving water management, environmental protection, and green hydrogen development. Risk Assessments The intern will contribute to project risk assessments covering environmental, technical, regulatory, social, and operational risks. The successful candidate will assist in identifying potential risks associated with water quality, wastewater management, environmental impacts, and the implementation of green hydrogen initiatives. Reporting and Project Documentation The intern will assist with the preparation of progress reports, technical summaries, tables, figures, and other project documentation. The role will require the candidate to maintain accurate project records and ensure that research findings, references, data, and supporting evidence are properly organized and quality checked. Safety and Quality The intern will support a strong safety culture by identifying and reporting hazards, incidents, and near misses. The candidate will be expected to contribute to accurate, reliable, and well documented project work. Minimum Qualifications and Requirements Applicants should be currently studying towards, or have recently completed, an Honours or Master’s degree in one of the following fields: Water Resources Environmental Science Hydrology Civil Engineering Environmental Engineering Water Quality Chemistry Environmental Management A related discipline may also be considered. The candidate should have an interest in green hydrogen, water treatment, wastewater management, effluent quality, water resource assessment, and environmental protection. Eligibility to support Water Research Commission capacity building programmes linked to MSc student participation is listed as an advantageous requirement. Technical Skills and Competencies The successful candidate should be able to collect, organize, and interpret water quality and wastewater data. An understanding of water resources management, water treatment processes, water reuse, effluent management, and environmental and regulatory requirements will be beneficial. The candidate should be able to support literature reviews, technical reports, risk assessments, data gap analyses, and process mapping. Knowledge or experience in GIS, data visualization, statistical analysis, and referencing tools will be advantageous. The intern should be able to use Microsoft Excel for data management, basic analysis, chart preparation, and quality checking. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required. Strong technical writing and research skills are important for this role. An interest in the water energy nexus, particularly green hydrogen and sustainable water management, will be beneficial. Personal Attributes WSP is looking for a candidate who has strong problem solving skills and demonstrates curiosity, initiative, and attention to detail. The successful applicant should be able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, effective time management, and the ability to meet deadlines are important. The candidate should be eager to learn, respond positively to feedback, and maintain accurate and organized records throughout the project. What You Can Gain This internship provides an opportunity to gain practical exposure to water quality research, wastewater management, and environmental assessment within a professional consulting environment. The intern will gain experience in research and literature reviews, water quality data management, water lifecycle mapping, technical reporting, stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, and project documentation. The role also provides exposure to the relationship between water resources and green hydrogen development, supporting the candidate’s understanding of sustainable water management and environmental protection. Internship Location The internship is based in Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa, within WSP’s Water Use and Resource Management Team. How to Apply Interested candidates should apply through the official WSP recruitment platform or the application link provided in the original vacancy advertisement. Click Here To Join Our WhatsApp Channel