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Environmental Quality Programs Spring 2026 Internship

The ITCA’s Environmental Quality Programs (ITCA EQP) Internship aims to develop a cadre of student leaders to pursue environmental quality and climate change-related professions upon completing their
undergraduate/graduate training program.
Intern activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Participation in workshops and research focused on Federal Indian Policy and Environmental Policy.
  • Assisting ITCA’s Pesticide Program, Tribal Air Quality, Solid Waste Management, and Tribal Water Systems staff.
  • Participation in workshops focused on recent changes in climate change laws and policies, and its impact to Tribes.
  • Grant writing, researching methods for identifying grant opportunities, and the submittal process.
  • Exposure to non-profit organization operations, activities, and administrative duties.

March 2, 2021 Press Release

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National Workgroup Summit for Personnel of Tribal Water & Wastewater Utilities, September 14-18, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona (Event ID #26014, in-person)

National Workgroup Summit for Personnel of Tribal Water & Wastewater Utilities, September 14-18, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona (Event ID #26014, in-person)

Includes:

  • Training for Personnel of Tribal Water/Wastewater Utilities
    • Utility Resilience Training Workshop
    • Source Water Protection Training Workshop
  • 2026 Operator of the Year Award Ceremony
  • Operator Certification Paper-Booklet Exam Session
  • Travel Expense Reimbursement Stipends Available

Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: September 14-18, 2026
Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (local time)
Location: Mesa, Arizona

Description

Since 1983, the Tribal Water & Wastewater Utilities Workgroup meetings have been a forum for personnel of Tribal water and wastewater utilities to share ideas and concerns with peers, attend short training sessions, and contribute directly to the continuing development and planning of the certification, training, and technical assistance services provided by the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA).

As professional water/wastewater utility and environmental staff, your feedback is vital to maintaining the quality and effectiveness of the National Tribal Water & Wastewater Operator Certification Program at ITCA. You are encouraged to participate in the roundtable sharing session and bring ideas or suggestions to the meeting. The ITCA Program is your program and all input and suggestions are welcomed. The Tribal Water Utilities Workgroup meetings help ensure that these services are genuinely “by tribes and for tribes.”

Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Certification and Need to Know Exam Criteria

Nomination Request for the 2026 Operator of the Year

Nomination Request for the 2026 Operator of the Year Award for Personnel of Tribal Water/Wastewater Systems

Have you noticed a dedicated water/wastewater operator working in Indian Country who:

  • Goes above and beyond assigned job duties?
  • Lends support to co-workers or staff members?
  • Provides assistance to another utility?
  • Volunteers within the community?
  • Consistently goes the extra mile?

Here is your chance to recognize and celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of Tribal water and wastewater personnel who safeguard public health and the environment. The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA), through its National Tribal Water Systems Programs, is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Operator of the Year Award, honoring outstanding professionals serving Tribal communities across Indian Country.

A committee of volunteer Tribal water and wastewater operators will review the nominations and select the recipient of the 2026 Operator of the Year Award. All nominees and the selected winner will be announced and formally recognized at the Awards Ceremony on September 18, 2026, held during the National Tribal Water Utilities Workgroup Meeting.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for nomination:

  • The nominee must currently work at a Tribal water or wastewater system serving fewer than 5,501 people.
  • The system must be located on Federal Trust Tribal lands (Indian reservations) within the ITCA National Tribal Water Systems Programs service area, which includes United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regions 5 through 10.
  • A utility manager may be nominated if they consistently perform the day-to-day operations and maintenance duties of a small, rural Tribal water or wastewater system.

Nominations that do not meet the eligibility criteria may be determined ineligible during the pre-screening process.

Nomination Deadline: July 10, 2026

How to Nominate an Operator

Complete the attached Nomination Form and return it to ITCA by one of the following methods:
Email:  TWSInfo@itcaonline.com
Fax:     (602) 258-4825, or
Mail:    Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
NATIONAL TRIBAL WATER SYSTEMS PROGRAMS
Attention:  Anisa Flores
2214 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Click Here: 2026 Operator of the Year Nomination Packet

Click Here: USEPA Regional Map

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Technical Assistance to Tribal Communities

The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) Tribal Water System Program is dedicated to providing technical assistance to tribes in order to develop technical, managerial, and financial capacity (TMF), as well as water & wastewater utility sustainability through education, access to resources, training, and technical assistance. The program partners with federal agencies and other organizations to ensure these services are available to Tribal Water Utility operators and managers.

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