Undergraduate Summer Analyst, WestWater Research

Phoenix, AZ ; Sacramento, CA ; Fort Collins, CO

Position Title: Summer Analyst

Organization: WestWater Research

Location: Phoenix, AZ ; Sacramento, CA ; Fort Collins, CO

Position Overview: Summer analysts will spend approximately three months in one of WestWater’s offices in Phoenix, Fort Collins, or Sacramento. During the position term, analysts will be conducting individual research projects and supporting other client efforts. The selection of the research project topic will be based on the chosen candidate’s interests and research priorities within WestWater’s consulting practice. The analysts will have the opportunity to work and contribute to client-related projects and participate in client meetings and engagements. Projects can be a topic proposed by the applicant or may also include a subject that contributes to one of WestWater’s ongoing client consulting projects. This year’s research priorities include, but are not limited to:

  • Water allocation and trading platforms for groundwater management.
  • Development of a geospatial water supply cost database for agricultural areas served by publicagency water providers.
  • Impact investment strategies and environmental water trading.
  • Research and analysis on the municipal and private bond markets and how they respond todifferent water supply risks.
  • Agricultural demand management programs in the Western US.The summer analyst will collaborate with WestWater staff and work under the supervision of a senior manager who will serve as a project mentor. Summer analysts are required to present two internal workshops to outline and report the findings of their research project. The summer analyst will also be responsible for preparing a written report that summarizes all findings, supporting data, and recommendations.

Duties:

  • Data analysis and organization.
  • Financial and/or economic modeling and forecasting.
  • Summarizing key findings concisely in an executive report in a presentation format.
  • Writing and summarizing findings in an extended report format.

Qualifications: The internship is ideal for recent college graduates or undergraduate students expecting to graduate in 2024 or 2025. Ideal candidates will have completed bachelor’s level programs in agricultural and resource economics, economics, finance, or business administration programs, as well as other interdisciplinary programs with an emphasis in water resources.

Education: Required: Completed undergraduate level courses in Agricultural or Resource Economics, Management, Economics, Finance, Business, Engineering, or related water resource fields, with excellent grades.

  • Detail oriented
  • Independent and self-motivated.
  • Interest in water markets and water-related investments.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both written and orally.
  • Experience and competence in data management and research.
  • Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques.
  • Proficiency with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Start/End Dates: Flexible start and end dates from June – September

Salary/Pay: Monthly stipend of $3,000

Application Deadline: March 1, 2024

How to Apply: Please apply through handshake and send a complete application package with all the following documents in PDF format to this Email with the subject line: “2024 Summer Analyst”.

Required Documents:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter expressing interest in water resource finance and water markets and how thisopportunity will advance your professional goals. Please also rank your first, second, and thirdpreference for your internship location among Fort Collins, Phoenix, and Sacramento.
  • A presentation consisting of 3 slides or fewer (not including title slide) responding to thefollowing prompt: You are the water portfolio director for a water utility in a western state (choose one). You need to acquire long-term supplies for your city to support new growth and manage shortfalls in existing supplies. You are considering three options: 1) Investing in a water recycling or desalination project, 2) purchasing a nearby farm and its water rights, or 3) investing in a new surface water storage reservoir. Please answer the following questions:
  • What factors (e.g., social, political, financial, risk management) affect your decision?
  • How would you evaluate the opportunities?
  • What is the final recommendation to your utility board?