Internship Program

The Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Internship Program is a competitive program that awards internships to students pursuing an associate degree in one of the following technology programs:

  1. Water Technology.
  2. Computer Information Technology.
  3. Drafting & Design Technology.
  4. Electronics Technology.
  5. Environmental & Energy Technologies.
  6. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; and
  7. Welding Technology.

Internship programs lead to a career in one of the above fields of operation with Las Cruces Utilities.

The LCU Internship Program offers:

  • Payment of tuition and eligible fees.
  • An annual payment for other reasonable educational costs.
  • Biweekly stipends, for up to two school years, to assist with living expenses while pursuing a Technology Program Degree.
    • 20 hours of work while classes are in session, up to 40 hours of work during breaks — a current starting rate of pay of $14.25 an hour, housing and meal plan).
  • Full-time employment after graduation in one of the fields of technology mentioned above.

To be eligible for the LCU Internship Program, all applicants must:

  1. Provide Proof of Legal Right to Work in the United States and a Valid Government Issued ID.
  2.  Be a Full-Time Student. A full-time student is defined as a student enrolled for 12 – 18 hours during fall and spring semesters and 6 hours during the summer. Students are expected to maintain good academic standing. Students are required to complete sufficient number of credit hours in any academic term to complete the course of study within the number of academic terms normally required at the school. Any courses that are not required to complete the qualifying degree program will not count towards the hours required for full-time status and will not be supported by the LCU Internship Program.
  3. Not Have an Existing Service Obligation. Applicants who are already obligated to a federal, state, or other entity for professional practice or service after academic training are not eligible for LCU Internship Program, unless the entity to which the obligation is owed provides a written statement satisfactory to the Utilities Director that (1) there is no potential conflict in fulfilling the LCU Internship Program obligation and the entity’s obligation, and (2) the LCU Internship Program obligation will be served first. Interns who subsequently incur other service obligations and are not immediately available after completion of their training to fulfill their LCU Internship Program service obligation will be subject to the breach-of-contract provisions.
  4. Submit a Complete Application. Each applicant must complete and submit an application, a resume, at least two letters of recommendation, and school transcripts, high school diploma or GED, and/or DD-214 (as applicable). Applicant finalists will be selected for an interview. If selected after the interview, individuals will be required to review and submit a signed contract indicating they agree to provide:
    1. a maximum of 20 hours per week during semesters;
    2. a maximum of 40 hours per week during academic breaks, including summer (can be adjusted at the discretion of the supervisor); and
    3. a minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of full-time service after graduation.

In addition, the selected individual will be required to submit a signed “Authorization for Release of Academic Education Records” form. Please refer to the “How to Apply” section below for further details regarding application requirements.

How does the LCU Internship Program determine who will receive Internship support?

Among eligible applicants, the LCU Internship Program determines Internship awardees using various selection factors and funding priorities.

Selection Factors

  • History of Honoring Prior Legal Obligations. LCU Internship Program applicants who have a history of not honoring prior legal obligations, as evidenced by one or more of the following factors, will not be selected.
    • Default on any payment obligations (e.g., loans, income tax liabilities, guaranteed/insured loans, such as student or home mortgage loans, etc.) or any other payment obligations even if the applicant is currently considered to be in good standing by that creditor;
    • Default on a prior service obligation to the federal, state or local government, or other entity, even if the applicant subsequently satisfied that obligation through service, monetary payment or other means; or
    • Charge-off/Write-off of any debt as uncollectible or had any service or payment obligation waived.
    • A credit check will be part of the application review process.
  • Academic Performance. Demonstrates the ability to maintain good academic standing while in school. Interns who do not maintain a 2.5 GPA will be subject to the breach-of-contract provisions.
  • Does Not Have Judgment Liens Arising From a Debt.
  • Must Pass a Background and Drug Test. The drug test is based on DOT guidelines.
  • Not Be Currently Excluded, Debarred, Suspended, or Disqualified By a Governmental Agency. Before entering into an Internship contract, an applicant must report if he or she is currently excluded, debarred, suspended or disqualified by a governmental agency. (Please see the “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Disqualification and Related Matters” located in the online application). The applicant should sign the Certification that is applicable to his/her situation. As a condition of participating in the LCU Internship Program, an Intern must agree to provide immediate written notice to the LCU Internship Program if the Intern learns that he/she failed to make a required disclosure or that a disclosure is now required due to changed circumstance.

What are the requirements for LCU Internship Program Interns while in school?

  1. Maintain Enrollment. All Interns must maintain full-time enrollment in the Technology Program for which they were awarded an Internship until the program is completed.
    • Please be advised that any courses that are not required or are unrelated to the Technology Program will not count toward the required credit hours in determining full-time enrollment status for the LCU Internship Program.
  2. Maintain Good Academic Standing. All Interns must remain as a full-time student, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, and remain in good academic standing, while enrolled in the Internship supported Technology Program. Interns who do not maintain a 2.5 GPA will be subject to the breach-of-contract provisions.
  3. Notify the LCU Internship Program of Changes in Personal or Financial Information. Interns are required to maintain a current mailing address, e-mail address, name, and financial institution (bank) information to ensure an uninterrupted flow of Internship payments. In the case of a name change, please upload legal documentation for the change, such as a copy of a marriage certificate.
  4. Forgo Any Additional Employment Outside of LCU. To ensure academic and professional success, Interns are prohibited from working outside of LCU. Interns are expected to focus on school and LCU work, which is why a stipend and/or housing expenses are included with the program award. Exceptions may be considered by the Utilities Director via a formal request outlining the nature and demand of proposed outside employment. Utilities Director approval of such must be obtained in writing.
  5. Notify the LCU Internship Program of Any Changes in Enrollment Status. Interns are required to notify the LCU Internship Program immediately as soon as one of the following events is anticipated or has occurred:
    • A repeat of any course work;
    • A change in graduation date;
    • A leave of absence approved by the school;
    • Withdrawal or dismissal from the school;
    • A change from full-time student status to a less than full-time student status;
    • Voluntary withdrawal from any courses during a school year.
    • The LCU Internship Program needs to know in advance when a change in enrollment status is anticipated so that timely action can be taken to determine if the Intern is still eligible to receive Internship support and to avoid overpayments (see “Changes in Internship Payment” section). The Intern must also submit a letter from the school verifying that one of the events listed above has occurred. The Intern shall agree that in the event of any overpayment(s), the Intern shall repay any and all undue amounts to Las Cruces Utilities. The Utilities Director or his/her designee may, at their discretion, agree to a payment plan in monthly installments in the event of overpayment.
  6. Drug Tests Shall be Conducted Pursuant to the Substance Abuse Prevention/Detection Policy. This Policy sets forth terms and conditions upon which the City will detect and prevent substance abuse in the workplace and administer drug and alcohol tests for all City employees. Interns will be subject to pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, random testing, testing based on reasonable cause/reasonable suspicion, return to duty testing, and follow-up testing as defined by the Substance Abuse Prevention/Detection Policy. Refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test or failing any type of drug or alcohol test, while an intern, will be cause for immediate termination of employment and removal from the LCU Internship Program. A copy of the full Policy is available with this link Substance Abuse Prevention Detection Policy.

What are the requirements for LCU Internship Program Interns while in school? Maintain Enrollment. All Interns must maintain full-time enrollment in the Technology Program for which they were awarded an Internship until the program is completed. Please be advised that any courses that are not required or are unrelated to the Technology Program will not count toward the required credit hours in determining full-time enrollment status for the LCU Internship Program. Maintain Good Academic Standing. All Interns must remain as a full-time student, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, and remain in good academic standing, while enrolled in the Internship supported Technology Program. Interns who do not maintain a 2.5 GPA will be subject to the breach-of-contract provisions. Notify the LCU Internship Program of Changes in Personal or Financial Information. Interns are required to maintain a current mailing address, e-mail address, name, and financial institution (bank) information to ensure an uninterrupted flow of Internship payments. In the case of a name change, please upload legal documentation for the change, such as a copy of a marriage certificate. Forgo Any Additional Employment Outside of LCU. To ensure academic and professional success, Interns are prohibited from working outside of LCU. Interns are expected to focus on school and LCU work, which is why a stipend and/or housing expenses are included with the program award. Exceptions may be considered by the Utilities Director via a formal request outlining the nature and demand of proposed outside employment. Utilities Director approval of such must be obtained in writing. Notify the LCU Internship Program of Any Changes in Enrollment Status. Interns are required to notify the LCU Internship Program immediately as soon as one of the following events is anticipated or has occurred: A repeat of any course work; A change in graduation date; A leave of absence approved by the school; Withdrawal or dismissal from the school; A change from full-time student status to a less than full-time student status; Voluntary withdrawal from any courses during a school year. The LCU Internship Program needs to know in advance when a change in enrollment status is anticipated so that timely action can be taken to determine if the Intern is still eligible to receive Internship support and to avoid overpayments (see “Changes in Internship Payment” section). The Intern must also submit a letter from the school verifying that one of the events listed above has occurred. The Intern shall agree that in the event of any overpayment(s), the Intern shall repay any and all undue amounts to Las Cruces Utilities. The Utilities Director or his/her designee may, at their discretion, agree to a payment plan in monthly installments in the event of overpayment. Drug Tests Shall be Conducted Pursuant to the Substance Abuse Prevention/Detection Policy. This Policy sets forth terms and conditions upon which the City will detect and prevent substance abuse in the workplace and administer drug and alcohol tests for all City employees. Interns will be subject to pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, random testing, testing based on reasonable cause/reasonable suspicion, return to duty testing, and follow-up testing as defined by the Substance Abuse Prevention/Detection Policy. Refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test or failing any type of drug or alcohol test, while an intern, will be cause for immediate termination of employment and removal from the LCU Internship Program. A copy of the full Policy is available with this link Substance Abuse Prevention Detection Policy.

Contract and Program Guideline

Please read the Contract and Program Guideline in its entirety before proceeding with an application. This Guideline explains in detail the rights and obligations of individuals selected to participate in the LCU Internship Program. Be sure you have a complete understanding of the obligation to serve and the financial consequences of failing to perform that obligation.

In the most recent application period, all supporting documentation was to be submitted via email to:lcuinternship@lascruces.gov  or delivered to LCU, 680 N. Motel Boulevard by 5 PM MST on April 30, 2024. This application period has already closed.

Printable contract can be found HERE!

Letters of Recommendation

Two recommendation letters are required and should be from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s professional, community, and/or civic activities. The recommender(s) can be a teacher, an employer or previous employer, community leader, colleague, or anyone who has knowledge of the applicant’s interest and motivation to work in the water resources industry. The recommender(s) must not be a family member. The letters must have a handwritten signature and/or be on letterhead. If the requirements are not met, the applicant will be deemed ineligible.

Essays

Applicants are required to respond to the following three essay questions. Responses to essays must be uploaded as three separate documents, one document per essay. Each response should be limited to 2,500 characters or less (about a half of a page with spacing).

  • How will you contribute to the mission of the City of Las Cruces Utilities?
  • What experiences have you had or activities have you participated in that have prepared you to work with a diverse population?
  • Please discuss your commitment to pursue a career in the utility industry.

Application Status

Applicants will receive a receipt of submission once the application has been successfully submitted via email within the week of submission. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the entirety of the application and supporting documents are accurately submitted.

Once the application has been submitted, applicants may request an opportunity to make edits to their application and resubmit their application by the application deadline (April 30, 2024). Again, this application period has already closed. The ability to re-submit an application will be denied after the application deadline. Applications not submitted by this deadline will not be considered for an award. No exceptions will be made in cases where an applicant fails to re-submit an edited application.

Applicants who are no longer interested in receiving an LCU Internship Program award may withdraw their application at any time prior to the contract being countersigned by the Utilities Director or designee. To do so, applicants should formally notify the Utilities Director to withdraw in writing.

Interview Process

Applicants selected for the interview process will be notified by email stating our interest in interviewing. Applicants should respond to the email as directed within five (5) calendar days. Non-response will indicate the applicant is no longer interested.

Notification of Award

Individuals selected for an award will be notified by email/letter prior to the beginning of the semester. To accept the award, an applicant must respond by the deadline in the notice of award email/letter. If the applicant does not respond to the LCU Internship Program by that deadline, the offer of award expires and will be offered to an alternate. Applicants who respond by the deadline will be asked to sign the LCU Internship Program contract, and complete associated Internship paperwork in Human Resources.Individuals selected for an award who decide not to accept the award may decline the Internship support without penalty, which permits the promotion of alternates. Once An applicant declines the offer of award, the award will be offered to an alternate. There will not be any opportunities to reclaim the award. A decision to decline the Internship Award is final and cannot be changed under any circumstances. An applicant who declines an award may apply in the next application cycle. Applicants who do not receive an Internship award will be notified by email no later than July 1, 2024.

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