Natural Resources Intern

SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) is seeking a Natural Resources Intern for the Summer of 2025 to support natural resources projects in Minnesota and the Dakotas. This position will be based in either our Bismarck, North Dakota, or Minneapolis, Minnesota, office. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to work on a variety of field- and office-based tasks alongside talented, multi-disciplinary teams of natural resources professionals.

This internship is more than just a role-it's an opportunity to launch your career in environmental sciences with the guidance and support of leaders dedicated to your growth and success.

SWCA, established in 1981, is known for its commitment to sound science and creative solutions. The ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate a passion for the natural sciences, a positive attitude, flexibility, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn and travel.

This internship will run from June 2, 2025, through August 15, 2025, with flexibility for candidates who can start earlier or extend beyond August. In addition to project work, interns will participate in regularly scheduled presentations led by SWCA leadership to enhance learning and professional development.

This is a paid, 40-hour per week internship with a competitive rate of $18.00 per hour.

Please submit a cover letter to be considered for this position.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission

Our Vision (the North Star)

Help drive SWCA to be the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership.

Core Values

• #OneSWCA: we work collaboratively across office, programs, and disciplines to deliver exceptional solutions to our clients.
• #AlwaysLearning: We are driven to expand our knowledge, ask important questions, and find innovative approaches.
• #NeverSettle: We set the bar high, striving for excellence in every project.
• #GiveBack: We promote a culture of giving by supporting our employees, communities, and the environment.

We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. It is imperative for the successful candidate to fit SWCA's unique culture. Do you appreciate sustainability and environmental awareness? Is giving back to your community a priority? SWCA is a team of scientists, planners, technical experts, and corporate services professionals that are committed to our culture.

Purpose: Our company purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today. You are invited to be a part of our success story.

As a Natural Resources Intern, you will:

• Assist project managers and field leads with various natural resources surveys, including wetland delineations, wildlife surveys, botanical surveys, and compliance monitoring.
• Use tablets equipped with topographic maps and aerial photographs for data collection and navigation.
• Record data on field site forms or digital platforms, organize and transfer field data, perform data quality assurance/quality control, and support the project management teams.
• Conduct fieldwork across office locations and nearby states, including overnight stays as needed.
• Perform field work that may involve extended hikes in mixed weather conditions and terrain, either independently or with colleagues.

Note: Travel costs are reimbursed according to client and federal guidelines.

Required

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated (within 12 months of May 1, 2025) from a college or university program pursuing a bachelor's degree in an environmental-related field (environmental sciences, biology, wildlife biology, ecology, etc.).
• Completion of at least 60 credit hours towards a degree.
• Applicants pursuing a master's degree will also be considered. Ph.D. candidates are not eligible through this program.
• Experience with natural resources fieldwork through coursework, honors theses, Capstone projects, professional/intern experience, or volunteer work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.

Important for Field-Based roles:

• Ability to travel 80%-95% of the time, including spending up to 1 or 2 weeks at a time at a field location.
• Capacity to perform fieldwork in varying weather conditions and rugged terrain for long hours, carrying equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads required.

Helpful Skills:

• Familiarity with GPS devices, digital data collection, and/or mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Technical writing experience.
• Knowledge of ecosystems of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
• Wildlife or plant survey experience.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges (above) on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency. An intern based in Bismarck, ND or Minneapolis, MN will be paid $18.00 per hour.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

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