Cultural Resources Intern

About the opportunity:

Embark on an exciting journey with SWCA as a Cultural Resources Intern for Summer 2026 in our Amherst, MA office. Join our dynamic team and be part of innovative, meaningful work in cultural resources and archaeology. Established in 1981, SWCA is a nationally recognized leader known for sound science, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to professional growth. As a Cultural Resources Intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience across both office and field projects while collaborating with talented cultural resources professionals. Your role as a Cultural Resources Intern will be assisting with cultural resources and archaeology data entry, artifact analyses, reporting, GIS support (e.g., map making) and fieldwork during the summer field season. You should be able to work outside during fieldwork sessions that generally last for a week or more.

The internship will run from early June to mid-August 2026, with flexibility for early starters or those interested in extending their internship. Candidates with educational or professional experience in Massachusetts are highly encouraged to apply. In addition to impactful project involvement, interns will also participate in presentations and learning sessions led by SWCA experts.

This is a paid, 40 hours/week internship at $19.00 per hour. Intern hours could vary depending on the amount of client work available. An intern based out of Amherst, MA will be paid $19.00 per hour.For this internship, we will be considering candidates who are based within driving distance of Amherst, MA to support project and office needs.

Please submit a cover letter and resume 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.

What you will accomplish:

As a Cultural Resources Intern, you will support both office and field tasks, with approximately 75% of your time in the field and 25% in the office. You will gain:

• Hands-on experience with archaeological survey and site recording methods.
• Exposure to local SHPO and federal agency guidelines for archaeological fieldwork.
• Experience with artifact analysis, data entry, reporting, and cartography/map review.
• Opportunities to participate in various types of cultural resources management (CRM) fieldwork, typically lasting a week or more.
• Insight into working with a nationally recognized environmental consulting firm and multidisciplinary cultural resources professionals.
• A strong understanding of SWCA’s safety culture, including identifying and communicating safety hazards and contributing to a safe work environment.

Experience and qualifications for success:

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled juniors or seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree related to cultural resources management or archaeology. Recent graduates (within 12 months of May 1, 2026) will also be considered.
• Applicants pursuing a Master’s degree will also be considered. Ph.D. candidates are not eligible for this program.
• Experience with cultural resources fieldwork (e.g., archaeology or anthropology) through coursework, capstone projects, professional/intern experience, or volunteer work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.

Field-Based Role Requirements

• Completion of an archaeological field school is a plus.
• May require an ability to travel to the field 50%–75% of the time, including spending up to a week or two at a time at a field location.
• Ability to walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather and rugged terrain, and carry equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, adapt to shifting priorities, and perform tasks efficiently.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle on backcountry roads.
• Willingness to participate in drug and alcohol screening if required by specific projects.

Helpful Skills

• Familiarity with GPS devices, digital data collection, and/or mapping tools such as ArcGIS.
• Technical writing experience.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

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 [email protected] or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

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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