Natural Resources Intern

About the opportunity:

Join our Amherst, MA office and be part of a dynamic team driving innovative solutions in environmental sciences. Since 1981, SWCA has been a trusted name across the United States, recognized for its commitment to sound science and creative problem-solving.

As a Natural Resources Intern, you'll engage in both office and field projects, collaborating with skilled natural resource professionals to make a meaningful impact. SWCA’s Natural Resources interns support a broad variety of projects, including natural resource assessments and permitting for renewable energy developments such as photovoltaics, battery energy storage systems, wind, and hydropower facilities. Interns also assist with fieldwork for utility reliability projects and programs that integrate clean energy production into the grid, support reconductoring efforts to improve grid reliability and efficiency (including reducing line losses), and contribute to the construction of new transmission lines that supply Massachusetts communities with electricity. These projects are vital to helping Massachusetts achieve its clean energy and sustainability goals.

In addition, interns support compliance monitoring to ensure construction proceeds in accordance with environmental regulations while minimizing ecological impacts. Beyond clean energy initiatives, interns gain experience contributing to conservation and restoration projects such as native plant installation, wetland replication, rare species assessments, and implementation of protection plans.

This internship is more than just a role; it's an opportunity to launch your career in environmental sciences while contributing directly to clean energy advancement and environmental stewardship. You’ll do so with the support of leaders dedicated to your growth and success.

The internship spans from early June to mid-August 2026, providing flexibility for early starters and those interested in extending beyond August. Alongside impactful project work, our program includes regular presentations by SWCA leaders.

This is a paid, full-time internship with a competitive rate of $19.00 per hour. For this internship, we will be considering candidates who are based within driving distance of Amherst, MA.

What you will accomplish:

• Support project managers and field leads in various natural resources surveys, including wetland delineations, wildlife surveys, botanical surveys, and compliance monitoring.
• Engage in office tasks such as data clean-up, reporting, and other activities to support the Natural Resources team.
• Conduct fieldwork across office locations and nearby states, sometimes involving extended hikes either independently or with colleagues.
• Adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

Experience and qualifications for success:

General Requirements:

• Currently enrolled juniors or seniors pursuing a bachelor's degree in an environmental-related field, or recent graduates within 12 months of May 1, 2026. Equivalent experience will also be considered. Must attend or have attended:
  • A college or university in Massachusetts.
  • A college or university outside Massachusetts if a Massachusetts resident with proof of residency.
  • A training or certificate program based in Massachusetts.
• Graduate students are eligible if currently enrolled or within 12 months of completing their program Ph.D., Ed.D., and law school students are not eligible.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the start of the internship.
• Must reside in Massachusetts if not attending a Massachusetts-based institution.
• Must reside in Massachusetts if not attending a Massachusetts-based institution, preferably within one hour of the Amherst, MA office.
• Experience with natural resources fieldwork (e.g., environmental, natural, water, biological, or ecological) through coursework, projects, honors theses, Capstone projects, professional/intern experiences, or volunteer work.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Must have strong communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.

Field-Based Role Additional Requirements:

• In instances where travel is necessary, the position may require up to 50%-75% fieldwork, including spending extended periods in field locations.
• Ability to travel, walk, and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather and rugged terrain, with the capacity to carry equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, execute tasks effectively, and adapt to shifting priorities.

Helpful Skills:

• Familiarity with GPS devices, digital data collection, and mapping software like ArcGIS.
• Technical writing experience.

Please note, applicants who have been employed by SWCA for more than 6 weeks during the current calendar year are ineligible.

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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