Ecological Restoration Intern

SWCA Environmental Consultants • Amherst, MA

5d • $19 • Onsite

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants' Ecological Restoration Group is looking for an Ecological Restoration Intern to assist during our Summer 2026 field season. The selected intern will support a diversity of predominantly field based tasks and will work with talented, multi-disciplinary teams of ecological restoration and natural resource professionals. This position provides great opportunities for an Intern to enter and launch a career in environmental sciences, supported by leadership focused on the professional development of team members. Established in 1981, SWCA has a long-standing presence in the United States and is known for sound science and creative solutions. 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: We are #OneSWCA and collaborate across all our offices, programs, and disciplines. We are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. 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. This position requires a demonstrated interest in natural sciences, a good attitude, a willingness to learn, flexibility, and good communication skills. This internship will occur during the summer of 2026 (early June -mid August). Candidates who can start earlier than June 2026 will be considered and those who can remain past August may provide additional value. In addition to project work, the internship program includes regularly scheduled presentations by SWCA leaders. This is a paid, 40 hour/week internship with an hourly rate of $19.00/hour. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as is reasonable. We anticipate a large flow of qualified candidates, and we will close the posting as soon as the individual office positions are filled. 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. Please submit a cover letter to be considered for this position.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a college or university, pursuing a bachelor's degree in an environmental related field with coursework in environmental sciences, biology, ecology, landscaping, ecological restoration, plant installation, or similar study focus; or a recent graduate within 12 months of May 1, 2026. Candidates with equivalent work experience will also be considered.
• Applicants that are pursuing a master’s degree will also be considered. Ph.D. candidates are not eligible through this program.
• Experience with natural resources field work (e.g., environmental, natural, water, biological, ecological, etc.) through classwork, honors thesis or Capstone projects, professional/intern experience, or volunteer work.
• Must have good communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Must have ability and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.
• Ability to work well in a team setting and collaborate with others.
• Ability to participate in strenuous manual labor, travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, effectively execute tasks, and conform to shifting priorities and demands.
• Ability to acquire the Massachusetts’ pesticide applicator license.
• This position requires the ability to travel to the field 90% of the time, including spending up to a week or two at a time at a field location.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads required.

Nice To Haves

• Local native and non-native/invasive plant identification, preferred.
• Familiarity with GPS devices and digital data collection, and/or mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Technical writing experience.

Responsibilities

• Work in a team setting to complete restoration projects.
• Effectively communicate with other project team members and follow instructions well
• Implement and complete tasks and responsibilities delegated by Field Supervisors
• Take positive action and accountability for assigned work

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees