Ecological Restoration Intern

SWCA Environmental Consultants • New Buffalo, MI

10h • $19 - $19

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants' Ecological Restoration Group is looking for an Ecological Restoration Intern to assist during our Summer 2026 field season, with projects primarily located in Nevada, Michigan and Vermont.
The selected intern will support a diversity of field based and office-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. The intern will report into our client services ecosystem restoration team.
This position requires a demonstrated interest in natural sciences, a good attitude, willingness to learn, flexibility, and good communication skills. This internship will occur during the Summer 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 hours/week internship with an hourly rate of $19.00/hour. The person can be based anywhere in the continental United States but be prepared to travel to states listed above, or others if we win new projects.
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.

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 something similar, or a recent graduate within 12 months of May 1, 2025. Or equivalent experience. Students who have completed at least their junior year in college/university are preferred.
• 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 and willingness to work in remote field locations for extended periods, including multiple consecutive weeks, with limited access to services or connectivity
• 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 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, effectively execute tasks, and conform to shifting priorities and demands.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads required.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with GPS devices and digital data collection, and/or mapping software such as ArcGIS
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite software
• Technical writing experience
• Interest or experience in marketing, communications, graphic design, or visual storytelling, including use of tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Canva, or similar platforms
• Experience supporting outreach materials, presentations, reports, or digital content related to environmental or scientific projects
• Photography or basic video documentation skills for field projects are a plus

Responsibilities

• Work in a team setting to complete ecological restoration tasks
• Effectively communicate with other project team members and follow instructions well
• Implement and complete tasks and responsibilities delegated by Field Supervisors
• Assist with basic marketing, outreach, and visual support tasks related to ecological restoration projects (e.g., project photography, field documentation, graphics, or content for reports, presentations, or outreach materials), as needed
• Take positive action and accountability for assigned work
• Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

Benefits

• SWCA medical, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life and disability plans
• SWCA 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust
• employee stock ownership plan (retirement)
• education reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern