Environmental Engineering Intern
About The Position
At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key—we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you're intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here. Shape the Future of Ecological Restoration with RES At Resource Environmental Solutions (RES), the largest ecological restoration organization in the U.S., environmental engineering interns gain hands-on experience solving real-world challenges. Why Choose RES? Real-World Impact: Work on transformative projects restoring wetlands, streams, and habitats while improving water quality and resilience. Hands-On Learning: Apply skills in hydrology, geomorphology, and environmental modeling alongside expert engineers and scientists. Professional Growth: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, gain mentorship from industry leaders, and develop technical and leadership skills. Purpose-Driven Work: Be part of a company dedicated to sustainability and building a better future. With operations in 9+ regions across the U.S., RES leads in comprehensive solutions for wetlands, streams, species habitats, and water quality improvements. RES is looking for driven Environmental Engineering Interns to support our design and engineering team in our Louisville and Frankfort, Kentucky offices. This role offers you the chance to apply your academic knowledge to impactful projects, focusing on practical applications in ecological restoration, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and environmental sustainability. As an intern, you’ll collaborate with experts across engineering, ecology, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) teams to gain insights into the integration of ecological design and restoration practices. Your contributions will directly support projects that enhance ecosystems, protect resources, and drive sustainable outcomes. Program Highlights: Diverse Learning Opportunities: From data analysis and fieldwork to design support, you'll tackle various tasks that deepen your technical and problem-solving skills. Mentorship and Teamwork: Partner with experienced design/engineering professionals who are eager to guide you through real-world challenges and help you build a foundation for your career. Second-Year Advancement: Returning interns will take on more advanced responsibilities, including exploring regulatory frameworks, completing detailed hydrologic and hydraulic models, preparing construction design plans, contributing to project task management, developing cost estimates and proposals, and applying value-engineering principles. This full-time internship typically runs from May to August (specific dates to accommodate student’s school schedule) and is designed for motivated individuals seeking to make a tangible impact in ecological restoration. Take the next step in your journey to shape the future of environmental engineering—apply today and join us in building a more sustainable tomorrow.
Requirements
- Currently a rising junior pursuing a degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, biological systems engineering, agricultural engineering, or water resources engineering or a related field.
- Familiarity with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software (e.g., HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS).
- Familiarity with GIS and mapping tools.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD or Civil 3D
- Keen interest in ecological restoration and sustainable development.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in both office and field settings.
Responsibilities
- collect essential data on stream flow, in-stream habitat, bank erosion potential, cross sections, longitudinal profiles, and stream bed material
- conduct stream surveys using GPS, laser levels, and total stations to support post-restoration monitoring or restoration designs
- gather critical data on vegetation, soil, and water quality in collaboration with the Ecology and Stream Sciences Team
- assist in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling using software such as HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS to predict runoff for return interval storms, determine design discharges, develop and verify stream designs, and analyze floodplain connections
- watershed delineations and analyses to estimate runoff and channel roughness coefficients, and peak flows
- analyze water quality metrics like nutrient concentrations, conductivity, and turbidity
- help create preliminary and detailed designs for stream and wetland restoration projects using AutoCAD or Civil 3D
- designing and sizing channels and in-stream features such as riffles and pools to enhance habitat functionality
- assist in preparing grading plans, sediment and erosion control measures, and bank stabilization techniques
- utilize GIS tools to analyze and map watershed or project site characteristics, including land use, topography, and hydrography data
- creating maps to support ecological assessments and visually illustrate site conditions
- assist with the development of ecological restoration designs and the preparation of components of technical reports
- deliver a presentation summarizing their experiences and contributions during their internship
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
