NATURAL RESOURCES INTERN

Swca Environmental Consultants • Bismarck, ND

295d • $18

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) is seeking a Natural Resources Intern for the Summer of 2025 to support natural resources projects in Minnesota and the Dakotas. This position will be based in either our Bismarck, North Dakota, or Minneapolis, Minnesota, office. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to work on a variety of field- and office-based tasks alongside talented, multi-disciplinary teams of natural resources professionals. This internship is more than just a role—it's an opportunity to launch your career in environmental sciences with the guidance and support of leaders dedicated to your growth and success. SWCA, established in 1981, is known for its commitment to sound science and creative solutions. The ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate a passion for the natural sciences, a positive attitude, flexibility, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn and travel. This internship will run from June 2, 2025, through August 15, 2025, with flexibility for candidates who can start earlier or extend beyond August. In addition to project work, interns will participate in regularly scheduled presentations led by SWCA leadership to enhance learning and professional development. This is a paid, 40-hour per week internship with a competitive rate of $18.00 per hour.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated (within 12 months of May 1, 2025) from a college or university program pursuing a bachelor's degree in an environmental-related field (environmental sciences, biology, wildlife biology, ecology, etc.).
• Completion of at least 60 credit hours towards a degree.
• Experience with natural resources fieldwork through coursework, honors theses, Capstone projects, professional/intern experience, or volunteer work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.
• Ability to travel 80%-95% of the time, including spending up to 1 or 2 weeks at a time at a field location.
• Capacity to perform fieldwork in varying weather conditions and rugged terrain for long hours, carrying equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads required.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with GPS devices, digital data collection, and/or mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Technical writing experience.
• Knowledge of ecosystems of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
• Wildlife or plant survey experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist project managers and field leads with various natural resources surveys, including wetland delineations, wildlife surveys, botanical surveys, and compliance monitoring.
• Use tablets equipped with topographic maps and aerial photographs for data collection and navigation.
• Record data on field site forms or digital platforms, organize and transfer field data, perform data quality assurance/quality control, and support the project management teams.
• Conduct fieldwork across office locations and nearby states, including overnight stays as needed.
• Perform field work that may involve extended hikes in mixed weather conditions and terrain, either independently or with colleagues.

Benefits

• Paid internship at a competitive rate of $18.00 per hour.
• Opportunity for professional development through presentations and mentorship.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree