Water Resources Management Planning Intern (Summer 2026)

HDR • Sacramento, CA

18h

About The Position

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
HDR is looking for summer 2026 Water Resources Management Planning Intern candidates to join our Water Business Group in Sacramento, CA.
As a Water Resources Management Planning Intern at HDR, you’ll collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of planners, engineers, and scientists working on water resources projects across Northern California. Our team partners with local, state, and federal clients on some of the region’s most significant and complex water management projects, giving you exposure to a broad range of real‑world planning and technical efforts.
This internship offers hands‑on experience that builds your technical skills, deepens your understanding of California’s water systems, and expands your professional network. We aim to involve interns in meaningful project work so you can see how your academic training translates into practice and explore the possibilities of a career in water resources. We are seeking a motivated, thoughtful, and collaborative individual who is excited to contribute to HDR’s dynamic and employee‑owned culture.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate environmental science, biology, environmental Engineering or related program
• Attention to detail
• Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Basic Microsoft Office skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Nice To Haves

• Prefer 3+ years completed toward undergraduate degree or graduate degree with a focus on water resources planning and management, hydrology, environmental management, environmental studies, sustainability or related programs
• Excellent writing, critical thinking, and communication skills
• Quick learner who is adaptable
• Good time management and organization
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Responsibilities

• Support water resources planning and management projects across California, with emphasis on water supply, flood management, hydrology, and integrated water planning.
• Communicate clearly—both verbally and in writing—by contributing to reports, technical memoranda, presentations, and project correspondence.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and within collaborative team settings.
• Follow instructions, ask thoughtful questions, and help resolve basic challenges through open communication and coordination with team members.
• Contribute to project tasks by gathering and analyzing data, assisting with modeling efforts, preparing sections of reports, and performing calculation‑based tasks under the guidance of technical staff.
• Use MS Excel or similar analytical tools to organize data, perform calculations, and carry out logical analyses related to water resources planning and modeling.
• Perform other duties as needed to support project teams and gain exposure to a variety of water resources work.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern