Air Quality Specialist Internships
Air quality specialist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience monitoring emissions, analyzing environmental data, and preparing regulatory reports, alongside mentorship from working air quality engineers and scientists, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Demand is strongest across {{top_industries_phrase}}, with Burns & McDonnell, HDR, and TRC among the employers posting roles now.
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TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.
TRC's professionals work with a broad range of commercial, industrial and government clients and the communities they serve. We deliver breakthrough solutions that address local needs - so our clients can better succeed in an ever-changing world.
Working at TRC means tackling interesting, meaningful projects. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial zeal and agile corporate structure. We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.
TRC is seeking highly motivated and diverse Environmental – Air Quality Intern for our Summer 2027 intern program. This is a paid full-time position. Anticipated duration will be from June through August 2027 (flexible). This position has the potential to transition into a Full-Time role upon graduation. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Project Managers and Team Leaders and partner with engineers, scientists, and technologists.
- Accompany experienced employees at construction sites, indoor air quality projects, mold/moisture investigations, noise and industrial hygiene monitoring to observe how projects are performed.
- Communicates well with others, interested in observing how field work is conducted, detail-oriented, takes initiative, willingness to assist others, etc.
- Will entail conducting research, working on client software planning and implementation projects.
- Support the preparation of reports, plans and specifications for client.
- Will be supported by leaders, mentors and teammates.
- Perform other related duties and responsibilities as necessary.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Junior, senior, or master's student pursuing PhD, Masters, Bachelor or Associate Degree in Environmental science,Checmical, industrial hygiene and/or safety related majors or any related field.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Has excellent critical thinking, verbal and written communication skills.
- Communication, research, independent worker, takes initiative.
- Possesses solid technical and problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated, detail orientated person.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
- Honest, fun, hard-working and ready to learn and grow.
- Safe driving record
- Experienced with industrial hygiene sampling pumps, noise dosimeters, indoor air quality meter, calibrating equipment, etc. Preferred.
Compensation: In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.
Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company’s annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.
The complete job description and application are available on TRC’s career site.
TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.
TRC's professionals work with a broad range of commercial, industrial and government clients and the communities they serve. We deliver breakthrough solutions that address local needs - so our clients can better succeed in an ever-changing world.
Working at TRC means tackling interesting, meaningful projects. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial zeal and agile corporate structure. We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.
TRC is seeking highly motivated and diverse Environmental – Air Quality Intern for our Summer 2027 intern program. This is a paid full-time position. Anticipated duration will be from June through August 2027 (flexible). This position has the potential to transition into a Full-Time role upon graduation. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Project Managers and Team Leaders and partner with engineers, scientists, and technologists.
- Accompany experienced employees at construction sites, indoor air quality projects, mold/moisture investigations, noise and industrial hygiene monitoring to observe how projects are performed.
- Communicates well with others, interested in observing how field work is conducted, detail-oriented, takes initiative, willingness to assist others, etc.
- Will entail conducting research, working on client software planning and implementation projects.
- Support the preparation of reports, plans and specifications for client.
- Will be supported by leaders, mentors and teammates.
- Perform other related duties and responsibilities as necessary.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Junior, senior, or master's student pursuing PhD, Masters, Bachelor or Associate Degree in Environmental science,Checmical, industrial hygiene and/or safety related majors or any related field.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Has excellent critical thinking, verbal and written communication skills.
- Communication, research, independent worker, takes initiative.
- Possesses solid technical and problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated, detail orientated person.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
- Honest, fun, hard-working and ready to learn and grow.
- Safe driving record
- Experienced with industrial hygiene sampling pumps, noise dosimeters, indoor air quality meter, calibrating equipment, etc. Preferred.
Compensation: In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.
Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company’s annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.
The complete job description and application are available on TRC’s career site.
Air Quality Specialist Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Air Quality Specialist Internship Search
Apply months before the start date
Large environmental consulting firms and government agencies open summer internship applications the previous fall, often closing them before December. Smaller companies and co-ops post closer to their start dates, so check listings regularly throughout the year rather than waiting until spring.
Build a project portfolio before you apply
Air quality specialist recruiting teams want evidence of technical work, not a list of coursework titles. Document two or three completed projects, naming the modeling software, monitoring datasets, or permit frameworks you used. A linked portfolio showing AERMOD outputs, emissions inventory files, or a completed air permit draft gives recruiters something concrete to evaluate.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied directly to your university, and professors with industry contacts often know which environmental firms recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Apply directly to companies running smaller cohorts at the same time, since many air quality internships are filled outside of campus recruiting entirely.
Practice the technical screen out loud
Air quality specialist intern interviews typically include a technical conversation covering dispersion modeling concepts, emissions calculation methods, or regulatory compliance scenarios. Practice explaining your reasoning aloud on a sample problem before the interview, since interviewers weigh how you work through an unfamiliar situation as much as whether you reach the right answer.
Air Quality Specialist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an air quality specialist internship?
Lead with coursework and projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. The concrete artifact that gives recruiters something to assess is a documented project portfolio showing air dispersion modeling runs, emissions inventory spreadsheets, or regulatory permit drafts with the tools you used. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where environmental recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can an air quality specialist internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for air quality specialist interns is consistent performance on real monitoring or compliance work, available headcount on the team, and understanding when return-offer decisions are made so you can ask the right questions early. Position yourself for one, but keep applying to full-time roles in parallel.
When should I apply for air quality specialist internships?
Earlier than most students expect. Large environmental consulting firms and government agencies recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often wrapping up offers by November or December. Smaller firms, state agencies, and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings consistently, rather than only in spring, is the most reliable approach.
Are air quality specialist internships paid?
Most professional air quality specialist internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, with larger environmental consulting firms and energy companies generally offering more competitive rates than smaller nonprofits or municipal agencies. Where an employer discloses pay, the listing will show it.
What should an air quality specialist internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects showing the tools you used, such as AERMOD or CALPUFF dispersion modeling, GIS-based emissions mapping, or permit application drafts, and link to or describe where the work can be reviewed. Add relevant coursework in atmospheric science, environmental engineering, or regulatory compliance, and keep the resume to one page.
Can international students get air quality specialist internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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