Environmental Internships
Environmental internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience in fieldwork, data analysis, and regulatory compliance, mentorship from working environmental scientists and engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across Consulting & Professional Services, Manufacturing, and Electronics & Hardware, with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, CDM Smith, and Heidelberg Materials among the employers posting roles now.
Find Environmental InternshipsOverview
Showing 5 of 53+ Environmental Internships
The role – what you’ll do
Barr is seeking an environmental intern to join our Minneapolis office for the summer of 2027. In this role, you will support the Assessment and Remediation business unit and undertake challenging and progressive work on projects related to the evaluation and remediation of contaminated sites. Assignments may include working as an individual or as part of a project team to assist with on-site investigations of contaminated soil, vapor, sediment, and groundwater; environmental site assessments; construction observation; engineering calculations; data summary tables and spreadsheets; and technical reports. Fieldwork opportunities for this position may include some out-of-town travel.
The ideal candidate for this position is a clear and confident communicator who thrives in collaborative and independent work environments. They are adaptable, organized, proactive, eager to learn and comfortable asking thoughtful questions. They bring a high level of attention to detail and take ownership of assigned tasks in dynamic field and office conditions. They demonstrate reliability, safety awareness, and a growth mindset as they build their technical skills and professional judgment. Above all, they value teamwork, quality, and integrity in delivering impactful environmental solutions.
Your impact – key responsibilities
Technical knowledge: apply foundational engineering/science principles to support site investigations, environmental sampling, and data collection. Assist in the analysis of environmental data and contribute to the development of remediation approaches.
Project support: help coordinate field activities and logistics, including contractor oversight and equipment preparation. Assist with tracking project progress and documenting key milestones.
Problem solving: contribute to the evaluation of site conditions and identification of potential solutions to environmental challenges. Learn how to apply regulatory knowledge and scientific reasoning to real-world scenarios.
Communication: produce clear field notes, chain-of-custody and data summaries, figures, and draft report sections/emails for review. Provide concise status updates to project managers and stakeholders.
Interpersonal savvy: effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to align technical work with project objectives while fostering strong, productive working relationships.
About the opportunity
Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position is based out of Barr's Minneapolis, Minnesota office.
Travel expectation: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs (up to 50–70% travel and fieldwork possible; project needs will vary).
Work environment: ability to work in locations that may feature rough terrain typical of construction sites and may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Job assignments may involve work on waste disposal sites and sites requiring cleanup of hazardous materials. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required. Safety training will be provided. Applicants may be asked to participate in a drug screening program at the request of specific clients. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical requirements for the role may include:
Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying outdoor conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, uneven terrain).
Must be able to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Capable of standing, walking, kneeling, or crouching for extended periods.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by site conditions.
Ability to safely operate or work around environmental monitoring and sampling equipment.
About you – required core competencies
Education: environmental, chemical, geological, civil, or other related engineering major or geology major. Must be a third- or fourth-year student with a minimum of one full-time semester of undergraduate or graduate coursework remaining after the internship.
GPA: minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
Software: strong computer skills, including word processing and use of spreadsheets. Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.
Helpful additional experience (not required)
Training: 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification.
Compensation: anticipated range of $22.66–$28.90 hourly. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. This position is classified as non-exempt (hourly) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
#LI-Hybrid #Handshake
Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities
Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
The role – what you’ll do
Barr is seeking an environmental intern to join our Minneapolis office for the summer of 2027. In this role, you will support the Assessment and Remediation business unit and undertake challenging and progressive work on projects related to the evaluation and remediation of contaminated sites. Assignments may include working as an individual or as part of a project team to assist with on-site investigations of contaminated soil, vapor, sediment, and groundwater; environmental site assessments; construction observation; engineering calculations; data summary tables and spreadsheets; and technical reports. Fieldwork opportunities for this position may include some out-of-town travel.
The ideal candidate for this position is a clear and confident communicator who thrives in collaborative and independent work environments. They are adaptable, organized, proactive, eager to learn and comfortable asking thoughtful questions. They bring a high level of attention to detail and take ownership of assigned tasks in dynamic field and office conditions. They demonstrate reliability, safety awareness, and a growth mindset as they build their technical skills and professional judgment. Above all, they value teamwork, quality, and integrity in delivering impactful environmental solutions.
Your impact – key responsibilities
Technical knowledge: apply foundational engineering/science principles to support site investigations, environmental sampling, and data collection. Assist in the analysis of environmental data and contribute to the development of remediation approaches.
Project support: help coordinate field activities and logistics, including contractor oversight and equipment preparation. Assist with tracking project progress and documenting key milestones.
Problem solving: contribute to the evaluation of site conditions and identification of potential solutions to environmental challenges. Learn how to apply regulatory knowledge and scientific reasoning to real-world scenarios.
Communication: produce clear field notes, chain-of-custody and data summaries, figures, and draft report sections/emails for review. Provide concise status updates to project managers and stakeholders.
Interpersonal savvy: effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to align technical work with project objectives while fostering strong, productive working relationships.
About the opportunity
Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position is based out of Barr's Minneapolis, Minnesota office.
Travel expectation: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs (up to 50–70% travel and fieldwork possible; project needs will vary).
Work environment: ability to work in locations that may feature rough terrain typical of construction sites and may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Job assignments may involve work on waste disposal sites and sites requiring cleanup of hazardous materials. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required. Safety training will be provided. Applicants may be asked to participate in a drug screening program at the request of specific clients. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical requirements for the role may include:
Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying outdoor conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, uneven terrain).
Must be able to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Capable of standing, walking, kneeling, or crouching for extended periods.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by site conditions.
Ability to safely operate or work around environmental monitoring and sampling equipment.
About you – required core competencies
Education: environmental, chemical, geological, civil, or other related engineering major or geology major. Must be a third- or fourth-year student with a minimum of one full-time semester of undergraduate or graduate coursework remaining after the internship.
GPA: minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
Software: strong computer skills, including word processing and use of spreadsheets. Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.
Helpful additional experience (not required)
Training: 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification.
Compensation: anticipated range of $22.66–$28.90 hourly. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. This position is classified as non-exempt (hourly) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
#LI-Hybrid #Handshake
Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities
Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Environmental Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Electronics & Hardware
- Investment & Asset Management
Tips for Your Environmental Internship Search
Apply months before the summer start date
Large employers, federal agencies, major environmental consulting firms, and corporate sustainability teams, open summer cohort applications the preceding fall, with many deadlines in October and November. If you wait until spring, the structured programs are already closed. Start identifying target employers by September and submit before Thanksgiving.
Build a project portfolio before you need it
Environmental intern recruiters want something concrete to assess, not just a list of classes. Document two or three projects with your methods, tools, and results visible, a GIS analysis, a field data report, a water quality study, or a regulatory memo. Host them somewhere shareable so you can drop a link in every application.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. At the same time, apply directly to companies running smaller cohorts, many don't recruit on campus at all. Both channels together reach more of the market than either one alone.
Practice your technical screen out loud before applying
Environmental intern interviews often include a technical component, a data analysis or GIS exercise, a case study on remediation or regulatory compliance, or questions on field sampling methods. Practice explaining your reasoning as you work through problems, not just arriving at the right answer. Interviewers weigh how you think as much as what you conclude.
Target structured conservation and environmental programs early
Established pipelines like Student Conservation Association placements, agency pathways internships, and large consulting firm cohorts are built to train people new to environmental work. They recruit early, fill fast, and often prefer candidates who apply in the first wave. Identify the programs that match your focus area and treat their deadlines as your hard deadlines.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 82% of the environmental internships listed here. Decide what you can actually commit to, on-site fieldwork, a hybrid schedule, or fully remote data or policy work, before you start reviewing listings. Filtering by work type and location upfront means you spend your time on roles you can take, not ones you'll decline after an interview.
Environmental Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an environmental internship?
Lead with coursework, field projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited professional experience at the intern level. For environmental candidates, the concrete artifact that gives recruiters something to assess is a documented field study, GIS map, or data analysis with your methods visible. Pair direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can an environmental 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 environmental interns is performance on real project work, whether the team has open headcount at the end of the summer, and timing your expression of interest before the return-offer window closes. Position for one by delivering consistently, but don't count on it when planning your job search.
When should I apply for environmental internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers, federal agencies, major consulting firms, and Fortune 500 companies with sustainability teams, recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often with deadlines in October and November. Smaller companies, nonprofits, and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, so openings appear year-round and a late search still turns up real options.
Are environmental internships paid?
Most professional environmental internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, a large engineering firm or federal agency typically pays more than a small nonprofit. Listings show compensation where the employer discloses it, so you can compare opportunities as you search rather than finding out late in the process.
What should an environmental internship resume include?
Lead with two or three complete, documented projects rather than work history, name the tools used and link to the work where possible: a published field report, a GIS map or spatial analysis, a water quality dataset with methodology, or a regulatory compliance writeup. Add relevant coursework in environmental science, ecology, or policy. Keep everything to one page.
Are there remote environmental internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 18% of the environmental internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast, so apply early once you decide what you can commit to. Use the work-type filter to see only remote or hybrid openings and avoid sorting through roles that don't fit your situation.
What is a Student Conservation Association (SCA) internship?
The Student Conservation Association runs one of the most established structured internship pipelines in environmental work, placing people new to conservation, land management, and resource protection with federal agencies and nonprofits across the country. Programs target students and recent graduates, recruit early in the cycle, and are competitive, identify the placements that match your focus and apply in the first wave of openings.
Can international students get environmental 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.
See All 53 Environmental Internship Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Internships