Natural Resources Intern

About the Role

Interns will support project managers and field leads on natural‑resources surveys such as wetland delineations, wildlife, bat, avian, and botanical assessments. Office duties include data cleanup, reporting, and other tasks that aid the Natural Resources and Environmental Planning teams. Fieldwork may involve extended hikes, travel to neighboring states, and adherence to SWCA’s safety program. • Support natural‑resources surveys including wetland, wildlife, bat, avian, and botanical assessments. • Perform office tasks such as data cleanup, reporting, and documentation for the Natural Resources and Environmental Planning teams. • Conduct fieldwork across Illinois and neighboring states, often involving extended hikes and equipment handling. • Follow and promote SWCA’s safety policies, proactively identifying and mitigating hazards.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸survey support
• ▸data cleanup
• ▸reporting
• ▸fieldwork
• ▸safety compliance
• ▸wetland assessment

What You Bring

Applicants must be junior or senior undergraduates (or recent graduates) in an environmental‑related degree, with a master’s student also eligible; Ph.D. candidates are not considered. Relevant experience includes coursework, prior internships, or volunteer work in natural‑resources fieldwork, proficiency with Microsoft Office, strong communication and attention to detail, and willingness to learn new survey techniques. The role may require up to 50‑75 % field time, including long‑hour walks in inclement weather and carrying equipment up to 40 lb. Candidates should be comfortable traveling, working outdoors in all conditions, and integrating SWCA’s safety policies. Familiarity with GPS, digital data collection, ArcGIS, technical writing, and species identification is advantageous. • Eligible candidates: junior or senior undergraduates, recent graduates, or master’s students in environmental‑related fields (Ph.D. not eligible). • Required experience with natural‑resources fieldwork through coursework, internships, or volunteer projects. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong communication, interpersonal, and detail‑orientation skills. • Ability to travel for up to two‑week periods, work long hours outdoors in varied weather, and carry gear up to 40 lb. • Flexible schedule and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques. • Preferred skills: GPS and digital data collection, ArcGIS mapping, technical writing, and species identification.

Requirements

• ▸undergrad
• ▸fieldwork
• ▸microsoft office
• ▸gps
• ▸arcgis
• ▸technical writing

Benefits

The position is a paid, full‑time role at a competitive rate of $19.95 per hour. Candidates should submit a cover letter that expands on relevant experience and interests. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is reached, and interviews will be scheduled promptly. • Paid 40‑hour‑per‑week internship at $19.95 per hour. • Access to mentorship from senior professionals and regular leadership presentations. • Opportunity to extend the internship beyond the standard ten‑week period.

Work Environment

Field

Interview Process

-interviews scheduled on a rolling basis after application review.