Natural Resources Intern

SWCA's Flagstaff, AZ office is seeking a Natural Resources Intern for the Summer of 2025 to support projects across Arizona and in neighboring states. As a Natural Resources Intern, you'll dive into both office and field projects, collaborating with skilled natural resource professionals. Established in 1981, SWCA is recognized for sound science and creative solutions. This internship offers a unique opportunity to launch your career in environmental sciences, supported by leadership dedicated to your professional growth.

The Natural Resources Intern position requires some educational or experienced background in biology, natural resource management, ornithology, ecology, or a related field. The field work required with this position takes place in an outdoor environment, where the weather and terrain can be demanding. Preferences will be given to those with a demonstrated interest in natural sciences, a good attitude, willingness to learn, and good communication skills.

The internship spans from June 2 - August 15, 2025, with potential flexibility for early starters and those interested in extending beyond August 15, 2025.

This is a paid, temporary, full-time internship. Interns will be paid $18.00/hr.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

• Support project managers and field leads with a variety of natural resources surveys such as general biological surveys, threatened/endangered species assessments, avian focused wildlife surveys, and botanical surveys.
• Use tablets equipped with topographic maps and aerial photographs for data collection and navigation.
• Record data on field site forms or in digital tablets, organize and transfer field data, assist with data QA/QC, and help support the project management team.
• Conduct field work across Arizona and other nearby states as needed, potentially including some overnight stays.
• Conduct field work involving extended hikes in mixed weather conditions and terrain, either with colleagues or independently.

• Currently enrolled juniors or seniors pursuing a bachelor's degree in an environmental-related field, or recent graduates within 12 months of May 1, 2025. Equivalent experience will also be considered.

• Applicants that are pursuing a Master's degree will also be considered. Ph.D. candidates are not eligible through this program.
• Experience with natural resources field work (e.g., environmental, natural, water, biological, ecological, etc.) through classwork, honors thesis or Capstone projects, professional/intern experience, or volunteer work.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours (sometimes in inclement weather and/or rugged terrain, often at high altitudes), and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, effectively execute tasks, and conform to shifting priorities and demands.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads required.
• Ability to drive or learn to drive ATVs, UTVS, and other off-road vehicles and haul trailers required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Must have good communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Must have ability and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.

Preferred qualifications:

• Avian survey experience
• Other wildlife or plant survey experience
• Keen observation and identification (birds, other wildlife, plants, etc.) skills
• Familiarity with GPS devices and digital data collection, and/or mapping software such as ArcGIS.

Why Work at SWCA:

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.

We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms. We offer a supportive, team-oriented work environment and competitive wages and benefits, including an 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).

At SWCA, we support our team members in developing their careers to make them leaders in their industry. Our Career Landscape initiative is a process and guide designed to help develop chart rewarding career paths for employees at SWCA. We encourage professional conference attendance, internal and external professional development and training programs, education reimbursement, a Science and Leadership Program, and bonuses for publications meeting certain criteria. All regular status employees are eligible to participate in SWCA medical, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life and disability plans, and are eligible to participate in the SWCA 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency. In Flagstaff, AZ, interns will be paid $18.00/hr.

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