Environmental Engineering Intern Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of climate change, the focus on environmental engineers has never been more critical.

As our world grapples with its environmental challenges, the demand for skilled professionals who can design, develop, and implement sustainable solutions grows exponentially.

But what exactly is expected from an environmental engineering intern?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring intern trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of environmental engineering,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable environmental engineering intern job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Environmental Engineering Intern Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Engineering Interns have a role focused on gaining practical experience and knowledge in the field of environmental engineering.

They assist in the design, development, and implementation of environmental projects under the supervision of experienced engineers.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the design and execution of environmental engineering projects
• Collecting and analyzing environmental data
• Assisting in the preparation of technical reports, summaries, protocols, and analyses of field and laboratory data
• Helping in the development of design calculations and technical specifications
• Assisting with environmental monitoring and compliance audits
• Working closely with a team to develop solutions for environmental problems
• Applying principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems
• Helping to prepare, review, and update environmental investigation and recommendation reports
• Assisting with the implementation of environmental policies and practices

 

Environmental Engineering Intern Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an enthusiastic Environmental Engineering Intern to join our team.

The intern will assist our team with environmental research, design, and process analysis, and will be exposed to a wide range of projects in the field of environmental engineering.

The ideal candidate is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field and has a passion for sustainability and environmental protection.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of environmental engineering projects
• Conduct research and data analysis on environmental issues
• Help design systems for waste management, water treatment, and pollution control
• Participate in fieldwork, site visits, and environmental assessments
• Support the team in preparing reports and presentations
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement innovative solutions
• Adhere to environmental policies and industry standards
• Attend team meetings and learn from experienced professionals

 

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or related field
• Strong academic performance in core engineering classes
• Interest in environmental conservation and sustainability
• Basic understanding of environmental science and engineering principles
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well in teams
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

 

Benefits

• Learning and development opportunities
• Networking opportunities
• Flexible work hours
• Practical experience with a wide variety of engineering tasks
• Work with a team of experienced professionals

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Environmental Engineering Intern
• Work Environment: Office setting with field visits. Some travel may be required for site visits or team meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Environmental Engineer or Project Manager.
• Stipend: Stipend is based upon candidate’s qualifications and the nature of the project they are assigned.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Internship
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you’re interested in this internship to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Environmental Engineering Intern Do?

An Environmental Engineering Intern typically works with an environmental engineering team in consulting firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

Their role is primarily to learn and apply the principles of environmental engineering in a real-world context.

They assist in the planning, design, and implementation of environmental projects, such as wastewater treatment systems, air pollution control systems, and waste disposal systems.

Interns might also take part in conducting environmental investigations and field studies.

This could include collecting and analyzing environmental data such as air, soil, and water samples.

Environmental Engineering Interns often help in the development of environmental impact reports and environmental permit applications.

They may also aid in the compliance of environmental regulations by conducting audits and inspections.

Part of their role might involve researching new environmental technologies and methods, as well as drafting technical reports to present their findings.

Their overall objective is to gain a deeper understanding of environmental engineering practices, learn to implement sustainable designs, and contribute to solving environmental challenges.

They provide valuable support to their teams while also gaining the practical experience necessary for their future career in environmental engineering.

 

Environmental Engineering Intern Qualifications and Skills

An Environmental Engineering Intern should possess a set of technical knowledge, practical skills, and some degree of industry exposure, including:

• Basic understanding of environmental engineering concepts and principles and ability to apply this knowledge in practical projects.
• Basic knowledge of the applications and principles of biology and chemistry as they apply to environmental engineering.
• Strong analytical skills to examine and interpret data from environmental studies.
• Problem-solving skills to devise and implement solutions for environmental issues like waste disposal, water and air pollution control.
• Ability to use computer modeling and other software tools to design systems and run simulations.
• Good teamwork skills to work effectively with other team members on various projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare reports, present findings and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Good organizational skills to manage and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors and in various weather conditions as many projects may require field work.

 

Environmental Engineering Intern Experience Requirements

Environmental Engineering Interns are usually in their final years of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in environmental engineering or a related field.

This role is typically a student’s first professional experience in environmental engineering.

Interns gain practical experience through academic lab work, coursework, and research projects related to environmental engineering.

They may also have experience with environmental sampling, data analysis, and modeling from their studies.

Some interns may have additional experience from part-time roles, summer jobs, or volunteering in environmental conservation or sustainability initiatives.

These experiences could provide practical skills in fieldwork, data collection, and environmental assessment.

The role also expects familiarity with engineering software tools.

This can be acquired through academic courses or self-learning.

Interns with additional experience in project management, leadership roles in student societies, or involvement in academic research may be given more responsibilities during their internship.

These might include leading small projects, liaising with clients, or presenting findings to stakeholders.

While not a requirement, some interns may have completed relevant certifications or training courses in areas like environmental impact assessment, waste management, or sustainable design.

These can supplement their practical and academic experiences.

Overall, the key is to demonstrate a balance of academic knowledge, practical skills, and a passion for environmental conservation.

 

Environmental Engineering Intern Education and Training Requirements

Environmental Engineering Interns are typically students who are in the process of obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field such as civil engineering or chemical engineering with a focus on the environment.

The academic program should include courses on subjects like engineering mathematics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and environmental processes.

Interns must have a solid understanding of environmental sciences and engineering principles.

Familiarity with environmental regulations and standards is also beneficial.

Software knowledge, particularly in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems), can be an advantage, as many internships require the use of these tools for designing and analyzing environmental systems.

Some internships may require or prefer students who have successfully completed certain coursework or have experience in a lab setting.

Additionally, strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work in a team, and good communication skills are often necessary.

Environmental engineering internships are usually pursued by students looking to gain hands-on experience and apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting.

This practical experience can also form a crucial part of their academic credits.

Although not a requirement, obtaining certification in areas such as Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) can give interns an edge in the competitive job market.

Finally, while not mandatory for an intern role, the eventual goal for many in this field is to get a Professional Engineering (PE) license, which requires a degree from an accredited engineering program, work experience, and passing two exams.

 

Environmental Engineering Intern Salary Expectations

An Environmental Engineering Intern can expect to earn an average wage of $16.80 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings can vary based on factors such as the duration of the internship, location, and the hiring company.

Interns may also receive additional benefits like hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and potential full-time employment offers.

 

Environmental Engineering Intern Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Environmental Engineering Intern need?

Environmental Engineering Interns are typically pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related field.

Some may already have their degree and are seeking practical experience.

Coursework in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics is a must.

Some positions might require familiarity with certain software or technology relevant to environmental engineering.

 

What are the daily duties of an Environmental Engineering Intern?

The daily duties of an Environmental Engineering Intern can vary depending on the specific project they are involved in.

However, typical tasks may include assisting in the design and implementation of environmental engineering projects, conducting research and data analysis, preparing reports, and performing tests on environmental samples.

They may also attend meetings, shadow experienced engineers, and assist in fieldwork.

 

What qualities make a good Environmental Engineering Intern?

A good Environmental Engineering Intern is eager to learn and can quickly adapt to new situations.

They should have strong analytical skills, as they will often work with complex data sets.

Attention to detail is also critical in order to maintain accuracy in their work.

Good communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential as they will be required to present their findings and collaborate with team members.

 

What should you look for in an Environmental Engineering Intern resume?

An Environmental Engineering Intern’s resume should showcase their education in a related field, as well as any relevant coursework or projects.

Look for any past internships or work experience, even if it’s not in environmental engineering, as this shows a capacity for professional development.

A strong candidate might also show involvement in extracurricular activities, such as engineering clubs or environmental organizations.

Proficiency in relevant software or technologies can also be a plus.

 

Is it difficult to hire Environmental Engineering Interns?

The difficulty in hiring Environmental Engineering Interns can vary depending on your location and the specifics of the role.

However, due to the increasing interest in environmental sustainability and green technologies, there are many eager students and recent graduates seeking opportunities in this field.

Making your internship offer attractive in terms of learning opportunities and real-world experience can help attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the intricate details of what it truly means to be an environmental engineering intern.

And guess what?

It’s not just about theoretical knowledge.

It’s about being a guardian of the planet, one sustainable project at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive environmental engineering intern job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why stop there?

Expand your horizons with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every eco-friendly initiative contributes to a bigger goal.

Let’s shape a sustainable future. Together.

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