Environmental Planning Intern

SWCA is seeking an Environmental Planning Intern for Summer 2026 to support local and municipal land use permitting, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental planning projects in our Denver (Broomfield), CO and Fort Collins, CO offices. SWCA's environmental planning internship position will provide the opportunity to develop a better understanding of environmental consulting and the environmental planning profession.

You will receive a preview of different aspects of environmental consulting such as client relationships, proposal development, analysis, GIS, report writing, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. Established in 1981, SWCA has a long-standing presence in the United States, and is known for sound science and creative solutions.

The Environmental Planning Intern position requires a demonstrated interest in environmental planning, a good attitude, willingness to learn, flexibility, and good communication skills. This position provides great opportunities to enter and launch a career in environmental sciences, supported by leadership focused on the professional development of team members.

This internship will occur during summer 2026 (10 weeks from early June - mid August). Candidates who can start earlier than June 2026 will be considered and those who can remain past August may provide additional value. In addition to project work, the internship program includes regularly scheduled presentations by SWCA leaders.

This is a paid, full-time internship. Interns will be paid $19.95 per hour.

Please submit a cover letter to be considered for this position.

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.

• Assist in the preparation of environmental documents, including technical reports for a variety of state, county, and federal agencies.
• Assist with diverse types of environmental planning projects, especially related to traditional and renewable energy, transmission, land-use planning, water resources, and transportation-related projects.
• Participate in fieldwork, agency visits, and stakeholder meetings.
• Learn to help write various sections of environmental documents and review/edit other sections prepared by technical specialists.
• Potentially assist in the preparation of public meeting materials, public comment review, and maintenance of administrative records.
• Learn how SWCA advises clients on federal and state regulatory issues for projects across the company's service area.
• Work closely with project managers, directors, and vice presidents throughout the company to promote SWCA's business interests in adherence to its mission, vision, and values. Gain experience working with a diverse team of planning and natural resource professionals.

• Currently enrolled in a college or university, pursuing a bachelor's degree in an environmental-related field with coursework in environmental policy or science, ecology, urban planning, sustainability, geography, or a similar course of study, or a recent graduate within 12 months of May 1, 2026. Individuals who have completed at least their junior year are highly preferred. Equivalent experience may also be considered.
• Ability to mobilize for 1-2 week durations for fieldwork, agency meetings, stakeholder meetings, and client visits is preferred.
• Applicants who are pursuing a Master's degree will also be considered.D. candidates are not eligible through this program.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Must have good communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Must have the ability and willingness to learn technical writing skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Technical writing experience.
• Experience with natural resources field or professional work (e.g., environmental, natural, water, biological, planning, etc.) through classwork, honors thesis or Capstone projects, professional/intern experience, or volunteer work.

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 a 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 need assistance accessing SWCA's website, completing the online application, or require a confidential conversation related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges (above) on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency. An intern based in Denver, Colorado will be paid $19.95 per hour.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

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