Natural Resources – Internship

Benesch is seeking a motivated Natural Resources Intern to join our team. This role will provide hands-on experience supporting environmental and natural resource efforts for transportation, infrastructure, and other public and private projects.

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced environmental professionals and contribute to real-world projects involving natural resource assessments, environmental documentation, permitting, field investigations, and regulatory compliance. You will support project teams throughout various stages of project development while gaining exposure to how environmental considerations are incorporated into infrastructure planning and design.

Location

This position offers flexibility to work remotely, with a preference for candidates located near one of our Benesch offices. Proximity to an office provides additional opportunities for in-person collaboration, mentorship, fieldwork, and exposure to multidisciplinary project teams throughout your internship.

Benesch’s Natural Resources professionals partner with engineers, planners, clients, and regulatory agencies to identify environmental considerations and develop practical solutions that balance infrastructure needs with responsible stewardship of natural resources.

The Impact You Will Have

• Assist with natural resource field investigations, data collection, and documentation.
• Support wetland, stream, habitat, vegetation, and other environmental assessments.
• Assist with desktop research, environmental data review, mapping, and preparation for field activities.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, environmental documentation, permit applications, and other project deliverables.
• Help organize, analyze, and document field and environmental data.
• Assist project teams with environmental permitting and regulatory compliance activities.
• Participate in fieldwork and site visits as project needs and location allow.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, engineers, planners, and other professionals on multidisciplinary projects.
• Gain exposure to natural resource considerations throughout the planning, design, permitting, and construction phases of infrastructure projects.

What You Will Need

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Interest in natural resources, environmental consulting, infrastructure, or environmental permitting.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Willingness to participate in fieldwork and travel locally as project needs require.
• Experience with GIS, environmental fieldwork, data collection, or related coursework is preferred but not required.

Illinois Pay Range

USD $18 - $28

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in accordance with the State of Illinois Pay Transparency Act, Illinois Pay Transparency Law. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on numerous factors, including but not limited to individual education, qualifications, prior work experience, and geographic location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary, overtime, and bonuses.

Our benefits package is designed to take care of our employees and is compliant with the State of Illinois Paid Leave Act, Illinois Paid Leave Act. Benesch offers a generous paid time benefits plan that increases throughout your career plus several paid holidays. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision benefits. We also include company-paid life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans. Benesch offers a 401K plan and profit-sharing contributions to the 401K plan. From insurance and retirement plan to our wellness programs, we provide employee benefits that meet your wants and needs.