The role – what you’ll do
Barr is seeking an environmental intern to join its Ann Arbor office part-time during the academic term (January–May, 8–12 hours/week) with the opportunity to continue full-time over the summer. This intern will conduct routine monitoring at a project site and will have opportunities to undertake challenging and progressive work on projects related to the evaluation and remediation of contaminated sites. Fieldwork opportunities for this position will include some out-of-town travel.
During the academic term, most hours will support odor-related air quality monitoring projects. You’ll typically work 2–3 shifts per week (about 8–12 hours); initial training will include a few morning shifts, and ongoing scheduling may include some evenings or weekends. Candidates within a commutable distance to Ann Arbor are preferred, given the early/late shifts.
In the summer (full-time), you’ll broaden your experience across a variety of efforts, while continuing to support odor monitoring projects as needed. Work during the summer will include challenging and progressive work on projects related to the evaluation and remediation of contaminated sites. Assignments may include working as an individual or as part of a project team to assist with on-site investigations of contaminated soil, vapor, sediment, and groundwater; environmental site assessments; construction observation; engineering calculations; data summary tables and spreadsheets; and technical reports. You’ll work closely with project managers and technical staff and gain practical exposure to how environmental consulting projects run day to day.
The ideal candidate for this position is a clear and confident communicator who thrives in collaborative and independent work environments. They are adaptable, organized, proactive, eager to learn, and comfortable asking thoughtful questions. They bring a high level of attention to detail and take ownership of assigned tasks in dynamic field and office conditions. They demonstrate reliability, safety awareness, and a growth mindset as they build their technical skills and professional judgment. Above all, they value teamwork, quality, and integrity in delivering impactful environmental solutions.
Your impact – key responsibilities
Technical knowledge: apply foundational engineering/science principles to support site investigations, environmental sampling, and data collection. Assist in the analysis of environmental data and contribute to the development of remediation approaches.
Project support: help coordinate field activities and logistics, including contractor oversight and equipment preparation. Assist in tracking project progress and documenting key milestones.
Problem solving: contribute to the evaluation of site conditions and identification of potential solutions to environmental challenges. Learn how to apply regulatory knowledge and scientific reasoning to real-world scenarios.
Communication: produce clear field notes, chain-of-custody and data summaries, figures, and draft report sections/emails for review; provide concise status updates to project managers and stakeholders.
Interpersonal savvy: effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to align technical work with project objectives while fostering strong, productive working relationships.
About the opportunity
Timeline: This internship runs January–August on a part-time basis (8–12 hours per week) during the academic term, with the option to continue full-time over the summer. Start/end dates are flexible to accommodate class schedules, finals, and holidays.
Compensation: anticipated range of $22.66–28.90 hourly. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. This position is classified as non-exempt (hourly) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position is based out of Barr’s Ann Arbor, Michigan, office.
Travel expectation: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs (up to 50–70% travel and fieldwork possible; project needs will vary).
Work environment: ability to work in locations that may feature rough terrain typical of construction sites and may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Job assignments may involve work on waste disposal sites and sites requiring cleanup of hazardous materials. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required. Safety training will be provided. Applicants may be asked to participate in a drug screening program at the request of specific clients. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical requirements for the role may include:
Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying outdoor conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, snow, uneven terrain).
Must be able to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Capable of standing, walking, kneeling, or crouching for extended periods.
Capable of smelling and identifying common odors.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by site conditions.
Ability to safely drive in the early morning and at night (darker conditions).
Ability to operate or work around environmental monitoring and sampling equipment.
About you – required core competencies
Education: environmental, chemical, geological, civil, or other related engineering major or geology major. Must be a third- or fourth-year student with a minimum of one full-time semester of undergraduate or graduate coursework remaining after the internship.
GPA: minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
Software: strong computer skills, including word processing and use of spreadsheets. Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.
Helpful additional experience (not required)
Training: 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification.
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities
Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Top Skills
What We Do
Barr provides engineering and environmental consulting services to clients across the Midwest, throughout the Americas, and around the world. We have been employee-owned since 1966 and trace our origins to the early 1900s. Working together, our 1,000+ engineers, scientists, and technical specialists help clients develop, manage, and restore natural resources.
Barr’s project teams work with clients in industries such as power, refining, mining, and manufacturing as well as attorneys, government agencies, and natural-resource-management organizations. Our project sites range from iron-ore mines in South America to wind-power farms in South Dakota, from manufacturing facilities in California to oil-sands fields in western Canada.
Barr is an EEO employer. For more about who we are and what we do, please visit our website at www.barr.com
