Internship – Environmental Scientist (Hybrid)

The role – what you’ll do

This internship will include fieldwork and office-based tasks to support characterization of environmental resources, impact assessments, and project permitting and compliance. Field-based work is anticipated to be fast-paced and may include assisting with wetland delineations, plant or habitat inventories, functional assessments, GPS data collection, and other field studies. Office-based work may include performing desktop land use, land cover, and protected species reviews, along with other document preparation and permit application assistance. Training and supervision will be provided. The work may involve short-term, out-of-town assignments in the field or another office. You will be scheduled on an as-needed basis, with anticipated weekly hours that will vary between 30 to 45 hours per week, based on project tasks and locations.   

Your impact – key responsibilities

• Field support: support wetland delineations, plant or habitat inventories, functional assessments, GPS data collection, and other field studies.

• Office support: perform desktop land use, land cover, and protected species reviews; prepare documents; and assist with permit applications.

About the opportunity

• Timeline: this internship opportunity runs for approximately three months starting in the spring of 2026. Start and end dates are flexible to accommodate class schedules, finals, and holidays.

• Compensation: anticipated range of $22.66–25.78/hour. 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 Grand Rapids, Michigan, office.

• Travel expectation: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs.

• Work environment: ability to work in locations that have rough terrain typical of construction sites with limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

About you – required core competencies

• Education: pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental science/studies/policy, ecology, natural resources management, biology, botany, or a related natural resources field.

• Experience: completed or enrolled in coursework such as biology, chemistry, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, physics, and mathematics with a demonstrated interest in natural resources management.

• At least one full-time semester of undergraduate or graduate coursework remaining after the internship is complete.

• 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)

• A flexible working style and the ability to work with teams of specialists to meet client and project needs.

• Willingness to occasionally modify personal schedule as required to meet deadlines and/or client needs.

• Availability to work more than 45 hours per week on occasion.

• Detail-oriented, thorough, and organized approach.

#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.