Civil or Environmental Engineering Co-op Intern

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking Civil or Environmental Engineering Co-ops for Spring 2027 in Chicago, IL. The role combines office and field experience, enabling collaboration with a multidisciplinary engineering team on real-world projects.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in civil or environmental engineering, with at least the first year completed, and willing to travel up to 50% to field locations. The program runs January 4–April 23, 2027, at a rate of $24/hour.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related field.
• Must have completed their first year of their engineering curriculum; Master’s/PhD candidates may be considered.
• Enrollment in a co-op program integrated into your university curriculum is required.

Responsibilities

• Support project managers and field leads in various engineering projects (stream/wetland restoration, site grading, stormwater management, inspections).
• Engage in office tasks such as data clean-up, reporting, and related tasks for the Engineering team.
• Conduct fieldwork across office locations and nearby states; expect hiking and travel.
• Collaborate with colleagues and work independently when required.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Travel 50%

Driver's license

Education

Pursuing BS in Civil or Environmental Engineering

First-year engineering curriculum completed

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

ArcGIS

GPS data collection

Job description

About The Opportunity

SWCA is seeking enthusiastic Civil or Environmental Engineering Co-ops (HR Title: Intern - Engineering) to join our Spring 2027 team in Chicago, IL. This role offers a dynamic mix of office and field experience, giving you the chance to collaborate with talented, multi-disciplinary engineering professionals. As an Engineering Co-op, you will apply your passion for civil or environmental engineering in real-world projects, while building critical skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. We are looking for students with a positive attitude, eagerness to learn, flexibility, and strong collaboration skills. Your role will be filled with exciting challenges and hands‑on projects, running from January 4th, 2027 until April 23rd 2027. This is a paid, 40-hour/week co-op with a competitive rate of $24/hour. Preference will be given to candidates located in the Chicago, IL area; however, qualified candidates residing in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Indiana will also be considered.

Application Deadline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.

About SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges. We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as OneSWCA, we are AlwaysLearning, we NeverSettle, and we GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

What you will accomplish

• Support project managers and field lead in various engineering projects (stream restoration, wetland restoration, site grading, stormwater management, inspections, etc.).


• Engage in office tasks such as data clean‑up, reporting, and other tasks supporting the Engineering team.


• Conduct fieldwork across office locations and nearby states, including hiking for extended periods.


• Work collaboratively with colleagues and independently when required.

Minimum Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a college or university, pursuing a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering, or a related field. In addition, the individual must have completed their first year of their engineering curriculum. Master's degree candidates will also be considered; Ph.D. candidates are not eligible through this program. Students who have completed at least their sophomore year in college/university are highly preferred.

Experience And Qualifications For Success

• Enrollment in a co-op program integrated into your university curriculum is required.


• Ability to travel to the field approximately 50% of the time, including spending up to a week or two at a project location.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.


• Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle in remote or backcountry conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D through coursework, projects, co-op experience, or volunteer work.


• Familiarity with GPS devices, digital data collection, and mapping software such as ArcGIS.


• Experience with technical writing or preparing reports.

Other Job Conditions

Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and meet SWCA's driver requirements. This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment. Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

Pay Range

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Chicago, IL based position is $24.00 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. This position offers flexibility, paid wellness time, and opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across a variety of environmental projects. Learn more about our On-Demand Employee Benefits and Career Development Guide.

Closing

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact [e-mail] or call 1 480 581 5378.

Use of Technology in Hiring

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience.

Candidate Use of AI

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.