Intern - Environmental

The Toll Roads; Orange, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) offers a paid Environmental Internship in Irvine, CA. Undergraduates and graduates gain hands-on experience in environmental planning, CEQA/NEPA coordination, and permitting processes within a public toll road network.

The role emphasizes data collection, reporting, and collaboration with engineering teams. About 20 hours weekly, with hourly pay rates of $18.50–$22.00, dependent on student status.

Qualifications

• Must be a student or graduate student at an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Majors include Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, Biology, Geography or closely related field
• No prior professional experience is required

Responsibilities

• Assist environmental staff with planning, compliance, and permits
• Support CEQA/NEPA documents, studies, and permit materials
• Track and document mitigation measures and environmental commitments
• Conduct environmental research, data collection, and basic analysis under staff direction
• Prepare internal reports, summaries, and presentations
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, consultants, and regulatory agencies
• Participate in meetings, site visits, and occasional field inspections
• Maintain organized project files and environmental records

Skills

Environmental planning basics

CEQA/NEPA knowledge

Communication skills

Time management

Microsoft Office

GIS knowledge

Attention to detail

Entry-level work

Education

GPA 2.5 minimum

Environmental Science

Environmental Planning

Urban Planning

Biology

Geography

Tools

SharePoint

PowerPoint

Excel

GIS tools

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Intern Irvine, CA, US

Salary Range: $18.50 To $22.00 Hourly

Paid Internship Opportunity -Environmental Internship

TCA is accepting applications for undergraduate and/or graduate students for a paid internship within the Environmental Planning / Environmental Department. If you want to apply your education, knowledge and abilities in the workplace, see below for details.

About Us

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) is a public agency responsible for planning, financing, constructing and operating California’s largest toll road network. The 51-mile public toll road network, which includes State Routes 73, 133, 241 and 261, are owned by Caltrans, financed with private funds, and built with virtually no tax dollars. In addition to providing regional mobility solutions that reduce congestion, TCA maintains a strong environmental commitment, having conserved and restored more than 2,100 acres of open space and wildlife habitat across 17 mitigation sites in Orange County. Funded by toll revenues, TCA has invested over $100 million in environmental initiatives that protect ecosystems and support long‑term habitat preservation.

Examples of Duties/Types of Projects

• Assist environmental staff with environmental planning, compliance, and permitting activities
• Support preparation, review, and organization of CEQA/NEPA documents, technical studies, and permit materials
• Assist with tracking and documenting mitigation measures and environmental commitments
• Conduct environmental research, data collection, and basic analysis under staff direction
• Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations for internal use
• Support coordination with engineering, construction, consultants, and regulatory agencies
• Participate in meetings, site visits, and occasional field inspections, as appropriate
• Maintain organized project files and environmental records

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic understanding of environmental planning principles, regulations, or natural resource topics
• Familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, or permitting processes is desirable
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to organize information, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with GIS or data analysis tools is a plus
• Detail-oriented, dependable, and eager to learn in a professional environment
• Ability to perform entry-level environmental planning or analysis work

Education and Experience Required

Must be a student or graduate student attending an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.5, majoring in Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, Biology, Geography, or a closely related field.

No prior professional experience is required.

Working Conditions

Duties are generally performed in an office environment, with occasional field exposure related to environmental site visits or inspections. Physical activity is typically light, with occasional lifting of materials not to exceed 20 pounds. Approximately 20 hours per week.

Pay

Undergraduate interns are eligible for an hourly pay rate of $18.50 an hour. Graduate interns are eligible for an hourly pay rate of $22.00.

It is the policy of TCA to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, TCA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.