Natural Resources – Internship

Benesch; United States; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Benesch is seeking a motivated Natural Resources Intern to support environmental and natural resource efforts for transportation, infrastructure, and other projects. You will gain hands-on experience in field investigations, environmental documentation, permitting, and regulatory compliance while working with multidisciplinary teams.

We welcome candidates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related fields and who are eager to contribute to real-world projects.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or 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.
• Willingness to participate in fieldwork and travel locally as needed.

Responsibilities

• 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 field preparation.
• Support preparation of technical reports, environmental documentation, and permit applications.
• 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 location allows.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, engineers, planners, and other professionals on multidisciplinary projects.

Skills

Research skills

Written & verbal comms

Analytical thinking

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Travel locally

GIS experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science / Natural Resources / Biology / Ecology / Environmental Engineering / Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS

Job description

Benesch is a growing, multi-disciplined planning, engineering, and professional services firm. We enhance infrastructure and communities across the country – creating spaces and providing connections in ways that make a difference.

We pride ourselves on being nimble enough to remain responsive to client needs yet large enough to offer exceptional bench strength. As a member of our team, you’ll have an opportunity to draw from those resources when you need them and, likewise, contribute your expertise when you have something to share.

At Benesch, we are looking for candidates with varied backgrounds and worldviews. We are committed to offering an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Statistics show that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. If this statement resonates with you, don’t be so hard on yourself—apply for the job!

Natural Resources Intern

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.

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.

It’s simple. We invest in our people, not just our projects.

Your next opportunity should do more than offer a new title. It should build on the experience you've gained, challenge you to keep growing, and give you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

At Benesch, we believe great work starts with great people. That's why we're committed to creating an environment where you can contribute your ideas, develop your skills, and build a career you're proud of.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Real career growth: Professional development, leadership training, mentorship, and opportunities to take on new challenges and greater responsibility.
• A strong financial future: Up to 9% retirement contribution for benefit‑eligible employees.
• Flexibility that works: Work schedules that support your professional and personal life.
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and parental leave for benefit‑eligible employees.
• Work that makes an impact: Opportunities to collaborate, contribute ideas, solve meaningful challenges, and see the difference your work makes.
• Room to grow your way: Whether you want to deepen your expertise, explore new opportunities, or grow into leadership, we want to help you take the next step.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, Benesch offers an opportunity to build on what you've accomplished while continuing to grow.

Bring your experience, your ideas, and your ambition. Discover what you can accomplish at Benesch.

At Benesch, we believe great work starts with great people and that means creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Benesch is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants in all protected groups, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Benesch is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with a physical disability or other impairment.

If you are limited in your ability or am unable to access Benesch's Careers website due to a physical disability or other impairment, you may request a reasonable accommodation by emailing [e-mail] . This option is only available to those in need of an accommodation due to a disability or other impairment. Please do not use this as an alternative method for general inquiries or status on applications, as you will not receive a response. Reasonable requests will be responded to as soon as possible on a case‑by‑case basis.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here .

Compliance

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Voluntary Self‑Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Benesch’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.