Solid Waste Internship

Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) retirement and profit-sharing

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Paid holidays and vacation time

Paid time off for volunteering

Job summary

Sanborn Head & Associates, Inc. is offering an Engineering Intern position in the Solid Waste Client Service Area for Summer 2027. The internship provides exposure to site selection, permitting, design, and construction oversight across landfill projects with field and office work.

Ideal candidates are current students or recent graduates in civil, geotechnical, or environmental engineering. Travel to project sites and collaboration with senior staff are key elements of the program.

Qualifications

• Recent degree or current enrollment in civil, geotechnical, or environmental engineering (Bachelor’s or Master’s).
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a clean driving record.
• Willingness to travel to project locations as needed.
• Strong attention to detail and effective communication.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Learn the responsibilities of an engineer.
• Incorporate academic knowledge into hands-on work.
• Assist in the preparation of permit applications.
• Assist with the review, interpretation, and reporting of compliance data.
• Assist with field work such as landfill gas monitoring, environmental sampling, and QA/QC oversight.
• Assist with design and evaluation of landfill infrastructure systems.
• Attend project meetings and learn how consulting projects are managed.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Flexible schedule

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communications skills

Independent working

AutoCAD knowledge

Education

Civil/Geotechnical/Environmental Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Career Opportunities with Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.

A great place to work.

Sanborn Head is an engineering and technical consulting firm serving a broad array of private, public, and institutional clients in the development, energy, industrial, and solid waste markets. Our multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists specializes in integrating our core expertise in earth, energy, and environment to deliver innovative, yet practical solutions to our clients. We foster a collaborative, growth-oriented culture where people work together to solve complex challenges.

Position Summary

We are seeking an aspiring engineer to fill an Engineering Intern position in our Solid Waste Client Service Area (CSA) for Summer 2027. The Solid Waste CSA provides integrated engineering and environmental support for landfill and other solid waste projects, from site selection, design, permitting, and construction oversight through operations, compliance, closure, and redevelopment. It combines expertise in landfill gas and leachate systems, stormwater, air permitting, data visualization, and renewable energy solutions to deliver projects that meet regulatory requirements and operational needs.

Our ideal applicant is a current student or a recent graduate of an engineering program to fill project needs in a variety of fields such as environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, and solid waste design. We have opportunities in our Bedford, NH and Burlington, VT offices. The Engineering Intern will work closely with a team of staff engineers and scientists on challenging and exciting projects. All our projects are in a variety of service areas with office and field components. This is a fast-paced and dynamic position, with opportunities to be challenged, contribute to project outcomes, interact routinely with project managers and principals, and grow professionally.

While the successful candidate will not need to have prior job experience, they must have great work ethic, a can-do attitude and a working knowledge of industry specific software and computer skills. This opportunity will provide an atmosphere rich in learning the responsibilities of a professional engineer under the supervision of our more senior employees.

What You Will Do

• Learn the responsibilities of an engineer.
• Incorporate academic knowledge into hands‑on work.
• Assist in the preparation of permit applications.
• Assist with the review, interpretation, and reporting of compliance data.
• Assist with field work such as landfill gas monitoring, environmental sampling, and construction QA/QC oversight.
• Assist with design and evaluation of landfill infrastructure systems.
• Attend project meetings and learn how consulting projects are managed.

What You’ll Learn

Our internship program is designed to provide meaningful professional development through:

• Real project assignments and client‑focused work.
• Technical training and mentoring from experienced professionals.
• Exposure to multiple environmental practice areas.
• Field experience on active project sites.

A capstone project and presentation showcasing your summer experience.

What We Are Looking For

• Willingness to learn new skills.
• Flexible schedule and ability to reliably travel to project locations.
• Strong attention to detail and technical understanding.
• Strong organizational and communications skills.
• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD is desirable.

Required Qualifications

• Recent degree or current enrollment in a civil, geotechnical, or environmental engineering Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program (or related discipline).
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements

• Requires sitting, walking and, at times, bending and prolonged standing.
• Must be able to visit project sites and climb ladders and stairs as required.
• The work requires both indoor and outdoor activity in temperatures ranging from moderate to extreme cold or hot and other weather conditions.
• Must be able to wear and work in personal protective equipment as required.
• Substantial repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers is required.
• Close visual acuity is required to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Work Format and Schedule

• Full Time Temporary.
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, Summer 2027. Weekend work may occasionally be required.
• Travel may be required.
• Competitive wage.

Salary Information

• The hourly range for this position is $24 to $26.
• Specific compensation for the successful candidate will be based on factors such as experience, education, training, qualifications, and work location.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Health and wellness offerings.
• 401(k) retirement and profit‑sharing plan.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Paid holidays, floating holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Paid time off for volunteering.
• Company-paid long‑term care insurance and life insurance.
• Company-paid identity protection.
• Opportunity to join firm ownership. [Include for Directors and above only]

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Sanborn Head is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin or ancestry, disability, veteran status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.