Water Resources Intern - Summer 2027

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentor program

Professional development

Employee Resource Groups

Job summary

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) is seeking a Water Resources Intern for our Knoxville, TN office. You will collaborate with experienced engineers on projects involving hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, stormwater management, floodplain studies, and river restoration.

You will gain hands-on experience in analysis, design, fieldwork, and consulting within a multidisciplinary team. As an intern, you will learn to use HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, and related tools

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for rivers, streams, storm drainage, and floodplains.
• Support design of stormwater management and drainage infrastructure.
• Assist with dam safety evaluations and watershed studies.
• Prepare calculations, reports, maps, exhibits, and presentation materials.
• Work with GIS, CAD, and modeling software to support project development.
• Conduct data collection and field investigations for engineering studies.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, surveyors, and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Strong communication

Organization

Problem solving

Team player

Education

Bachelor's in Civil/Environmental Eng

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

GIS

Job description

As a Water Resources Intern with Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC), in our Knoxville, TN office, you will work alongside experienced engineers on a variety of projects involving hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, stormwater management, floodplain studies, stream restoration, dam safety assessments, and drainage infrastructure design. Our team supports public and private sector clients on projects that help communities manage water resources, reduce flood risk, improve resiliency, and protect natural systems. As an intern, you will contribute to real-world engineering projects while gaining hands‑on experience in technical analysis, design, field investigations, and consulting. You will work closely with engineers and project managers across multiple disciplines and offices, developing skills that support a successful career in water resources engineering.

Responsibilities may include

• Assisting with hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for rivers, streams, storm drainage systems, and floodplains
• Supporting the design of stormwater management and drainage infrastructure
• Assisting with dam safety evaluations and watershed studies
• Preparing engineering calculations, technical reports, maps, exhibits, and presentation materials
• Working with GIS, CAD, and engineering modeling software to support project development
• Conducting research and data collection for engineering studies
• Participating in field investigations, site visits, stream assessments, and infrastructure inspections
• Collaborating with engineers, scientists, surveyors, and other professionals on multidisciplinary project teams

During your internship, you may gain exposure to

• Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling using industry-standard software such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM, and related tools
• Floodplain management, FEMA studies, and drainage analysis
• Stream restoration and river engineering projects
• Stormwater facility design and watershed planning
• GIS and geospatial analysis applications
• Engineering consulting practices, project delivery, client service, and teamwork

Through the CEC Internship Program, you will

• Acquire practical experience applying knowledge from college courses, learn from industry experts, and collaborate with multi-discipline teams across functional groups and locations
• Develop a robust professional network through social events and interactive activities
• Collaborate closely with a mentor in your discipline to tackle real-world challenges
• Participate in workshops to help foster interpersonal skills within the workplace and prepare students for success in their full-time career
• Current enrollment as a junior or senior pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, or related engineering software preferred
• Coursework or experience related to water resources, hydrology, hydraulics, or stormwater engineering preferred
• Previous internship, co-op, research, or leadership experience preferred

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) in the U.S. without sponsorship.

We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.

We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community - focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite - focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA - focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women - focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!

We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you - that is our goal. CEC offers you a small-firm work environment with large-firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.

CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.

CEC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.