Water Resources Management Intern (Summer 2027)

HDR; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is offering a Water Resources Management Intern role in Des Moines, Iowa. You’ll assist in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, data collection, and GIS data processing under a senior engineer’s guidance.

The internship emphasizes learning design and modeling techniques on federal, state and local water projects. Ideal candidates are pursuing engineering degrees, with attention to detail and strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program
• Attention to detail
• Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Basic Microsoft Office skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Responsibilities

• Gain real world experience on exciting projects by applying standard engineering techniques and procedures to assist in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, data collection, and data processing using geographic information systems.
• Work under the guidance and direct supervision of a more senior-level Engineer to learn various engineering design and modeling techniques in the development of water resource and stormwater projects for federal, state and local clients.
• Exposure to typical projects ranging from flood control, floodplain analysis, dam and levee design and rehabilitation, stream channel stabilization/restoration/rehabilitation, wetland and lake restoration, to watershed analysis.
• Connect with recent college graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professionals’ programs
• Perform other duties as needed, including site/field visits, design calculations, GIS data production, assisting in production of technical reports and production water resources studies

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate or graduate Engineering program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: 'https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

In the role of a Water Resources Management Intern, we'll count on you to:

• Gain real world experience on exciting projects by applying standard engineering techniques and procedures to assist in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, data collection, and data processing using geographic information systems.
• Work under the guidance and direct supervision of a more senior-level Engineer to learn various engineering design and modeling techniques in the development of water resource and stormwater projects for federal, state and local clients.
• Exposure to typical projects ranging from flood control, floodplain analysis, dam and levee design and rehabilitation, stream channel stabilization/restoration/rehabilitation, wetland and lake restoration, to watershed analysis.
• Connect with recent college graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professionals’ programs
• Perform other duties as needed, including site/field visits, design calculations, GIS data production, assisting in production of technical reports and production water resources studies

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer 2+ years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA
• Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to field of study/industry
• Preference given to local candidates

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program
• Attention to detail
• Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Basic Microsoft Office skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United States-Iowa-Des Moines

Industry: Water

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Temporary

Business Class: Dams Levees Civil Works

Job Posting: Sep 9, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.