Water/Wastewater Intern (Summer 2027)

HDR; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Water/Wastewater Intern in Ames, IA. You will assist in applying engineering techniques to water and wastewater projects under the supervision of a senior engineer, including design calculations, reports, and site visits.

The role requires enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program, strong attention to detail, problem-solving and communication skills, and basic MS Office proficiency. Local candidate preference may apply.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program.
• Attention to detail is essential for accuracy in design calculations and reports.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills are required.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills.
• Active participant in employee-owned culture is a must.

Responsibilities

• Apply standard engineering techniques to water and wastewater projects.
• Assist with design calculations, drafting reports, drawings and specifications.
• Support project site visits and RFIs for projects under construction.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Engineering student (UG/grad)

Tools

AutoCAD Civil3D

Revit

Biowin

Visual Hydraulics

SUMO

AFT Fathom

ArcGIS

EPANet

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/Wastewater Intern, we'll count on you to:

• Gain real-world experience on exciting projects by applying standard Engineering techniques and procedures that typically include water and wastewater treatment, water distribution and wastewater conveyance design
• Work under the guidance and direct supervision of a senior-level Engineer to assist with design calculations, drafting technical reports, preparing project drawings and specifications, project site visits, assist in administration of shop drawing review, respond to RFIs etc for projects under construction, water and sewer studies for federal, state, and local municipalities
• Connect with recent college graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professionals’ programs
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer 3+ years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA
• Demonstrated knowledge or familiarity of any of the following software packages related to field of study/industry including, but not limited to: AutoCAD Civil3D, Revit, Biowin, Visual Hydraulics, Sumo, AFT Fathom, ArcGIS, EPANet
• Preference will be 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-Ames

Industry: Water

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Temporary

BusinessClass: WW Treatment and Effluent Mgmt

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 (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.