Water/Wastewater/Water Resources Intern/Co-Op

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Water/Wastewater/Water Resources Intern/Co-Op to join our North Carolina Water Business Group in Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, or Asheville. You will support projects through planning, design, and construction phases, gaining exposure to gravity sewers, water distribution, pump stations, and modeling.

The role collaborates with civil engineers and technical staff, performs analyses, prepares reports, and participates in project tours.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program.
• Coursework in Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes, Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Systems, Hydrology and Hydraulics, Stormwater Management and Design.

Responsibilities

• Support projects through planning, design and construction phases.
• Prepare reports and technical memoranda, coordinate with subconsultants.
• Assist senior staff in maintaining project schedules and budgets.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Undergraduate or graduate Engineering program

Tools

GIS

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

SWMM

PowerBI

AutoCAD

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.

HDR is currently seeking a Water/Wastewater/Water Resources Intern/Co-Op to join our North Carolina Water Business Group. This position may be based in one of the following offices: Charlotte, NC; Raleigh, NC; Winston-Salem, NC; Asheville, NC. This internship/Co-Op offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic consulting environment, working alongside industry-leading professionals on impactful water infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical interest in areas such as water and wastewater treatment, pump stations and pipelines, water resources, and utility management. Interns will support projects through all phases—planning, design, and construction—across a variety of project types. Project types may include gravity sanitary sewers and force mains, water distribution and transmission pipelines, water and wastewater pump stations and treatment, stormwater drainage infrastructure, and associated planning studies, including hydrologic/hydraulic modeling, master planning, and flood studies.

The Water/Wastewater/Water Resources Intern/Co-Op will support and collaborate with civil engineers, utility management staff, and technical professionals across disciplines to perform technical analyses, prepare reports and technical memoranda, coordinate with subconsultants, assist senior staff in maintaining project schedules and budgets, and produce documentation in accordance with project scopes and HDR’s quality standards. Opportunities may include periodic client interaction and occasional field construction inspection and observation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Gain real-world experience on exciting and meaningful projects
• Connect with recent graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professionals programs
• Apply standard engineering techniques and procedures
• Perform assignments under the direct supervision of a licensed professional or Project Manager
• Participate in project tours with Professional Engineers
• Review water/wastewater project plans and specifications
• Review and create overall project designs and process diagrams for treatment and conveyance systems
• Use Excel and other analytical tools to produce or verify design calculations
• Draft and review technical memorandums and reports
• Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrolled in a undergraduate or graduate degree program in Civil, Environmental, or a related Engineering discipline
• Coursework in Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes, Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Systems, Hydrology and Hydraulics, Stormwater Management and Design, or other topics focused on water/wastewater/water resources
• Familiarity with modeling and software tools, including GIS, Hydrologic/Hydraulic Modeling Software (HEC-RAS/HEC-HMS/SWMM), PowerBI, or other similar applications
• Strong communication skills and ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment
• Prior water/wastewater/water resources project experience
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite and AutoCAD preferred
• Preference will be given to local candidates

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program
• 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-North Carolina-Charlotte

Industry

Water

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Temporary

BusinessClass : Water Treatment

Job Posting

Sep 30, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an AFFIRMATIVE Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.