Job Description

About the opportunity:

SWCA is seeking an Environmental Planning Intern for Summer 2025 to support the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) – and other environmental planning projects in San Luis Obispo, California. SWCA’s environmental planning internship position will provide the opportunity to develop a better understanding of environmental consulting and the environmental planning profession. 

You will receive a preview of different aspects of environmental consulting such as client relationships, proposal development, analysis, GIS, report writing, and compliance with federal (e.g., NEPA), state (e.g.,CEQA), and local requirements. Established in 1981, SWCA has a long-standing presence in the United States, and is known for sound science and creative solutions.

The Environmental Planning Intern position requires a demonstrated interest in environmental planning, a good attitude, willingness to learn, flexibility, and good communication skills. This position provides great opportunities to enter and launch a career in environmental sciences, supported by leadership focused on the professional development of team members.

This internship will occur during the summer 2025 (June 2 to August 15). Candidates who can start earlier than June 2025 will be considered and those who can remain past August may provide additional value. In addition to project work, the internship program includes regularly scheduled presentations by SWCA leaders. 

This is a paid, full-time internship. Interns will be paid $18.90 per hour.

Please submit a cover letter to be considered for this position.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as is reasonable. We anticipate a large flow of qualified candidates, and we will close the posting as soon as the individual office positions are filled.

What you will accomplish:

• Assist in the preparation of environmental documents for a variety of state and federal agencies.
• Provide assistance on diverse types of environmental planning projects, especially related to CEQA, including land-use planning, local development, and transportation-related projects. 
• Learn to help write various sections of environmental documents and review/edit other sections prepared by technical specialists.
• Potentially a ssist in the preparation of public meeting materials, public comment review, and maintenance of administrative records
• Learn how SWCA advises clients on federal and state regulatory issues for projects across the company’s service area.
• Work closely with project managers, directors, and vice presidents throughout the company to promote SWCA’s business interests in adherence to its mission, vision, and values. Gain experience working with a diverse team of planning and natural resource professionals.

Experience and qualifications for success:

• Currently enrolled in a college or university, pursuing a bachelor's degree in an environmental related field with coursework in environmental policy or science, ecology, urban planning, sustainability, geography, or a similar course of study, or a recent graduate within 12 months of May 1, 2025. Candidates also need at least 60 credit units if from a semester-based university, or 90 credit units if from a quarter-based university.
• Applicants who are pursuing a Master's degree will also be considered. Ph.D. candidates are not eligible through this program.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Must have good communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Must have ability and willingness to learn technical writing skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• Technical writing experience.
• Experience with natural resources field or professional work (e.g., environmental, natural, water, biological, planning, etc.) through classwork, honors thesis or Capstone projects, professional/intern experience, or volunteer work.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among  Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

 

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email  accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response. 

 

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

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Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Summer work, Internship, Local area,

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