Environmental Engineering Intern

At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key—we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you're intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here.

Shape the Future of Ecological Restoration with RES

At Resource Environmental Solutions (RES), the largest ecological restoration organization in the U.S., environmental engineering interns gain hands-on experience solving real-world challenges.

Why Choose RES?

• Real-World Impact: Work on transformative projects restoring wetlands, streams, and habitats while improving water quality and resilience.


• Hands-On Learning: Apply skills in hydrology, geomorphology, and environmental modeling alongside expert engineers and scientists.


• Professional Growth: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, gain mentorship from industry leaders, and develop technical and leadership skills.


• Purpose-Driven Work: Be part of a company dedicated to sustainability and building a better future.

With operations in 9+ regions across the U.S., RES leads in comprehensive solutions for wetlands, streams, species habitats, and water quality improvements.

Environmental Engineering Intern

RES is looking for driven Environmental Engineering Interns to support our design and engineering team in our Warrenton VA offices. This role offers you the chance to apply your academic knowledge to impactful projects, focusing on practical applications in ecological restoration, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and environmental sustainability.

As an intern, you’ll collaborate with experts across engineering, ecology, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) teams to gain insights into the integration of ecological design and restoration practices. Your contributions will directly support projects that enhance ecosystems, protect resources, and drive sustainable outcomes.

Program Highlights:

• Diverse Learning Opportunities: From data analysis and fieldwork to design support, you'll tackle various tasks that deepen your technical and problem-solving skills.


• Mentorship and Teamwork: Partner with experienced design/engineering professionals who are eager to guide you through real-world challenges and help you build a foundation for your career.


• Second-Year Advancement: Returning interns will take on more advanced responsibilities, including exploring regulatory frameworks, completing detailed hydrologic and hydraulic models, preparing construction design plans, contributing to project task management, developing cost estimates and proposals, and applying value-engineering principles.

This full-time internship typically runs from May to August (specific dates to accommodate student’s school schedule) and is designed for motivated individuals seeking to make a tangible impact in ecological restoration.

Take the next step in your journey to shape the future of environmental engineering—apply today and join us in building a more sustainable tomorrow.

What Your Day-to-Day Might Look Like:

As an Environmental Engineering Intern, your responsibilities will encompass a dynamic mix of fieldwork, data analysis, and design support. By the end of the internship, participants will have assisted with the development of ecological restoration designs and the preparation of components of technical reports.  In addition, participants will deliver a presentation summarizing their experiences and contributions during their internship.

In the Field Surveys and Data Collection phase, you will collect essential data on stream flow, in-stream habitat, bank erosion potential, cross sections, longitudinal profiles, and stream bed material. Using GPS, laser levels, and total stations, you’ll conduct stream surveys to support post-restoration monitoring or restoration designs. Collaboration with the Ecology and Stream Sciences Team will provide opportunities to gather critical data on vegetation, soil, and water quality.

For Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analysis and Modeling, you’ll assist in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling using software such as HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS to predict runoff for return interval storms, determine design discharges, develop and verify stream designs, and analyze floodplain connections. This work includes watershed delineations and analyses to estimate runoff and channel roughness coefficients, and peak flows. You’ll analyze water quality metrics like nutrient concentrations, conductivity, and turbidity.

In the Design Support phase, you’ll help create preliminary and detailed designs for stream and wetland restoration projects using AutoCAD or Civil 3D. Your role will include designing and sizing channels and in-stream features such as riffles and pools to enhance habitat functionality. You’ll also assist in preparing grading plans, sediment and erosion control measures, and bank stabilization techniques.

Finally, in GIS and Mapping, you’ll utilize GIS tools to analyze and map watershed or project site characteristics, including land use, topography, and  hydrography data. Your work will also involve creating maps to support ecological assessments and visually illustrate site conditions.

This combination of activities ensures a rich and varied experience, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to impactful ecological restoration projects.

We would like to talk to you if you have many of the following:

• Currently a rising junior pursuing a degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, biological systems engineering, agricultural engineering, or water resources engineering or a related field.


• Familiarity with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software (e.g., HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS).


• Familiarity with GIS and mapping tools.


• Familiarity with AutoCAD or Civil 3D


• Keen interest in ecological restoration and sustainable development.


• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in both office and field settings.

Join RES to combine your engineering expertise with environmental stewardship and make a lasting impact on the world.

Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.

RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.