Cultural Resources Intern

Position Description 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Summer Intern to support our Paleontology Program based in Pasadena, CA. This internship will occur during the summer of 2024 (approximately June 3rd to mid-August). Candidates who can start earlier than June 2024 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, collaboration with other interns at SWCA, and actively involved mentorship for the Intern to help them explore a career in the field of Environmental Consulting. 

This is a paid, full-time internship, with an hourly rate of pay of $19.13/hr. This role will support a hybrid work schedule with the possibility of being in the field multiple days a week, as well as going into the office, and working remotely on desktop tasks the remaining days not in the field/office. Reliable transportation is required in order to travel to and from client sites throughout Southern California and adjacent states, as well as the SWCA office located in Pasadena, CA. 

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

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

Our Vision (the North Star): Help drive SWCA to be the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee ownership.

Core Values: We are #OneSWCA and collaborate across all our offices, programs, and disciplines. We are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. It is imperative for the successful candidate to fit SWCA's unique culture. Do you appreciate sustainability and environmental awareness? Is giving back to your community a priority? SWCA is a team of scientists, planners, technical experts, and corporate services professionals who are committed to our culture. 

Purpose: Our company's purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today. You are invited to be a part of our success story.

What you will accomplish

The Intern will support project managers and field leads with a variety of paleontological resources studies such as background research, surveys, monitoring and reporting. Field work may occur across nearby office locations and/or in other nearby states as needed. The Paleontological Resources Intern may be expected to hike and/or be outside in a variety of weather for extended periods, sometimes with colleagues or solo.

Experience and qualifications for success

Required

• Currently enrolled in a college or university, pursuing a bachelor's degree in paleontology, geology or biology or a recent graduate within 12 months of May 1, 2024. For non-paleontology specific degrees, coursework in paleontology, anthropology, ecology or other related environmental sciences is desired.
• Applicants that are pursuing a Master's degree will also be considered. Ph.D. candidates are not eligible for this program.
• Experience with environmental resources fieldwork (e.g., environmental, geological, biological, cultural, ecological, etc.) through classwork, honors thesis or Capstone projects, professional/intern experience, or volunteer work.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Must have good communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Must have ability and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License and have reliable transportation to travel to and from client sites and the SWCA office. 

Important for Field-Based roles:

• Some position may require an ability to travel to the field 50%-75% of the time, including spending up to a week or two at a time at a field location.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, effectively execute tasks, and conform to shifting priorities and demands.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads required.

Helpful Skills:

• Familiarity with GPS devices and digital data collection, and/or mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Technical writing experience.
   

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.