What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Designer Intern position at The Westervelt Company?
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNER INTERN
Summer Paid Internship (2026)
Westervelt Ecological Services
In person- Sacramento, California
About us: Westervelt Ecological Services (Westervelt) specializes in the restoration and conservation of wetlands, streams, and endangered species habitats. We develop conservation and mitigation projects that offset environmental impacts from private and public development and infrastructure projects. Our teams work closely with landowners, businesses, government agencies, and land trusts throughout the state of California. Our mission is to provide enduring ecological solutions for the benefit of our partners and the lands we conserve.
Position Overview: Westervelt is seeking a highly motivated intern to support our Design team in the development of mitigation projects. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a collaborative, professional setting. The ideal candidate is accountable, detail-oriented, and organized. Additionally, he/she has knowledge of AutoCAD, GIS or Civil3D. Must be skilled in writing and interpersonal communication; proficient with computers (Word and Excel) and can work effectively in a team environment. This will be a primarily in office role with occasional field visits.
What You’ll Learn and Do: As an intern, you will build up your design and drafting skills while learning how WES collaborates with stakeholders (government agencies and land trusts) to establish wetland and endangered species habitats. The Restoration Designer will help produce designs and construction drawings for habitat restoration projects including seasonal and tidal wetlands, floodplains, and species specific habitats. In support of design, this role will collect field data on topography, hydrology and ecological conditions on site and reference sites. You will use GPS and other field measurement tools to verify project design and implantability. Working with the planners and designers, you will help participate in construction oversight as well as habitat and species monitoring.
Qualifications:
- Pursuing a degree in landscape architecture or civil engineering
- Well-developed communication and people skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment both in an office and out in the field
- Good computer skills including Excel and Word, be organized, detail orientated and able to multi task
- Basic AutoCAD, Civil3D and ArcGIS Pro/Online preferred
- Able to perform physical duties when doing field work in an outdoor setting
- Valid driver's license and able to safely operate a 4 wheel drive truck
Position Details: This position is expected to be a full-time summer internship Monday-Friday with occasional overtime. Pay is $22/hour.