Construction Development & Environmental Intern

The Construction Development & Environmental Intern supports the Experience & Facilities team by assisting with development, construction, environmental, and engineering-adjacent initiatives that support safe, efficient, and sustainable facilities across Western States. This role provides hands-on exposure to real-world projects from early planning and site development to construction execution, environmental compliance, and continuous improvement efforts. The intern collaborates with internal stakeholders and external partners to help plan, track, and document projects, analyze data, and support work that directly impacts employee experience, customer experience, and community engagement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Development & Construction

• Assists with assigned development and construction projects from planning through closeout, including scope support, scheduling, tracking, documentation, and coordination.
• Supports project managers and facilities leaders by maintaining project files, meeting notes, simple schedules, and status updates.
• Observes and participates in jobsite activities as appropriate, gaining exposure to construction sequencing, safety practices, and contractor coordination.

Environmental & Sustainability Support

• Supports environmental compliance and stewardship initiatives, including data collection, documentation, audits, and reporting.
• Assists with tracking environmental metrics such as waste streams, soil management, and regulatory requirements.
• Helps apply environmental considerations to development and construction projects from planning through completion.

Engineering & Technical Exposure

• Assists with basic engineering-adjacent tasks such as reviewing plans, tracking equipment specifications, and documenting technical requirements.
• May support hands-on, applied projects, including participation in the Camp Rainbow Gold Remote Control Equipment Track, providing exposure to mechanical systems, controls, and practical problem-solving.

Data & Process Support

• Analyzes and organizes data related to facilities, construction progress, environmental initiatives, and operational workflows.
• Assists with identifying process improvements and documenting recommendations.

Systems & Tools

• Learns and navigates internal systems and platforms, including Microsoft tools and Western States ERP systems, and Procore to support reporting and project tracking.
• Maintains organized digital records and documentation across multiple concurrent projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interest in construction, development, environmental systems, or engineering applications.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable learning new software, systems, and technical concepts.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proof of high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
• Priority is given to post-secondary students pursuing degrees in: Project Management; Construction Management; Civil, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering; Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering; Facilities Management; or related technical or applied science fields.
• Previous internships, coursework, or hands-on experience in construction, engineering, environmental programs, or facilities operations is preferred but not required.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time along with walking, stair climbing, reaching (including but not limited to above-shoulder reaching), repetitive bending, stooping, twisting, pushing, pulling, leaning and twisting.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. in accordance with Western States’ Lifting Safe Work Practice.
• Must be able to meet all safety requirements for applicable safety policies.

Disclaimer:  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  It is not intended be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this classification.