Civil or Environmental Engineering Co-op Intern

SWCA is seeking enthusiastic Civil or Environmental Engineering Co-ops (HR Title: Intern Engineering) to join our Spring 2027 team in Chicago IL. This role offers a dynamic mix of office and field experience giving you the chance to collaborate with talented multi-disciplinary engineering professionals.

As an Engineering Co-op you will apply your passion for civil or environmental engineering in real-world projects while building critical skills in communication problem-solving and teamwork. We are looking for students with a positive attitude eagerness to learn flexibility and strong collaboration skills.

Your role will be filled with exciting challenges and hands-on projects running from January 4th 2027 until April 23rd 2027.

This is a paid 40-hour/week co-op with a competitive rate of $24/hour. Preference will be given to candidates located in the Chicago IL area; however qualified candidates residing in Ohio Kentucky Pennsylvania and Indiana will also be considered.

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

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool isestablished.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA we are #AlwaysLearning we #NeverSettle and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide SWCA offers a collaborative team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

• Support project managers and field lead in various engineering projects (stream restoration wetland restoration site grading stormwater management inspections etc.).
• Engage in office tasks such as data clean-up reporting and other tasks supporting the Engineering team.
• Conduct fieldwork across office locations and nearby states including hiking for extended periods.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and independently when required.

Currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a bachelors degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related addition the individual must have completed their first year of their engineering curriculum. Masters degree candidates will also be considered; Ph.D. candidates are not eligible through this program. Students who have completed at least their sophomore year in college/university are highly preferred.

• Enrollment in a co-op program integrated into your university curriculum is required.
• Ability to travel to the field approximately 50% of the time including spending up to a week or two at a project location.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid drivers license and ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle in remote or backcountry conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D through coursework projects co-op experience or volunteer work.
• Familiarity with GPS devices digital data collection and mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Experience with technical writing or preparing reports.

Applicants must possess a valid drivers license and meet SWCAs driver requirements.

This position may require domestic travel including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.

Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Chicago IL based position is $24.00 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience qualifications geographic location and other factors permitted by law.

This position offers flexibility paid wellness time and opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across a variety of environmental projects. Learn more about our On-Demand Employee Benefits and Career Development Guide.

If you need accommodation due to a disability please contact or call 1 .If you require assistance with the application process please contact

Use of Technology in Hiring

SWCA may use approved technology including AI-assisted tools to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair transparent and human-centered hiring experience.

Candidate Use of AI

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However all application materials assessments and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience skills and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience complete assessments on their behalf or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women minorities veterans and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCAs continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within where possible providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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