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Ecological Design Internship Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ecological Design Internship information

What is an ecological design internship?

An Ecological Design Internship is a temporary position that provides hands-on experience in designing systems, products, or landscapes that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Interns typically work with professionals in fields such as landscape architecture, urban planning, or environmental engineering to learn about ecological principles and how they are applied in real-world projects. The internship often involves tasks like site analysis, research, drawing plans, assisting with project implementation, and collaborating on sustainability initiatives. This experience is valuable for students or recent graduates interested in green design, sustainability, and ecological restoration.

What kind of projects do interns typically work on during an ecological design internship?

Ecological Design Interns often engage in hands-on projects such as site analysis, landscape restoration, sustainable infrastructure planning, and creating design proposals that integrate ecological principles. Interns may assist with fieldwork, data collection, and mapping, as well as participate in team meetings to develop innovative solutions for real-world environmental challenges. Collaboration is common, and interns usually work closely with experienced designers, engineers, and other environmental professionals, gaining exposure to a variety of project stages from concept to implementation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ecological design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ecological Design Intern, you need a foundational understanding of ecology, sustainable design principles, and environmental science, often supported by coursework in related fields. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, GIS mapping tools, and potentially LEED certification is beneficial. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you stand out in this collaborative and interdisciplinary field. These skills are crucial for developing innovative, sustainable solutions that balance environmental, social, and economic needs.

What is the difference between Ecological Design Internship vs Ecological Planning Assistant?

AspectEcological Design InternshipEcological Planning Assistant
Required CredentialsRelevant coursework, basic knowledge of ecology and designSimilar, often includes related environmental or planning certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, design studios, environmental organizationsOffice settings, planning agencies, environmental consultancies
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental NGOs, design firms, sustainability projectsGovernment agencies, planning departments, environmental consultancies

Both roles involve environmental work, but Ecological Design Internships focus on hands-on design projects and fieldwork, while Ecological Planning Assistants support planning processes and policy development. Internships are ideal for gaining practical experience, whereas Planning Assistants often assist with project coordination and research within planning teams.

New Grad Scientist I - Summer 2027 - Central Division (For Current/Returning HNTB Interns Only)

Des Moines, IA • On-site


HNTB
Construction • 1 - 5K employees

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

What We're Looking For

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.
This opportunity entails being responsible for assisting with basic scientific studies, documentations and investigations at project sites and phases or projects, including planning, design, program management and construction.

What You'll Do:

  • Under direction of more senior Scientist, follows clearly established methods to assist in conducting research, gathering basic scientific information and data, and conducting and assisting in field investigations among other supporting activities.
  • Based on prescribed methodology, sets up test equipment as necessary to obtain scientific data.
  • Using established prescribed templates, prepares data analysis, modeling, written reports, maps, etc. as appropriate to support findings as it pertains to the natural or man-made environment in the study area.
  • Under the assistance of a Senior Scientist, prepares assessment of potential effects from construction and/or operation of proposed transportation projects.
  • Maintains administrative records, collections, and files related to specific projects.
  • Keeps current with trends, literature, and new developments in ecology and environmental science as it relates to their specific technical area of proficiency.
  • Assists team in the production of project deliverables.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need:

  • Bachelor's degree in Geology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Archeology, Anthropology, or related field

What You'll Bring:

  • Analyzes and summarizes data accurately (i.e., reports, wetland delineations, hazmat surveys, noise quality levels, air quality).
  • Researches scientific articles and trends to summarize findings for environmental documentation and permits.
  • Assists the field investigator to assess habitat characteristics, identifies issues of environmental concern and completes field surveys.
  • Exercises safety procedures and best practices in the field.
  • Learns established analytical methods

What We Prefer:

  • Previous/current HNTB Internship experience

Additional Information

Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards

Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.#MZ #LI-DNI

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Locations:

Austin, TX, Baton Rouge, LA, Dallas, TX, Des Moines, IA, El Paso, TX, Fort Worth, TX, Houston, TX (Fannin), Kansas City, MO, Little Rock, AR, New Orleans, LA, Oklahoma City, OK, Overland Park, KS (129th Street), Overland Park, KS (Sprint Parkway), Plano, TX (Granite Parkway), Round Rock, TX, San Antonio, TX (McAllister Freeway), St. Louis, MO

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NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES:

HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.


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About HNTB

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1914


What HNTB employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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