Natural Resources - Internship

Simply Put, A Great Place to Work

Benesch is a growing, multi-disciplined planning, engineering, and professional services firm. We enhance infrastructure and communities across the country – creating spaces and providing connections in ways that make a difference.

We pride ourselves on being nimble enough to remain responsive to client needs yet large enough to offer exceptional bench strength. As a member of our team, you’ll have an opportunity to draw from those resources when you need them and, likewise, contribute your expertise when you have something to share.

At Benesch, we are looking for candidates with varied backgrounds and worldviews. We are committed to offering an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Statistics show that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. If this statement resonates with you, don’t be so hard on yourself—apply for the job!

Natural Resources Intern

Benesch is seeking a motivated Natural Resources Intern to join our team. This role will provide hands-on experience supporting environmental and natural resource efforts for transportation, infrastructure, and other public and private projects.

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced environmental professionals and contribute to real-world projects involving natural resource assessments, environmental documentation, permitting, field investigations, and regulatory compliance. You will support project teams throughout various stages of project development while gaining exposure to how environmental considerations are incorporated into infrastructure planning and design.

Location

This position offers flexibility to work remotely, with a preference for candidates located near one of our Benesch offices. Proximity to an office provides additional opportunities for in-person collaboration, mentorship, fieldwork, and exposure to multidisciplinary project teams throughout your internship.

Benesch’s Natural Resources professionals partner with engineers, planners, clients, and regulatory agencies to identify environmental considerations and develop practical solutions that balance infrastructure needs with responsible stewardship of natural resources.

The Impact You Will Have

Assist with natural resource field investigations, data collection, and documentation.

Support wetland, stream, habitat, vegetation, and other environmental assessments.

Assist with desktop research, environmental data review, mapping, and preparation for field activities.

Support the preparation of technical reports, environmental documentation, permit applications, and other project deliverables.

Help organize, analyze, and document field and environmental data.

Assist project teams with environmental permitting and regulatory compliance activities.

Participate in fieldwork and site visits as project needs and location allow.

Collaborate with environmental scientists, engineers, planners, and other professionals on multidisciplinary projects.

Gain exposure to natural resource considerations throughout the planning, design, permitting, and construction phases of infrastructure projects.

What You Will Need

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.

Interest in natural resources, environmental consulting, infrastructure, or environmental permitting.

Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment.

Willingness to participate in fieldwork and travel locally as project needs require.

Experience with GIS, environmental fieldwork, data collection, or related coursework is preferred but not required.

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in accordance with the State of Illinois Pay Transparency Act, Illinois Pay Transparency Law . The final agreed-upon compensation is based on numerous factors, including but not limited to individual education, qualifications, prior work experience, and geographic location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary, overtime, and bonuses.

Our benefits package is designed to take care of our employees and is compliant with the State of Illinois Paid Leave Act, Illinois Paid Leave Act . Benesch offers a generous paid time benefits plan that increases throughout your career plus several paid holidays. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision benefits. We also include company-paid life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans. Benesch offers a 401K plan and profit-sharing contributions to the 401K plan. From insurance and retirement plan to our wellness programs, we provide employee benefits that meet your wants and needs.

Illinois Pay Range

$18 — $28 USD

Why Benesch?

It’s simple. We invest in our people, not just our projects.

Your next opportunity should do more than offer a new title. It should build on the experience you've gained, challenge you to keep growing, and give you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

At Benesch, we believe great work starts with great people. That's why we're committed to creating an environment where you can contribute your ideas, develop your skills, and build a career you're proud of.

Here's what you can look forward to:

Real career growth: Professional development, leadership training, mentorship, and opportunities to take on new challenges and greater responsibility.

A strong financial future: Up to 9% retirement contribution for benefit-eligible employees.

Flexibility that works: Work schedules that support your professional and personal life.

Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and parental leave for benefit-eligible employees.

Work that makes an impact: Opportunities to collaborate, contribute ideas, solve meaningful challenges, and see the difference your work makes.

Room to grow your way: Whether you want to deepen your expertise, explore new opportunities, or grow into leadership, we want to help you take the next step.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, Benesch offers an opportunity to build on what you've accomplished while continuing to grow.

Bring your experience, your ideas, and your ambition. Discover what you can accomplish at Benesch.

Explore our full benefits here: Click here

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

At Benesch, we believe great work starts with great people and that means creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Benesch is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants in all protected groups, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Benesch is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with a physical disability or other impairment.

If you are limited in your ability or are unable to access Benesch's Careers website due to a physical disability or other impairment, you may request a reasonable accommodation by emailing [email protected] . This option is only available to those in need of an accommodation due to a disability or other impairment. Please do not use this as an alternative method for general inquiries or status on applications, as you will not receive a response. Reasonable requests will be responded to as soon as possible on a case-by-case basis.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linke