Intern - Paleontology

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Paleontology Intern for the 2026 Summer Internship Program to support our Paleontology Program. The paleontology internship will be based out of the Pasadena or Riverside, California office, but the selected intern may support client projects anywhere in the Western USA. This internship will occur during the summer of 2026 (early June to mid-August). Candidates who can start earlier than June 2026 will be considered and those who can remain past August may provide additional value. Successful candidates are those who are particularly interested in mitigation paleontology and gaining practical experience in environmental consulting to address real-world challenges. In addition to project work, the internship program includes regularly scheduled presentations by SWCA leaders, collaboration with other interns at SWCA, and actively involved mentorship for the Intern to help them explore a career in the field of environmental consulting.

This is a paid, 40-hour per week internship, with an hourly rate of $21.38/hour – salary is non-negotiable and determined by geographic location exclusively. This role will be primarily field based, with some travel and overnight lodging required with a per diem to cover expenses. Desktop assignments will be assigned for working days not in the field. The desktop work can be completed in the local office or remotely if the intern is not within commuting distance of an SWCA office. Overtime may be required.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

Our Vision (the North Star): Help drive SWCA to be the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership.

Core Values: We are #OneSWCA and collaborate across all our offices, programs, and disciplines. We are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. It is imperative for the successful candidate to fit SWCA's unique culture. Do you appreciate sustainability and environmental awareness? Is giving back to your community a priority? SWCA is a team of scientists, planners, technical experts, and corporate services professionals that are committed to our culture. 

Purpose: Our company purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today. You are invited to be a part of our success story.

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

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

What you will accomplish

The Intern will support project managers and field leads with a variety of paleontological resources studies such as monitoring, surveys, background research, and reporting. The Intern is expected to hike and/or be outside in a variety of weather for extended periods, sometimes with colleagues or solo.

Experience and qualifications for success

Required

• Currently enrolled in a college or university, pursuing a bachelor's degree in paleontology, geology or related field or a recent graduate within 12 months of May 1, 2026.
• Applicants that are pursuing a Master's degree will also be considered. Ph.D. candidates are not eligible for this program.
• Proficient in using standard digital communication, accounting, and data capture technology, and ability to learn new platforms, as needed.
• Must have good communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Must have ability and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License and have reliable transportation to travel to and from client sites and the SWCA office. Company vehicles may be provided for field work.

Important for Field-Based roles:

• Experience with environmental resources field work (e.g., environmental, geological, biological, cultural, ecological, etc.) through classwork, honors thesis or Capstone projects, professional/intern experience, or volunteer work.
• Prior completion of a summer geology field school course is strongly preferred.

• This position requires an ability to travel to the field most of the time, including spending up to a week or two at a time at a field location, up to 6 days per week.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours (up to 12 hours per day), sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, effectively execute tasks, and conform to shifting priorities and demands.
• Ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on unpaved roads required.

Helpful Skills:

• Familiarity with GPS devices and digital data collection, and/or mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Technical writing experience.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require a confidential conversation related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response. 

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.  At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success

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