Job description
The role – what you’ll do
Barr is seeking an environmental intern to join its Ann Arbor office part-time during the academic term (January–May, 8–12 hours/week) with the opportunity to continue full-time over the summer. This intern will conduct routine monitoring at a project site and will have opportunities to undertake challenging and progressive work on projects related to the evaluation and remediation of contaminated sites. Fieldwork opportunities for this position will include some out-of-town travel.
During the academic term, most hours will support odor-related air quality monitoring projects. You’ll typically work 2–3 shifts per week (about 8–12 hours); initial training will include a few morning shifts, and ongoing scheduling may include some evenings or weekends. Candidates within a commutable distance to Ann Arbor are preferred, given the early/late shifts.
In the summer (full-time), you’ll broaden your experience across a variety of efforts, while continuing to support odor monitoring projects as needed. Work during the summer will include challenging and progressive work on projects related to the evaluation and remediation of contaminated sites. Assignments may include working as an individual or as part of a project team to assist with on-site investigations of contaminated soil, vapor, sediment, and groundwater; environmental site assessments; construction observation; engineering calculations; data summary tables and spreadsheets; and technical reports. You’ll work closely with project managers and technical staff and gain practical exposure to how environmental consulting projects run day to day.
The ideal candidate for this position is a clear and confident communicator who thrives in collaborative and independent work environments. They are adaptable, organized, proactive, eager to learn, and comfortable asking thoughtful questions. They bring a high level of attention to detail and take ownership of assigned tasks in dynamic field and office conditions. They demonstrate reliability, safety awareness, and a growth mindset as they build their technical skills and professional judgment. Above all, they value teamwork, quality, and integrity in delivering impactful environmental solutions.
Your impact – key responsibilities
- Technical knowledge: apply foundational engineering/science principles to support site investigations, environmental sampling, and data collection. Assist in the analysis of environmental data and contribute to the development of remediation approaches.
- Project support: help coordinate field activities and logistics, including contractor oversight and equipment preparation. Assist in tracking project progress and documenting key milestones.
- Problem solving: contribute to the evaluation of site conditions and identification of potential solutions to environmental challenges. Learn how to apply regulatory knowledge and scientific reasoning to real-world scenarios.
- Communication: produce clear field notes, chain-of-custody and data summaries, figures, and draft report sections/emails for review; provide concise status updates to project managers and stakeholders.
- Interpersonal savvy: effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to align technical work with project objectives while fostering strong, productive working relationships.
About the opportunity
- Timeline: This internship runs January–August on a part-time basis (8–12 hours per week) during the academic term, with the option to continue full-time over the summer. Start/end dates are flexible to accommodate class schedules, finals, and holidays.
- Compensation: anticipated range of $22.66–28.90 hourly. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. This position is classified as non-exempt (hourly) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
- Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position is based out of Barr’s Ann Arbor, Michigan, office.
- Travel expectation: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs (up to 50–70% travel and fieldwork possible; project needs will vary).
- Work environment: ability to work in locations that may feature rough terrain typical of construction sites and may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Job assignments may involve work on waste disposal sites and sites requiring cleanup of hazardous materials. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required. Safety training will be provided. Applicants may be asked to participate in a drug screening program at the request of specific clients. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical requirements for the role may include:
- Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying outdoor conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, snow, uneven terrain).
- Must be able to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Capable of standing, walking, kneeling, or crouching for extended periods.
- Capable of smelling and identifying common odors.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by site conditions.
- Ability to safely drive in the early morning and at night (darker conditions).
- Ability to operate or work around environmental monitoring and sampling equipment.
About you – required core competencies
- Education: environmental, chemical, geological, civil, or other related engineering major or geology major. Must be a third- or fourth-year student with a minimum of one full-time semester of undergraduate or graduate coursework remaining after the internship.
- GPA: minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
- Software: strong computer skills, including word processing and use of spreadsheets. Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.
