Civil or Environmental Engineering Co-op Intern

About the opportunity

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 are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.

What you will accomplish

• 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.

Experience and qualifications for success

• 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 driver’s 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. • 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. • 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 driver's 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.