Water Resources Intern

Job Description

The Progressive Companies Summer Internship Program is a paid, full-time experience designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world impact. Interns will engage in hands-on projects, develop problem-solving and communication skills, and gain insights into the fields of architecture, design, engineering, and construction. The program also includes community outings, wellness events, service-learning projects, and lunch-and-learns to enrich both career development and personal curiosity.

Water Resources Intern – Detroit

As a Water Resources Intern, you will collaborate with scientists to conduct essential fieldwork and laboratory analysis related to aquatic ecosystems. The Detroit internship operates on a part-time schedule of approximately 25-30 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the Water Resources team and clients to ensure project schedules and budgets are met.
• Drive a pickup truck and trailer a 16-foot boat, working long days up to 12 hours in length.
• Assist with loading and unloading of survey supplies, weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Obtain or maintain boating safety certification.
• Provide field observations consistent with Progressive’s standards.
• Utilize SONAR technology while operating the survey boat.
• Assist in minor boat and vehicle repair and maintenance as necessary.
• Provide laboratory analysis consistent with Progressive Companies’ standards.
• Navigate a variety of weather conditions when driving a pickup truck and boat for several hours each day, including hot, cold, wet, humid, windy, and wavy conditions.
• Identify a variety of aquatic plants.
• Conduct aquatic plant surveys.
• Collect water quality samples.

Qualifications:

• Education: Enrollment in a Biology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, or similar degree program. Completion of at least 1 year of coursework required, with a preference for 3 years.
• Coursework Preference: Completed coursework in Aquatic Sciences preferred. Ability to identify aquatic plants and a basic knowledge of limnology are highly desirable.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license and good driving record required, with no driving or other infractions that would preclude insurability.
• Experience (Preferred): Previous pickup truck driving, trailering, and boat driving experience.
• Certifications: Boating safety certification or the ability to obtain certification. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certification preferred.
• Physical Requirements: Comfort working around and in open water in a variety of weather conditions. Basic swimming skills are necessary. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb in and out of a boat frequently, and drive several hours each day on the job.
• Work Ethic: Ability to work and communicate successfully during long workdays.
• Skills: Attention to detail with an emphasis on quality work products and client service. Excellent technical, written, and oral communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft applications.

About Progressive Companies

People Matter: Progressive Companies values the diverse backgrounds, knowledge, abilities, and experiences of each individual, believing they strengthen the organization and its projects. The company is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through company-provided training, equitable recruitment, a grassroots employee DEI committee, and robust community partnerships. As an equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Transforming Spaces. Empowering People: Progressive Companies’ professionals are designers of a bold future, creating high-performance structures and pathways that meet current needs and prepare for what’s to come. They adhere to a “Performance Based Design” philosophy, aiming to improve strategic outcomes. Their work spans the nation, offering team members a variety of exciting projects and the opportunity to maximize impact as trusted partners to clients and communities.

Sustainable and Inclusive: The company is committed to human-centered, sustainable, and inclusive design practices. They believe DEI is essential for building trust, respect, and truly innovative design, making spaces welcoming and accessible to all. Their sustainability approach embraces the AIA 2030 Commitment, utilizing high-performance, restorative, and regenerative strategies with a focus on climate-responsive results.

Employee Owned: Founded in 1962, Progressive Companies has grown from four original engineering partners to almost 300 architects, engineers, designers, and consultants across multiple regional offices. As an employee-owned firm, every team member shares the energy, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial mindset typically expected from a CEO.

Culture of Excellence: Progressive Companies is consistently ranked as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation®. They offer comprehensive benefits, including an award-winning wellness program, hybrid work schedules, summer hours, profit-sharing, and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The firm fosters a creative spirit and supports work-life integration. They are committed to the development and growth of team members through continuing education, mentorship, and growth opportunities. Additionally, they are dedicated to community service, offering paid service-learning hours to every employee and corporate sponsorship for various community organizations and activities.