Environmental Planner Intern

Job Description

Job Description

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER INTERN

Summer Paid Internship (2026)

Westervelt Ecological Services

In person- Sacramento, California

About us : Westervelt Ecological Services (Westervelt) specializes in the restoration and conservation of wetlands, streams, and endangered species habitats. We develop conservation and mitigation projects that offset environmental impacts from private and public development and infrastructure projects. Our teams work closely with landowners, businesses, government agencies, and land trusts throughout the state of California. Our mission is to provide enduring ecological solutions for the benefit of our partners and the lands we conserve.

Position Overview : Westervelt is seeking a highly motivated intern to support our Entitlement and Ecology teams in the development of mitigation projects. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in environmental planning, ecology, and conservation to gain hands-on experience in a collaborative, professional setting. The ideal candidate is accountable, detail-oriented, and organized; skilled in writing and interpersonal communication; proficient with computers and comfortable working outdoors; and is able to work effectively in a team environment.

What You’ll Learn and Do : As an intern, you will work alongside experienced environmental planners, habitat designers, ecologists, land managers, and GIS analysts. You will gain exposure to technical reports and CEQA documentation; local, state, and federal permitting processes; regional conservation programs; wildlife and plant ecology; habitat construction and compliance; and GIS methods and tools. You will also have an opportunity to visit existing and proposed mitigation sites, conduct biological surveys, and attend project meetings to better understand the planning, implementation, and long-term stewardship of our mitigation projects.

Responsibilities :

• Interpret and record data
• Conduct research and analysis
• Contribute to environmental documents and permitting processes
• Perform field surveys and monitoring tasks on Westervelt properties
• Work under supervision of a project manager or senior team member

Position Details : This position is expected to be a part-time to full-time summer internship based on project needs and availability. The position is primarily onsite in Sacramento with some flexibility for remote work. Pay is $22 / hour.

Qualifications : Applicants must be enrolled in an Environmental Planning, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Biological Sciences, or related program at an accredited college.