Ecological Restoration Design Internship

Ecological Restoration Design Internship – MA, ME, OR

We have one opening for an Ecological Restoration Deisgn Intern to be based out of any of our following office locations: Cambridge, MA, Damariscotta, ME, or Hood River, OR. 

Firm description

Since 1984, Inter-Fluve has been a leading water resources science and engineering firm specializing in river restoration. We have worked across the United States and internationally on projects that include dam removal, aquatic habitat restoration, wetlands assessment, floodplain restoration, watershed analysis, estuary restoration, and other water-related projects.

Our dedicated team of self-starting professionals share their passion for nature through their service to our Earth. We apply a broad range of science and engineering skills to investigate and design restoration, enhancement, and recovery solutions for degraded riverine, wetland, estuarine and lake environments. Throughout our history, our company’s focus has always been to collaborate, explore, question, and advance our craft.

Visit our website to learn more about our story at www.interfluve.com.

position Overview

This internship program provides opportunities for hands-on experience in river and wetland restoration design for students or recent graduates. The program provides a range of potential opportunities, such as learning science and engineering methods from practitioners; meeting local, state, and federal project partners; conducting fieldwork; and observing project implementation. Inter-Fluve supports increasing diversity and inclusion in the river restoration design profession. We welcome and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

This internship may include fieldwork, data analysis, topical research, technical writing, and engagement with clients, subcontractors, project partners, and stakeholders. While the intern will be asked to assist with a range of tasks associated with Inter-Fluve projects, there may also be the opportunity to complete a research project that is aligned with the interests of the intern and Inter-Fluve. The intern will be expected to work closely with their direct supervisor, collaborate with other staff as appropriate, and advance their work tasks and/or selected research project to completion.

Research topics could range within the breadth of projects Inter-Fluve typically completes, or could focus on related topics still relevant to the work of Inter-Fluve. Possible examples include:

• Survey and analysis of streams, wetlands, or tidal systems
• Monitoring of aquatic systems to evaluate existing conditions and ecological functions
• Documenting the condition and effectiveness of past projects, some dating back over 30 years
• Investigation of historical conditions or reference sites for a variety of project types
• Application of software tools for river analysis design and engineering

The selected candidate will be expected to develop a brief written technical memo that describes the project completed, including methods, data analyses, and conclusions. At the end of the internship, the selected intern will provide a brief presentation to Inter-Fluve staff summarizing this work that was completed.

Goal of the Internship Program: To provide hands-on learning opportunities to the next generation of river and wetland restoration practitioners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Rising college senior or recent college graduate (within 2 years of graduation)
• College major within the STEM fields

We encourage all who are interested, even if they do not feel they meet these qualifications to apply.

The list below presents a number of skills that will be useful in the internship.

• Field data collection
• Excel data analysis
• GIS mapping and analysis
• CAD drafting
• Conceptual drawings
• Technical writing
• PowerPoint presentations
• Independently motivated, curious
• Works well in small groups
• Attention to detail
• Verbal communication with project partners, clients, community members

We do not expect the applicant to bring all of these skills to the internship and we anticipate there are many other valuable skills not listed that the applicants will bring. If you are interested in the position, but are concerned you may not have enough of the skills listed, please reach out so we can discuss.

2026 Internship Details

Location: Hood River, OR; Cambridge, MA; or Damariscotta, ME

Duration: 8-10 weeks, beginning in June or July 2026

Work Schedule: Up to 30 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Work site will likely include office and field with optional overnight travel. While this position is hybrid (with at least three days per week in person expected), we find that interns get the most benefit from being in person as much as possible.

Pay Rate: $23/hour

Additional Information:

• All travel expenses to field work locations will be covered included gas, transportation, hotel, food, etc.
• Equipment: necessary equipment such as a laptop, waders for fieldwork, field vests, and other equipment needed to complete the tasks requested will be provided.
• Driver’s license and car are not required, though possessing them will be convenient for the intern.

Mentorship & Employment Opportunities:

• Inter-Fluve will provide a mentor during the internship.
• Inter-Fluve may consider hiring the intern following completion of the program if an opening is available and the candidate meets the job description. As with any open position, the intern will be considered along with other applicants; completing the internship does not guarantee a job opportunity following the internship.

To apply, please submit a Resume & Cover Letter via email to hr@interfluve.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through February 2026 with interviews conducted in March 2026.

Inter-Fluve supports increasing diversity and inclusion in the river restoration design profession. Inter-Fluve is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, neurodiversity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.