INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Water Resources Intern (Summer 2026)

CompanyHDR
LocationSacramento
Work ModeOn Site
PostedFebruary 18, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will support engineering design, modeling, and planning projects while working with licensed engineers and engineers in training to gain real-world experience in water resources. Responsibilities include utilizing strong communication skills for reports and presentations, and learning specialized software for hydrology and hydraulics problems.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
16710
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
HDR is an employee-owned design firm specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. We’re ranked No. 6 among the world’s design firms and we’re the largest healthcare design firm. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other’s contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way. So, what are you waiting for? Come grow with us.
About the Role

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.  We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 

HDR is looking for summer 2026 Water Resources Intern candidates to join our Water Business Group in Sacramento, CA. 

As a Water Resources intern at HDR, you will work with a team of licensed engineers, engineers in training on different project types and with diverse professionals. Our goal will be to engage you in all facets of our work so that you will gain a better understanding of how your coursework is applied in real-world settings and inspire you to engage in a career in water resources upon graduation. We are seeking a smart, creative, and hard-working individual to join our team with potential for a career in the dynamic, diverse, and employee-owned culture of HDR.  

In the role of Water Resources Intern, we'll count on you to: 

  • Support engineering design, modeling, and planning projects
  • Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently (with guidance of a PE) and as part of a group. 
  • Ability to follow instructions, ask questions, and resolve basic challenges in a team environment through collaboration and dialogue.
  • Utilize strong oral and written verbal communication skills and be able to clearly describe work in written reports, presentations, technical memos, and emails.
  • Possess knowledge of the scientific process and ability to solve problems using advanced math, physics, logic, and science.
  • Demonstrate strong analytical skills and be able to learn various modeling applications to solve water resources, hydrology, and hydraulics problems. Software they will need to learn includes hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software such as HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS. Possess strong knowledge of geography and ability to learn to use geospatial software and learn to solve geospatial problems related to water resources.
  • Ability to use MS Excel or other types of basic analytical applications to solve modeling and design related questions, perform calculations, and/or to perform logical analyses related to water resources problems.
  • Perform other duties as needed

 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Prefer 2 years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA pursuing a degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering with a focus on water or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to field of study/industry
  • Preference given to local candidates


Required Qualifications 
 
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program
  • Attention to detail is a must
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Self-starter with excellent writing, comprehension, problem-solving and communication skills
  • Basic Microsoft Office skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

 

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Key Skills
Engineering DesignModelingPlanningInterpersonal SkillsCollaborationCommunicationAnalytical SkillsHEC-HMSHEC-RASGeospatial SoftwareMS ExcelHydrologyHydraulicsScientific ProcessProblem Solving
Categories
EngineeringEnvironmental & SustainabilityScience & Research