Environmental & Public Health Intern

Job Title: Environmental & Public Health Intern 
Location: East Helena, MT 

Description/Job Summary

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Intern to support ongoing characterization of contamination associated with the East Helena Superfund Site. This position is an onsite position and offers a hands-on opportunity to gain practical field experience in environmental science including data collection contributing to the protection of public health while working on a high-profile remediation project. You will assist with data collection, logistics, property access coordination, and essential day-to-day operations.

At HGL, we value our employees as individuals and as important members of our team with a mission of restoring the environment to protect our future and the future of the communities we serve. A candidate that would thrive in this position would have dedication to protecting the environment and public health with excellent communication skills.

This is a summer internship and will run from May through August 2026 with 40 hours per week expected.

Responsibilities/Duties

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING 

• Soil Sampling: Assist with the collection and processing of soil samples in accordance with established environmental protocols and quality control standards.
• Field Support & Logistics: Support field crews by organizing equipment, managing field supplies, scheduling locates, scheduling sampling, and ensuring the team has the necessary resources for daily tasks.
• Sample Management: Safely handle, preserve, and transport environmental samples to FedEx or local laboratories for analysis, maintaining strict chain-of-custody documentation outlined in an approved UFP-QAPP and SAP.
• Field Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed field logs, data sheets, and site photographs to document daily activities and sampling events.
• Community Interaction: Engage in limited, professional interactions with local residents and property owners (e.g., providing notifications, answering basic questions about scheduling, and access coordination support).
• Reporting: Assist with minor data entry, basic environmental reporting, and compiling field data for the field team lead and project managers.

Minimum Requirements

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL 

• High school diploma or GED required. 
• Currently enrolled or recently completed an undergraduate degree program in Environmental Science, Public Health, Geology, Civil/Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise scientific protocols.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with team members and the public.

Desired Qualifications

WHAT YOU NEED TO STAND OUT – Preferred, not required

• HAZWOPER 40-hour certification is a plus, but training may be provided for the right candidate
• Environmental data collection experience is a plus, but training may be provided for the right candidate

 Physical & Environmental Requirements.

PHYSICAL & COGNITIVE REQUIRMENTS

• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and lift up to 50 pounds; Walking over uneven or mountainous terrain; Repetitive hand motions (typing, tool use, etc.); Ability to see details at close range; Driving a company or personal vehicle
• Complex problem solving and decision making; Reading and interpreting technical documents or regulations; Communicating effectively with clients, team members, and stakeholders.

WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS 

Details

Work Schedule: This is a temporary hourly role with anticipated work between May and August 2026. HGL office work is dictated by a 5-day work week; however, fieldwork schedules will deviate based on job requirements and may require longer hours and weekends. 

Office Type: Primarily field-based with occasional in-office work (approximately 1–3 days per week); not a remote position.

Travel: Local travel only.

A favorable pre-hire drug test is required. A favorable pre-hire physical may be required. All positions are subject to a pre-hire education and driving record verification.

MORE ABOUT HGL AND THE OPPORTUNITY

At HGL, we share a drive and vision to restore natural resources and provide ongoing stewardship of our environment to benefit present and future generations. We believe that we can make a difference in improving the world we live in through collaboration, teamwork, and a positive work environment. This unites and empowers us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors.

HGL – WHO WE ARE

The exceptional quality of our people is key to our strength. We value our employees as individuals and as important members of our team. We offer a work environment that is flexible, inclusive, and dedicated to creating a sustainable future. By cultivating a culture of innovation, we’re able to adapt and augment our services to solve complex environmental and natural resources challenges. 

Projects at HGL primarily span the United States and its territories, tackling problems associated with emerging contaminants (like PFAS), radiological contamination, and military munitions, along with chemical contamination in groundwater, surface water, sediments, and soil. 

With over 550 employees, HGL is large enough to execute high-profile projects, but small enough to develop personal working environments with our talented team members. By joining HGL, you will be working toward restoring the environment and protecting our future.

HGL - WE INVEST IN YOU

It’s not just a job, it’s your career. HGL provides career growth opportunities via mentoring, training, education, and support for your certifications and licenses. Achieve your career goals and help HGL achieve its mission of restoring the environment to beneficial use for our clients and communities. 

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected category. Some positions may require U.S. citizenship. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should contact Human Resources directly at 703-478-5186.

EEO notices: US Equal Opportunity Employment Poster, US Equal Opportunity Supplemental Poster, Know Your Rights, and Pay Transparency Notice.

A full list of benefits is available at www.hgl.com/careers/.

The hourly rate for this position is $20 with 40 hours per week anticipated. This position's final salary can be impacted by various factors including, but not limited to, contractual requirements, geographic location, job-related education, training, experience, and skills. If your desired salary falls outside of this range, we hope you'll still apply as there may be other positions that better align.

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