Summer 2026 Water Resources Intern

The Progressive Companies Summer Internship Program is a paid, full-time experience where classroom learning meets real-world impact. You’ll dive into hands-on projects, sharpen your problem-solving and communication skills, and gain a front-row seat to the world of architecture, design, engineering, and construction. Along the way, enjoy community outings, wellness events, service-learning projects, and lunch-and-learns that fuel both your career and your curiosity.

As a Water Resources Intern, you will work collaboratively with scientists to conduct aquatic plant surveys, collect water quality samples, and conduct laboratory analysis.  Typical work includes driving a pickup truck and trailering a boat to lakes in Michigan’s lower peninsula, assisting with loading and unloading of survey supplies, driving a 16-foot fishing boat, navigating with GPS, and recording field observations. 

Please note: The Grand Rapids internship is a full time schedule of 40 hours per week, and the Detroit internship is a part time schedule of approximately 30 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the Water Resources team and clients to ensure they achieve project schedules and budgets.
• Drive pickup truck and trailer 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 pickup truck and boat several hours each day on the job, including hot, cold, wet, humid, windy, and wavy conditions.
• Identify a variety of aquatic plants.

Qualifications:

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