Cultural Resources Intern

Embark on an exciting journey with SWCA as a Cultural Resources Intern for Summer 2026 in our Arlington, TX office. Join our dynamic team and be part of innovative, meaningful work in cultural resources and archaeology. Established in 1981, SWCA is a nationally recognized leader known for sound science, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to professional growth. As a Cultural Resources Intern, you'll gain hands-on experience across both office and field projects while collaborating with talented cultural resources professionals.

The internship will run from early June to mid-August 2026, with flexibility for early starters or those interested in extending their internship. Candidates with educational or professional experience are highly encouraged to apply. In addition to impactful project involvement, interns will also participate in presentations and learning sessions led by SWCA experts.

This is a paid, 40 hours/week internship at $19.00 per hour. For this internship, we will be considering candidates who are based within driving distance of Arlington/ DFW area to support project and office needs.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

This Cultural Resources Intern positions will be roughly 75% field and 25% office based. Interns typically receive:

• Hands-on experience with surveying and site recording methods
• Experience following local State Historic Preservation Office and federal agency guidelines for performing archaeological fieldwork.
• Introduction to cartography and archaeological map analysis.
• Opportunities to participate in various types of cultural resources management fieldwork.
• Exposure to a nationally recognized cultural compliance consulting firm and lead professionals in the field.
• Interns also must adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a community college, college, or university, pursuing a certificate of proficiency, associate degree, or a bachelor's degree with a focus on cultural resource management or Archaeology. Individuals who completed or will complete a bachelor's degree within 12 months of May 1, 2026, will also be considered.
• Applicants that are pursuing a master's degree will also be considered. Ph.D. candidates are not eligible through this program.
• Experience with cultural resources field work (e.g., archaeology, anthropology, etc.) through classwork, honors thesis, or capstone projects, professional or intern experience, or volunteer work.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Must have good communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Must have ability and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.

Field-Based Role Requirements

• Completion of an archaeological field school is a plus.
• Ability to travel for fieldwork up to 75% of the time, including multi-day assignments.
• Ability to walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather and rugged terrain, and carry equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, adapt to shifting priorities, and perform tasks efficiently.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle on backcountry roads.
• Willingness to participate in drug and alcohol screening if required by specific projects.

Helpful Skills

• Familiarity with GPS devices, digital data collection, and mapping tools such as ArcGIS.
• Technical writing experience.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.