Ascent 2026 Environmental Intern

DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOU?

You are either a current upper-division undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student or a recent college graduate eager to gain practical experience in the environmental and planning fields. You are looking for an internship program that offers you the opportunity to be involved in meaningful projects, develop valuable skills, and make a tangible impact on real-world challenges. You want to join a team that is committed to advancing sustainability, innovation, and equity in the communities it serves.

Ascent is seeking interns to join our Environmental Planning practice in one of our following office locations: Berkeley, Sacramento, or San Diego. As an intern at Ascent, you can expect to:

• Conduct research and produce planning and environmental work products.
• Analyze data and support various technical teams.
• Gain insight into local planning and environmental regulations.
• Visit project sites to conduct field assignments as needed.
• Engage in public outreach and collaborative discussions.
• Work, collaborate, network, networks with diverse technical teams.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
 

EEPIC

In addition to a traditional internship, Ascent participates in the Environmental Engineering and Planning Internship and Charrette (EEPIC) program. EEPIC strives to expand the environmental, engineering, economics, and planning industries with a workforce that more accurately represents the communities where we live, work, and serve. The mission of EEPIC is to implement a unified internship program for all students in this business sector including but not limited to those students who represent Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), as well as veterans, individuals with disabilities, and/or students who are first in their families to go to college and provide them with opportunities for professional development, networking, and a pathway into the industry.  As part of the program, two Ascent interns will participate in an intensive in-person two-week charrette in July (with travel and lodging covered), tackling a real-world project in partnership with EEPIC interns from other firms. If you would like to be considered for the EEPIC program, in addition to completing the application, complete the following form: 2026 Environmental, Engineering, and Planning Internship and Charrette  (EEPIC) – Fill out form, and submit by February 13, 2026. 

Requirements

Current upper-division college/university student or recent graduates. Current graduate and doctorate students are also encouraged to apply. Pursuing studies in related fields such as:

• Environmental Studies
• Environmental Science
• Urban and Regional Planning
• Geography (with an emphasis in GIS, Land Use, or Environmental Systems)
• Sustainability Studies
• Natural Resource Management
• Public Policy or Environmental Policy
• Landscape Architecture
• Civil or Environmental Engineering
• Ecology or Earth Sciences

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Strong research, communication, and teamwork skills.

Work Environment

• This job operates in an office-based environment, and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
• This job may require occasional project site visits outdoors, which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting/standing and computer work.
• May involve fieldwork outdoors, including uneven terrain and varying weather conditions.

Travel

• Limited travel may be required.

Work authorization/security clearance requirements: Not eligible for sponsorship
 

Additional eligibility requirements: N/A
 

Diversity Statement

Ascent is committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout all facets of the organization. We value and will strive to ascend by welcoming and uplifting all voices, ideas, achievements, and contributions, including those from marginalized communities and identities. We believe that recognizing and embracing our differences makes us a stronger organization. We commit to proactively nurturing environments of mutual support, respect, and caring for all through our words and actions. Join us on our journey.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement?

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Ascent is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact PeopleResources@ascent.inc.