Applied Research Intern - Water (Summer 2026)

Stantec • Denver, CO

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Learning begins in the classroom but there’s no better place to gain real-world experience than with Stantec. Interns are an integral part of our teams, working to solve some of the world's most complex challenges. As an intern, you’ll work alongside our experienced practitioners and with our clients and communities. This hands-on experience will equip you with practical skills, build your network, and provide opportunities that set you up for success. The applied research intern will support pilot‑scale research advancing next-generation water and wastewater treatment technologies. Working closely with the Water BOU’s Office of Research, Innovation & Technology (ORIT), the intern will collaborate daily with the research team in Denver, principal investigators, system designers, and the broader ORIT research team (primarily virtually). This role is field‑focused , with daily work conducted at two pilot facilities—a drinking water treatment plant and a wastewater treatment site. The intern will play a key role in advancing innovation in two high‑priority areas: PFAS treatment technologies and biological nutrient removal (BNR). The position reports to an Innovation Portfolio Manager within ORIT. The intern will gain hands‑on experience in applied research, process engineering principles, experimental design, data analysis, and the role of research in a consulting and client‑service environment. This is a full‑time summer position with the potential to continue part-time during the academic year.

Requirements

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Laboratory experience, including wet chemistry techniques.
• Ability to independently conduct sampling and analytical testing using established methods.
• Ability to review and synthesize academic research.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic research environment.
• Strategic thinking paired with hands‑on, tactical execution.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and interact with clients.
• Team‑oriented mindset with a willingness to share ideas and build innovation culture.
• Currently enrolled in a B.S. or higher degree program in environmental or chemical engineering or related with lab and research experience

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of water, wastewater, or biosolids treatment processes is beneficial, but not required.
• Exposure to process engineering and process modeling tools is beneficial, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with ORIT’s research team to support: Daily experimental and operational tasks
• Troubleshooting analytical methods, instrumentation, and mechanical systems
• Research planning, decision support, and documentation
• Work onsite daily at two pilot facilities, including a containerized wastewater treatment pilot treating real wastewater. The candidate should be comfortable working in a field environment that can be noisy and physically demanding, and must follow all Stantec safety policies and procedures.
• Troubleshoot mechanical systems with guidance and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct sampling and analytical testing independently, following standard methods and protocols (training provided).
• Review, interpret, and synthesize academic and industry literature to support research conclusions.
• Organize, analyze, and visualize data to support technical findings and project decision‑making.
• Contribute to ORIT’s innovation culture, collaborating with colleagues across the water business.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern