We are seeking a motivated Environmental Intern to support the development of our environmental program. This internship is ideal for students or early-career scientists interested in environmental chemistry, environmental compliance, environmental sampling, analytical methods, and technical documentation. 

The intern will collaborate with our technical and program teams to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), support data management workflows, assist in field sampling preparation, and participate in the design, setup, and organization of a technical facility workspace. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain exposure to environmental sampling procedures, quality systems, and technical development. 

This is a paid internship for students currently pursuing a post baccalaureate or graduate degree, as well as recent post baccalaureate or graduate degree recipients. The position is based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and is expected to be approximately 40 hours per week during the summer term. The internship may take place anytime between May 26, 2026, and September 6, 2026, with specific start and end dates determined in coordination with the supervisor. Applications must be submitted by March 13, 2026.

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. 

• Assist with development of a technical facility workspace, including: 
  • Supporting layout planning and equipment organization 
  • Helping develop workflow diagrams and process maps 
  • Assisting in equipment procurement 
  • Preparing materials for commissioning and readiness reviews
• Draft, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sampling procedures, quality control, and workflows in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and laws
• Support data management, including data entry, quality checks, naming conventions, and development of standardized templates and logs
• Prepare sample containers, labeling systems, and chain-of-custody documents for environmental sampling events
• Assist with sampling preparation (soil, groundwater, drinking water, materials) under staff supervision
• Support organization of consumables and equipment
• Conduct literature reviews to support compliance and technical documentation
• Help maintain organized digital and physical documentation (binders, logs, SOP libraries, data tracking sheets)
• Collaborate with project chemists, environmental engineers, and data specialists to support ongoing projects 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Applicants must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 of higher.   
• Must be 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. 
• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. 
• Strong understanding of fundamental chemistry and environmental practices. 
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to follow structured procedures. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or other data management tools. 
• Strong written communication skills for technical documentation and SOP drafting. 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently as needed. 

Due to the hybrid nature of this internship, access to broadband WiFi is required to work effectively in a virtual office environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with environmental field work operations. 
• Familiarity with environmental sampling procedures and QA/QC workflows. 
• Knowledge of analytical equipment (e.g., FTIR, GC/MS, balances, ovens, spectrometers) is a plus. 
• Experience with data analysis software (Excel, R, LIMS, etc.). 
• Interest in quality systems and environmental analytical workflows 

What This Internship Offers 

• Experience contributing to the development of a technical workspace facility—from concept to functional readiness. 
• Exposure to environmental chemistry workflows, quality management systems, and industry-standard SOPs. 
• Development of hands-on and administrative skills relevant to environmental consulting, environmental chemistry, and federal contracting. 
• Mentorship from chemists, engineers, and project managers. 
• A meaningful opportunity to contribute to environmental sampling and data quality improvements. 

Education and Experience:  

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required. 

In-Office Requirements: Due to the hybrid (mix of in-person and remote) nature of this internship, intern must have the ability to work from the Honolulu office a minimum of two days per week, with a possibile increase to three days contingent upon project needs. 

Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation: 

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer

The Nakupuna Companies use a market-based compensation strategy to ensure that our employees are compensated within applicable market ranges commensurate with multiple factors, including but not limited to the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, and position location. The projected compensation range for this position is $20 to $30 (hourly USD). The hourly range displayed represents the typical hourly range for this position and is just one component of Nakupuna Companies total compensation package for employees.