Waterfall Internship

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

WaterFall Internship

Are you passionate about addressing critical environmental issues? RTI's Center for Water, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Energy Solutions (WARES) improves the human condition by leveraging leading-edge analytics and multidisciplinary expertise to deliver evidence-based insights and practical solutions to complex environmental and economic challenges.

We are seeking an intern to support our Watershed Flow and ALLocation model (WaterFALL ) team in research and applied project work. In this role, you will work across diverse projects in domestic markets, gaining hands-on experience while helping us bridge the gap between scientific innovation and real-world solutions.

This internship will involve research across a variety of areas depending on project needs. Specific activities for the WaterFALL internship will likely include:

• Conducting background research and gathering information on topics specific to WaterFALL development and application
• Assisting in documenting WaterFALL procedures and technical references
• Performing structured literature reviews on pressing issues related to WaterFall, such as ways in which states are addressing the Sackett decision on wetland protections
• Assisting with data analysis and interpretation focused on model sensitivity and uncertainty
• Presenting findings through infographics or PowerPoint slide decks
• Supporting project or proposal coordination

Desired Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a graduate student pursuing a degree related to environmental science or engineering, water resources, policy, or related fields. Additional desired skills include:

• Strong writing and research abilities
• Exposure to or experience in watershed, hydrology, water quality, or hydraulic models
• Interest in environmental resilience and sustainability
• Experience analysis of large data sets including documentation of assessment procedures and quality control processes.
• Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, R, Python)
• Experience conducting data visualizations and building PowerPoint slide decks
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

Work Schedule and Location

Interns can expect to work 20-40 hours in the May - August 2026 time period (start and end dates flexible). Work can be conducted remotely; however, candidates located in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina who can occasionally work on-site are preferred.

Input Overview

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is availablehere.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.