Hunter Drainfield Design is a purpose-driven company specializing in septic system design and permitting across Virginia. Our internship program provides real-world exposure to soil science, environmental permitting and fieldwork, guided by licensed professionals.
The program is structured in two phases: Intern I (Learning & Observation) and Intern II (Independent Contribution).
Ideal Candidates: This internship is ideal for students or early-career professionals in environmental science, engineering, or related fields who are:
Familiar with describing soils and reading the natural landscape.
Capable of formatting in Excel and Word.
Experience using AutoCAD or GIS.
Self-motivated and observant.
Eager to learn through active participation.
Ready to grow within a team that values professionalism, integrity and initiative.
Internship Prerequisites: Applicants must demonstrate:
Foundational Soil Science Knowledge
An understanding of soil science fundamentals like texturing, coloring, soil structure, moisture consistency, redoximorphic features and horizon naming.
Field Surveying Capabilities
Ability to read the lanscape and fimiliar with landscape positions, understands reading contours in-field.
Ability to take initiative, ask questions, and act independently.
Problem-solving skills and ability to communicate clearly.
Maturity and responsibility appropriate for shadowing licensed professionals in the field.
Intern I – Learning & Observation Phase Objective: Learn the basic drainfield design process in-field with an AOSE and/or an assistant.
Site & Soil Evaluations
County meetings and learning the permitting process
Drainfield system types and field inspections
Key Responsibilities:
Shadow AOSE and/or assistant soil scientist during evaluations and inspections.
Assist in creating soil profiles using augered soil samples.
Attend in-field inspections with environmental health officials.
Document field observations and organize project notes.
Begin to recognize and understand county-specific system requirements.
Support simple administrative or research-related tasks as assigned.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the full permitting lifecycle and system design basics.
Apply observation into action through hands-on processing and synthesis.
Demonstrate personal responsibility, task ownership, and awareness of learning style.
Practice clear, timely communication.
Prepare for limited task initiation with supervision.
Promotion Criteria to Intern II Interns may be considered for promotion when they consistently:
Demonstrate task ownership and initiative, understands the general work process from site arrival to conclusion.
Communicate clearly, ask relevant questions, and advocate when support is needed.
Anticipate next steps and support workflow with minimal oversight.
Apply their learning style effectively to complete assigned tasks.
Show readiness to begin initiating simple permit or inspection-related processes independently.
Intern II – Independent Contribution Phase Objective: Move from observation to light independent work, with increasing ownership of simple deliverables and tasks. Key Responsibilities:
Prepare portions of permit applications or summary reports.
Assist with inspections and detailed note-taking.
Organize site information and contribute to permit design.
Communicate directly (when appropriate) with county staff or clients.
Track and manage defined portions of project workflows.
Development Goals:
Apply learning to real project needs.
Strong communication, time management and judgement.
Gain confidence with tasks in a professional setting.
To apply:
Please email your resume and a brief introduction of yourself to [email protected]
