Internship Application Letter Environmental Engineer in United States New York City – Free Word Template Download with AI

October 26, 2023

Ms. Evelyn Rodriguez

Hiring Manager, Environmental Programs Division

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

17th Floor, 350 Jay Street

New York City, NY 10002

Dear Ms. Rodriguez,

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Environmental Engineer Internship position within your esteemed department at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). As a dedicated and technically proficient undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering at Columbia University, I have meticulously aligned my academic trajectory with the urgent environmental challenges facing United States New York City. This internship represents not merely an opportunity to gain professional experience, but a critical step toward contributing meaningfully to the city’s ambitious sustainability initiatives, including its Climate Mobilization Act and OneNYC 2050 goals.

My academic foundation has equipped me with rigorous technical skills directly applicable to the complex environmental systems operating across New York City. In my coursework, I have mastered principles of hydrology, water and wastewater treatment processes, environmental chemistry, and sustainable infrastructure design—all essential for addressing NYC’s unique urban environment. For instance, in my senior capstone project titled "Optimizing Stormwater Management for Urban Green Infrastructure in Brooklyn," I collaborated with a team to model runoff reduction potential using EPA’s SWMM software and proposed bioswale designs tailored to New York City's dense infrastructure constraints. This project required navigating NYC-specific regulations like the NYC Stormwater Management Code and understanding the city’s vulnerability to extreme precipitation events, which are increasingly frequent due to climate change. My analysis demonstrated a potential 28% reduction in combined sewer overflows during heavy rainfall events—directly supporting DEP’s mission to protect our waterways under the Clean Water Act.

What particularly draws me to this internship is the opportunity to work at the intersection of environmental engineering and one of the world’s most dynamic urban ecosystems. New York City presents unparalleled challenges and opportunities: from revitalizing contaminated sites like the Gowanus Canal Superfund site, to implementing green infrastructure across all five boroughs, to preparing our coastal infrastructure for sea-level rise. I am deeply familiar with NYC’s environmental framework, having closely followed DEP’s initiatives such as the Green Infrastructure Plan—which aims to capture 1 billion gallons of stormwater annually through green roofs and permeable pavements—and the city’s recent ban on single-use plastic bags. I have also completed a field practicum with the Hudson River Estuary Program, where I assisted in monitoring water quality parameters at multiple NYC waterfront sites, gaining firsthand experience with regulatory compliance frameworks that govern environmental engineering work throughout the United States.

My technical proficiencies extend beyond theoretical knowledge to practical application. I am proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D for infrastructure design, GIS platforms (ArcGIS Pro) for spatial analysis of environmental data, and Python scripting for data automation—skills I applied during a summer internship with a municipal consulting firm serving New York City boroughs. In that role, I supported the development of an asset management database tracking the condition of aging stormwater systems across Queens and Staten Island, which required careful adherence to NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) standards. Additionally, my volunteer work with NYC Parks’ Urban Ecology Initiative involved planting native species in Bronx parks to enhance biodiversity—a practical application of ecological engineering principles that I believe complements DEP’s community-based environmental stewardship approach.

I am equally committed to the ethical and social dimensions of environmental engineering in New York City. Having grown up in Queens, I have witnessed firsthand how marginalized communities bear the brunt of environmental inequities, such as elevated air pollution near industrial zones or inadequate green space access. This experience fuels my dedication to developing solutions that are not only technically sound but also socially just—a principle embedded in DEP’s Environmental Justice Policy. I am eager to learn from your team about how engineering decisions balance ecological health, regulatory compliance, and community well-being within the United States' urban context.

My resume, attached for your review, provides further detail on my academic achievements, technical skills, and relevant experiences. I have also included a portfolio of my capstone project deliverables showcasing GIS maps and hydrological models specific to NYC’s watershed challenges. I am confident that my proactive attitude, analytical rigor, and passion for sustainable urban systems align precisely with the DEP’s mission to protect New York City's environment for generations to come.

Thank you for considering my application for the Environmental Engineer Internship. I am deeply impressed by DEP’s leadership in advancing environmental resilience across New York City and would be honored to contribute under your guidance. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached by phone at (917) 555-0123 or email at [email protected]. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills in environmental engineering can support the critical work being done to make New York City a model for urban sustainability within the United States.

Sincerely,

Alexandra Mendez

Environmental Engineering Candidate, Class of 2024

Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science

New York City, NY 10027

Enclosure: Resume, Capstone Project Portfolio

This document complies with the requirements for an Environmental Engineer Internship Application Letter in United States New York City.

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