Barr’s internship program started 35 years ago in 1989 and has grown to 24 interns and co-op students across 8 offices in the United States and Canada.  

Our internship program offers real life experience to interns across different fields while building a supportive network of peers, sponsors, and client connection.  

Quinn Ackerman is a Water Resources Intern stationed in the Bismarck office. Here, we'll learn more about his work and experiences at Barr! 

Where are you studying and what are some of your academic interests? 

I am studying at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. I am studying Civil Engineering with an interest in Water Resources.  

What initially drew you to this field? 

My uncle is an engineer in Minot, North Dakota and he works mainly on the flood protection project. Just hearing him talk about the work he does began to interest me in the field. Also, I believe that engineering is a never-ending learning career. Being able to comein every day and have a learning mindset really interests me.  

What does the average workday look like for you? 

It really depends on the day–some days I am out in the field doing several things. On field days, I have done soil borings, sediment sampling, site investigations, or wetland delineations. When I am in the office I mostly just sit in my cube and work on different tasks given me. Some of the different tasks include water shed delineations, writing and reviewing reports for wetland delineations, sediment sampling, site visits, and capacity for containment ponds. 

What types of projects have you been involved with at Barr so far? 

I have worked on several projects including dam removals, hydrologic studies, flood protection projects, and erosion control management.  

What do you like to do with your free time? 

I really enjoy the outdoors. Hunting and fishing are my favorite. If I ever have any free time, you will see me outside, whether it is taking my dogs for a walk or going out on the river.  

What has been your favorite part about working at Barr? 

Being able to manage your own workload. If you'd want to work on one thing at a time, you can. If you want to do 5 things at once, you can also do that. The flexibility they give you if you are doing efficient and good work is very rewarding. Another thing is the number of different opportunities within Barr. This is a place where people that want to learn as they work are really given the opportunity. 

How has this internship helped you step out of your comfort zone? 

The second week I worked here after I finished my trainings, a colleague came up to me with a task. He set it on my desk and said, “have you ever done a watershed delineation before?” I replied with an honest “I haven’t even heard of that.”  

He then proceeded to teach me on how to do to do them and brought to my attention that this was a learning experience and I was not expected to know everything. From then on, I was comfortable taking on tasks that were outside of my comfort zone. I know if I get stuck or confused my colleagues are more than happy to help. 

What would you say to someone considering an internship at Barr? 

Absolutely do it, this has by far been the best work experience that I have had. It doesn’t even feel like I am coming to work. The number of different things that you can do at Barr is amazing. If you are interested in one thing, you can network throughout the company and find work in what you are interested in. If you don’t have any interests, you can get plugged into several different projects and find your interests.  

What is the coolest project that you have worked on so far? 

The Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project. This project was initiated by the Souris River Joint Board in 2011. This project provides flood protection measures to urban and rural residents throughout the Mouse River/Souris River Basin in North Dakota. Being from Bismarck, I remember this flood extremely well, as most of my family lives in Minot. I was able to see most of the damages caused firsthand. Being able to help on this project has been a great learning experience and extremely rewarding.   

About Evie Zick

Evie Zick is currently a fourth-year student studying communications and multimedia at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. As a corporate communications intern at Barr, she is gaining hands-on experience in internal and external content creation, social media, and graphic design. Her passions include writing, visual arts and design, environmental conservation, and solution-based storytelling.    

Image gallery

1. Fishing on Reindeer Lake in Northern Saskatchewan

2. Quinn holding a walleye he caught on Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota