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Putting environmental policy into practice

July 20, 2025
Putting environmental policy into practice Knee deep in a bog, water resources intern Josie Hartman helps with mid-season troll data downloads.

Each year, Barr’s summer internship program offers students the chance to dive into real-world projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and explore career paths. Among this year’s 24 interns and co-op students is Josie, a rising senior studying environmental policy and planning, political science, and sustainability at the University of Iowa. Josie is passionate about using public policy and urban planning to protect natural resources and build healthier, more equitable communities. Here, we get to know more about Josie’s journey, what drew her to environmental work, and how her summer at Barr’s Duluth, Minnesota, office is shaping her future.

What initially drew you to this field?

I’ve always loved to be outdoors, but I found my path into environmental policy and planning during my freshman year of college when I took a course on foundations of environmental science. I realized that many of the most pressing environmental issues aren’t just scientific challenges but also social and political ones. That’s what drew me into the field—the chance to help shape systems and decisions that impact both ecosystems and communities.

“That’s what drew me into the field—the chance to help shape systems and decisions that impact both ecosystems and communities.”

I’m especially interested in green infrastructure and nature-based solutions as sustainable tools for managing water, adapting to climate change, and building long-term resilience. Two projects that stand out from my time in school are conducting a risk assessment for two cities in Iowa and developing a conservation plan for an endangered species. Both gave me the opportunity to connect research, planning, and policy analysis, which is the work I’m excited to keep pursuing in my career.

What does the average workday look like for you at Barr?

An average workday as a water resources intern is a bit hard to define because no two days are the same—but that’s one of the things I like most about my experience. Some days I’m out in the Minnesota wilderness collecting groundwater samples for analysis or helping with wetland delineations. Other days, I’m back in the office attending meetings with project teams, working on ArcGIS Pro, analyzing data, and preparing reports. The variety keeps things interesting and helps me develop a wide range of skills. There’s a strong mix of independent work and collaboration, which I really appreciate because it allows me to develop my skills while learning from experienced professionals. I’m always learning something new (usually something I didn’t even know existed) and contributing in meaningful ways.

How would you describe Barr’s work culture and people?

Barr’s work culture is incredibly welcoming and supportive. Everyone I have interacted with has been kind, approachable, and willing to help. The environment makes it so easy to learn and grow, especially as an intern. One of the things I appreciate the most is that it is not a competitive atmosphere. With its free-market system, Barr values collaboration and invests in the growth of its employees. As an intern, I feel like my input is respected and my work is trusted. I’m not just observing projects. I’m actively contributing and being given meaningful responsibilities. People are excited to share their knowledge, and when you ask them about what they are working on, they light up. The enthusiasm, combined with a culture of mentorship and teamwork, makes it a great place to learn and be a part of the team.

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

There are a million ways this internship has pushed me out of my comfort zone. I am from a small town in Iowa, over six hours away. Moving to a new city, where I didn’t know anyone, was nerve-racking.

“Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but an essential part of professional growth. I now see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles to avoid.”

On top of that, I tend to be a perfectionist and usually hesitate to ask for help when I am unsure about something. Through this internship, I have realized that it’s okay, and even expected, not to have all the answers. I’ve learned the value of reaching out, asking questions, and collaborating with others. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but an essential part of professional growth. I now see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles to avoid.

Working in a free-market environment has helped me boost my confidence by encouraging me to take initiative and be proactive in seeking out learning opportunities. It’s also pushed me to grow my networking skills by building relationships with project teams, my sponsors, and others in the office. Moving to a new city and adapting to this dynamic work environment has made me more independent and confident in my abilities. I’m grateful for how this internship experience is shaping not only my skills but my mindset as I prepare for my future career.

How has your internship influenced your career aspirations?

This internship has given me a clearer picture of the type of work I want to pursue in the future. Before starting, I knew I was interested in environmental policy and planning, but this experience has helped me see how that plays out in real projects. Being a part of the water resources team has shown me how rewarding it can be to work on projects that directly support sustainable development and resource management. It’s also helped me realize that I enjoy the balance between fieldwork and office work.

One of the most eye-opening aspects has been diving into the science side of environmental work. Most of my classes focus on policy, so getting hands-on experience with groundwater sampling, wetland ecology, and data analysis has given me a more complete understanding of the foundation that informs good policy decisions. Getting to spend a summer in an environment where people are excited about their work and support one another has shown me how important it is to have a good culture in the office. Overall, this internship has strengthened my interest in pursuing a career where I can combine planning, policy, and natural resource management. It’s given me confidence that I am on the right path.

What have you enjoyed most about having hands-on experience in the field?

What I’ve enjoyed most about having hands-on experience in the field is the chance to connect directly with the natural world and see the impact of the work. When I first started, a lot of my projects were focused on data entry and analysis in the office.

“It’s easy to forget that the data and numbers in the office represent real places and ecosystems. Being outdoors helps me stay connected to the bigger purpose behind the work.”

Getting out into the field for groundwater sampling and wetland delineation gave me a whole new perspective. I was able to see exactly where the data came from, how it was collected, and what it represented, which made the work feel more meaningful. It’s easy to forget that the data and numbers in the office represent real places and ecosystems. Being outdoors helps me stay connected to the bigger purpose behind the work. My fieldwork has also taken me to some beautiful spots in northern Minnesota, so I can’t complain there.

What do you like to do with your free time?

In my free time, I love to read. It doesn’t matter the genre, I’ll read anything that catches my eye. I’m also a big fan of exploring coffee shops and trying new drinks. One of my favorite ways to spend my free time is with my dog, Jersey. She definitely keeps me active and on my toes with her attitude! When I’m looking to stay indoors, I like playing Wii games for some friendly competition (even if I always beat my friends).

Interested in becoming an intern at Barr? Learn more.

About the author

Evie Zick is a communications and multimedia student at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and expects to graduate in December 2025. Evie began her career at Barr as a corporate communications intern last summer and recently took on the role of communications associate. Her passions include writing, visual arts and design, environmental conservation, and solution-based storytelling.

Image gallery (below)

  1. Getting her feet wet (literally) in the field, Josie conducts a field alkalinity test on groundwater samples.

  2. A small-town girl from Iowa, Josie ventures north to Iona Beach on Minnesota’s north shore and takes in the beautiful view with her mom.

  3. Josie and her sisters pose for a photo at the Iowa State Fair, an annual summer tradition for her family.

  4. With boundless energy and a dash of sass, Jersey makes sure Josie never has a dull moment.

  5. Josie reels in dinner at her family’s cabin on Third Crow Wing Lake in central Minnesota.

Image gallery

Tags:

Barr Culture Career Water Internship Environmental policy Environmental planning

 

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Evie Zick
Communications Associate
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