Water Quality Intern - Bureau of Clean Water, Water Quality Division (College)

Internships through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) inspire an exciting opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and assist with a wide-range of environmental protection activities and initiatives involving various program areas within the agency. We are seeking ambitious and dedicated interns who are eager join us in our mission to protect Pennsylvania's air, land, and water from pollution and provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment. Apply today and start building a strong foundation for a fascinating and fulfilling career in public service!

As a Water Quality Intern, you will learn how to conduct a wide range of comprehensive surveys in order to monitor and assess surface waters across the Commonwealth. This will include surface waters which may be impacted by oil and gas exploration activities. You will also learn how to maintain water quality monitoring equipment in addition to assisting with maintaining, assessing, and integrating data collected from monitoring efforts using AQUARIUS software and standard Microsoft Office applications. This opportunity also allows you to assist with laboratory processing of benthic macroinvertebrate and fish samples collected as part of waterbody surveys.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time internship which will occur from 5/1/2026 through 8/28/2026.
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Overnight travel may be required.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, on a schedule that aligns with the supervisor. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• Enrollment in good academic standing as a FULL-TIME student in a bachelor's, or advanced degree program in:
  • Environmental Studies
  • Biology
• An approved major course of study at an accredited college or university.
• Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher)
• Freshman year completed by May 2026
• Pennsylvania residency or enrollment of a Pennsylvania college or university.

Additional Requirements:

• You must possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.