Climate and Sustainability Intern - Harrisburg (College)

Are you enthusiastic about conservation, climate action, and safeguarding our natural resources? This is your opportunity to transform that enthusiasm into valuable experience. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is looking for a driven college student to join our team and assist with important Climate and Sustainability projects. You will collaborate with dedicated professionals, engage in real environmental initiatives, and gain practical knowledge about how public agencies foster positive change in Pennsylvania's natural environments. If you have an interest in public service, want to enhance your resume, and are eager to make a real difference, this internship is a perfect fit. Apply today and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in environmental stewardship and sustainability.

In this position, you will assist the DCNR Climate and Sustainability team in promoting the agency's key sustainability goals, such as lowering its carbon footprint, enhancing energy efficiency, and sharing best practices with both the agency and the public. Your tasks will involve supporting the Forever Green initiative by collaborating with its leaders and team members, collecting information from staff and partners across the state, and monitoring new sustainability practices that align with DCNR's mission. You will also play a role in analyzing agency data, exploring potential solutions, and creating materials to showcase sustainability efforts. This includes developing educational content for events, producing materials for the intranet and social media, and aiding in outreach efforts both internally and externally. Through these activities, interns will gain practical experience in climate action, data analysis, and environmental communication within a statewide conservation agency.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Internship employment period will occur between May 1, 2026 and August 28, 2026
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework)part-time on a schedule that aligns with their supervisor so they are in the office on the same days. 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.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• Current full-time enrollment in a two-year degree, bachelor's degree or advanced degree program in one of the following majors:
  • Environmental Education
  • Sustainability
  • Environmental Science
  • Natural Resources Management
  • Climate Science
• An approved major course which includes a qualifying 24 credit hours of study in the physical, biological and environmental sciences may be acceptable.
• Freshman year completed by May 2026
• Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher).
• Pennsylvania residency or enrollment at a Pennsylvania college or university.

Additional Requirements:

• 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).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.