Harmful Algal Bloom Intern (College)

Are you a motivated and enthusiastic college student eager to gain hands-on field experience and contribute to protecting public health? The Department of Health is seeking dedicated undergraduate and graduate students for our Summer 2026 internship program. In this impactful role, you will support the division's interagency Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) initiatives, with a primary focus on collecting and documenting water samples for laboratory testing. Your work will support the early detection of HABs and help reduce potential public exposure to harmful environmental conditions. If you are passionate about public service and interested in environmental and public health, we encourage you to apply and take the next step toward a rewarding and impactful experience!

As an intern, you will collaborate with division staff and partner agencies to advance HAB initiatives. Your responsibilities will include traveling to various waterbodies, conducting fieldwork, and collecting samples from recreational waters for HAB testing and analysis. In addition to field sampling, you may assist with other HAB-related efforts such as developing educational and outreach materials, reviewing and organizing data, and communicating with recreational waterbody personnel to support public awareness and prevention strategies. You may also be assigned to assist with public health emergency response missions for the Department of Health. These emergency assignments can arise with little or no advance notice and may last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the scope and nature of the situation.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Internship, starts in May 2026 and ends in August 2026, prior to the start of the school year.
• Work hours are flexible (up to 20 hours per week) from Monday to Friday.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. 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.
• Hourly Rate: In some cases, the starting hourly rate 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:

• You must be currently enrolled in a full-time bachelor's degree program or higher.
• You must be in good academic standing (as defined by a GPA of 2.0 or higher).
• You must have Pennsylvania residency or enrollment at a Pennsylvania college or university.

Additional Requirements:

• You must possess a valid driver's license that 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).
• 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.

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.