Policy and Planning Intern - Harrisburg (College)

Are you passionate about the environment and searching for a fulfilling internship that goes beyond the basics? If so, the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR), is excited to welcome a driven college student who is interested in working alongside seasoned staff to assist with policy and strategic planning initiatives for the department. If you are ready to make a meaningful contribution to your community and acquire the skills needed to secure a rewarding career, we encourage you to apply today!

As a Policy and Planning Intern, you will provide vital assistance to staff surrounding department-wide policy development, strategic planning, program implementation, and inter-agency initiatives which are crucial in advancing DCNR's mission. You will learn and assist with various tasks related to conservation and natural resources, in addition to applying your skills to analytical problem solving, research, writing, and more to identify potential resolutions to some of the challenges faced by DCNR.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time internship that will run from 5/1/2026 through 8/28/2026.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, on a schedule that aligns with the supervisor in order to be 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.
• 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:

• Current full-time enrollment in a two-year degree, bachelor's degree or advanced degree program in one of the following majors:
  • Environmental Science
  • Ecology
  • Natural Resources
  • Conservation
• 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.