Environmental Summer Internship

Title: Summer Internships for Current College Sophomores and Juniors ONLY (Multiple Positions)

State Role Title: Paid Intern

Hiring Range: $16.26 (State Benefits Not Included)

Pay Band: N/A

Agency: Dept of Environmental Quality

Location: Dept of Environmental Quality

Agency Website: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/news-info/jobs

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Agency

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Mission is to protect and enhance Virginia’s environment and promote the health and well-being of all citizens in the Commonwealth. Our Vision is that all Virginians enjoy cleaner water, better air quality, and the productive reuse of land that was once contaminated.

Why DEQ?

Are you a current college sophomore or junior who is passionate about protecting Virginia’s air, land, and water? If so, our summer internship program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and deepen your understanding of how the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) safeguards the environment for the health and well-being of all Virginians. Work alongside dedicated environmental professionals, build valuable skills, and set yourself on a path to a successful career in the environmental field. Don’t miss out on this rewarding opportunity to make a real impact!

To learn more about our agency’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website at: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/get-involved/about-us.

What You'll Do

• Field Experience: Conduct regulatory inspections and participate in fieldwork under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
  
   
• Data Analysis & Management: Analyze environmental data, perform data entry, and manage vital records.
  
   
• Reporting & Communication: Prepare summary/progress reports based on your inspections and fieldwork.
  
   
• Learning & Growth: Receive personalized mentoring to set learning goals and discuss your progress. Participate in training sessions that deepen your understanding of federal and state environmental laws, regulations, and DEQ programs. Participate in a first-week orientation session at DEQ’s Central Office in Richmond to learn more about the agency’s core programs, regulations, and policy, and prepare for field work in the regional offices.

Why This Internship?

• Gain real-world experience in a variety of environmental disciplines.
• Develop a strong foundation in environmental regulations and agency operations.
   
• Engage in professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Contribute to projects that directly impact local environmental protection efforts.

This is your chance to gain invaluable insights and experience in environmental science, all while helping protect our planet for future generations!

Job Description

This position for current college sophomores and juniors (only) provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and deepen your understanding of how the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) safeguards the environment for the health and well-being of all Virginians. Interns will work alongside dedicated environmental professionals, gain real-world experience in a variety of environmental disciplines, develop a strong foundation in environmental regulations and agency operations, engage in professional development opportunities, and contribute to projects that directly impact local environmental protection efforts.

All applications will be screened to ensure applicants meet the qualifications listed below.

Responsibilities
 

This position is responsible for:

• Supporting regulatory inspections and field work under the direction and supervision of technical staff
• Analyzing data
• Managing data and records
• Creating summary/progress reports
• The role may also coordinate with staff on special projects or offer general program information to the public or regulated community.
   

Minimum Qualifications

• Major coursework in environmental sciences.
• Practical, hands-on experience in an environmental science-related discipline. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a member of a team.  
• Ability to work independently under the supervision of technical staff.  
• Skilled in the use of database applications and GIS.  
• Computational, analytical, organizational, and time management skills.  
• Attention to detail. 
• Ability to work outside in summer heat or other adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to ambulate mountainous terrain and uneven flowing stream bottoms, and working on boats may be required for some positions.
• Ability to travel to the City of Richmond for the program’s first week of orientation.
• Strong work ethic that embodies DEQ’s mission, vison and values.
• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university as a sophomore or junior.