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The Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania Sea Grant 2026 Summer Undergraduate Internship Program – Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach at The Pennsylvania State University

The Pennsylvania State University Erie, PA

Job Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty staff technical service or student) please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here apply internally through Workday.If you are NOT a current employee or student please click Apply and complete the application process for external applicants.Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTSPennsylvania Sea Grant2026 Summer Undergraduate Internship Program Aquatic Invasive Species PreventionIn partnership with Penn State Behrend Pennsylvania Sea Grant is excited to offer paid summer internship opportunities for undergraduate students seeking to gain experience in the areas ofcommunications education outreach and purpose of the internships is to contribute to an ocean and Great Lakes workforce that understands technical and social challenges facing coastal communities as well as the natural environment. The experience will help prepare undergraduate students from all backgrounds for graduate school and careers in science policy management and outreach focused on oceans Great Lakes and watersheds. The internships are offered in Pennsylvania as part of the Community Engaged Internship (CEI) program which is offered by Sea Grant programs across the country. The Pennsylvania Sea Grant program encourages applications from students with unique lived experiences skills abilities and interests with the intention of strengthening Pennsylvania Sea Grant capacity to enhance the practical use and conservation of natural resources for a healthy environment resilient communities and strong sustainable economies.Learn more about the CEI program visit opportunity is limited to undergraduate students currently enrolled in a U.S. institution of higher learning. Undergraduate students graduating in spring 2026 are eligible for the internship.Applicants must be U.S. citizens permanent residents or be authorized to work in the United States without restriction.Graduate students are not eligible for this opportunity. To learn about graduate fellowship opportunities visit and ApplicationApply electronically ( with the additional documentation as described below. Applications will be reviewed until the positions are applications with the complete materials described below will be reviewed.Submit the following documents in a single PDF file:Resume or curriculum vitae detailing education and work experiences (2-page limit)Goal statement describing your interest in the internship program. Helpful information to include is your personal professional and academic background including your related experience major or field of study and why you chose it; why you are interested in marine Great Lakes watershed science policy management education or outreach; how you think this internship would help you professionally; and information about how you might contribute to the mission of the CEI program (1000 words)Copy of unofficial transcript(s)Contact information (name title email telephone number) for one reference. This reference should be someone who supervised you in a work or volunteer position and who is willing to describe your qualifications for the internship or from a college professor or advisor who is willing to describe your academic achievements.Review of applications will start January 21 2026 and continue until the positions are positions will begin on or after June 1 2026.Successful candidates will be paid $17 per hour and be expected to work up to 40 hours per week for 9-10 weeks from June into August. Interns should be able to work independently with guidance from their supervisor. Interns should be located in Pennsylvania with ability to travel to attend events and meetings in aspects of this position can be completed virtually creating a hybrid work will have the opportunity to participate in Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff meetings as well as other potential professional development and networking descriptions below for further details.Questions should be directed to Sarah Whitney atincluding the subject line of 2026 Pennsylvania Sea Grant Summer Undergraduate Internship.Visit Pennsylvania Sea Grant online atPennsylvania Sea Grant Summer Undergraduate InternshipAquatic Invasive Species Outreach InternAquatic invasive species (AIS) have a significant impact on the ecology and economy of Pennsylvania. Educating partners stakeholders and water users about AIS impacts and ways to prevent their introduction and spread has been a key area of focus for Pennsylvania Sea Grant for twenty-five AIS outreach intern will work with staff to update and revise AIS outreach materials and resources identify opportunities for in-person or virtual presentations to key audiences and assist in general outreach efforts to advance AIS position may attend in-person events in Erie therefore the preferred location of this position is in the Erie region with ability to commute to the Tom Ridge Environmental may also be opportunities for travel to events in western or central aspects of this position can be completed virtually.Specifically the intern may work on projects including (but not limited to):Identify opportunities (specific groups established events virtual meetings) and assist in the development of AIS prevention presentations and events attend events and give presentations.Help facilitate the annual Great Lakes AIS Landing BlitzCompile and draft information for case studies about AIS invasive species management efforts in Pennsylvania.Other AIS-focused projects as needed.These activities will involve regular communication with Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff relevant stakeholders state agencies non-governmental organizations and others.Qualifications: The intern should have strong interpersonal presentation writing and organizational skills. The ability to work independently communicate effectively to individuals and larger groups and to accurately synthesize and deliver information is interest in and experience with AIS prevention and management is preferred but not required.BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988 Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security such as those concerning alcohol and drug use crime prevention the reporting of crimes sexual assault and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.EEO IS THE LAWPenn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion age sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability please contact .The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity respect and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the universitys teaching research and service mission.Federal Contractors Labor Law PosterPA State Labor Law PosterPenn State PoliciesCopyright InformationHotlinesRequired Experience:Intern Key Skills Microsoft Office,Public Relations,Google Docs,Data Collection,MailChimp,Microsoft Word,Dermal Fillers,Microsoft Powerpoint,Research Experience,Microsoft Excel,Adobe Photoshop,Writing Skills Employment Type : Part-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1

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