State Park Intern - Keystone State Park (College)

THE POSITION

Are you eager to embrace the great outdoors and gain a meaningful experience this summer? Consider becoming a State Park Intern, where you can connect with nature while acquiring essential skills in park management and environmental education. As an intern with the Department of Natural Resources (DCNR), you will delve into various aspects of park operations, such as visitor services, trail upkeep, and wildlife observation. This internship offers a unique opportunity to understand the complexities and rewards of managing state park resources. Apply now to learn, contribute, and make a lasting impact on the stunning landscapes of our state parks this season!

 

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As an intern, you will collaborate with park staff to gain hands-on experience in managing natural resources, which encompasses the preparation, upkeep, and compliance with the park's resource management plan. You will assist a licensed pesticide applicator in addressing invasive species and may also engage in their mechanical removal. Through established themes and lesson plans, you will help facilitate special activities for park visitors, covering a range of topics such as natural history, cultural events, outdoor recreation, and resource management. 

Your role will involve interacting with the public both in the park office and on-site, ensuring exceptional customer service. Additionally, you will familiarize yourself with the park's amenities, rules, and regulations, while also supporting various office tasks, volunteer coordination, and campground operations, including assistance to campground hosts as needed. Participation in Commonwealth training and other meetings will also be part of your responsibilities.

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, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position may require evenings and weekends, not to exceed 37.5 hours a week.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position. 
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
   

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Internship Requirements:

• Enrollment in good academic standing as a FULL-TIME student in a two-year, bachelor's degree or advanced degree program in:
  • History
  • Environmental Science
  • Park and Resource Management
• An approved major course which includes a qualifying 24 credit hours of study in the physical, biological and environmental sciences may be acceptable.
• Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher)
• Freshman year completed by May 2026
• Pennsylvania residency or enrollment of a Pennsylvania college or university

Additional Requirements: 
 

• You must possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements: 

• In accordance with Act 153 of 2014, this position is required to complete Child Abuse, Criminal and Federal Criminal History Checks within 10 days of hire.

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.