Recognizing the need to provide hands-on work experience not typically available to students in the traditional academic setting, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has established an internship program to acquaint students with DEP’s mission. Our internship program allows qualified students to obtain academic credit from their institution, while also gaining valuable experience in the workforce. Attracting and retaining top-notch employees is crucial to the success of the DEP. To foster both their personal and professional growth, interns are afforded an opportunity to familiarize themselves with hands-on work of the Agency, such as research, monitoring, enforcement, environmental clean-up, community involvement, and prevention.

Eligibility:

The DEP seeks students who have completed their sophomore year of academic courses. Students must be pursuing either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Applicants from a variety of academic majors are sought, including those who are in, but are not limited to, the following program areas:

• Biological Sciences and Ecology
• Chemistry and Physical Sciences
• Environmental Engineering
• Public and Environmental Policy
• Environmental Studies
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Other Physical or Biological Sciences, Geology, Ecology, Wildlife, Fisheries Biology, etc.
• Information Technology
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Interns must be able to work at least one full day per week for at least one academic term.
• Interns are placed in September, January, and during the summer of each academic year.
• A DEP representative must interview all interns.
• Students must arrange to receive credits by consulting with their college advisors or Internship Director.
• Students must be attending a four-year institution of higher education.

Academic Component:

Since the academic requirements of participating institutions of higher education may vary, each intern should arrange individually with his or her college or university for specific academic requirements and credits to be awarded for participation in the program.

Selection and Placement:

Selection must be made by the Supervising Manager of the division where the placement is to be made. Appointments will be made in accordance to the academic term being considered.

A workable and mutually beneficial relationship between the students, their institutions, and the Supervising Managers is a major goal of the internship program. Every effort will be made to affect a match that is satisfactory to both parties. All internships are unpaid.

Program Advantages:

• Gain valuable work experience
• Obtain References

Application/Deadline:

Those interested in applying may submit their application to the address noted on the application, or it may be submitted via e-mail at dep.aaoffice@ct.gov. The deadline for applying is the first business day in November for January placements, the first business day in July for September placements, and the first business day in March for summer placements.

Application for Internship:  Word Form,   PDF version