Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Pennsylvania Sea Grant
2026 Summer Undergraduate Internship Program – Environmental Literacy
In 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 of communications, education, outreach, and research. The 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 https://seagrant.noaa.gov/Community-Engaged-Internship
Eligibility
Details and Application
Apply electronically (www.hr.psu.edu/careers) with the additional documentation as described below. Applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled. Only applications with the complete materials described below will be reviewed.
Submit the following documents in a single PDF file:
Review of applications and interviews start January 21, 2026, and continue until the positions are filled. The 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 person. Other aspects of this position can be completed virtually, creating a hybrid work experience. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff meetings as well as other potential professional development and networking opportunities. See descriptions below for further details.
Questions should be directed to Sarah Whitney at swhitney@psu.edu including the subject line of “2026 Pennsylvania Sea Grant Summer Undergraduate Internship.”
Visit Pennsylvania Sea Grant online at http://seagrant.psu.edu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Sea Grant Summer Undergraduate Internship
Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development Intern
Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s statewide reach includes three diverse coastal regions: the Lake Erie, Susquehanna River, and Delaware River watersheds. Environmental literacy and workforce development (ELWD) is an educational priority across these distinct watersheds and is fostered via educator professional development programs, adult and youth education initiatives, print and online resources, opportunities for college and university students, and community education events. Pennsylvania Sea Grant seeks an environmental literacy intern who is interested in watershed education with a focus on Great Lakes, river, and ocean ecosystems; educator professional development program content and delivery; and action/stewardship project development and implementation.
Specifically, the intern may:
● Catalog and update existing PA Sea Grant K-12 lesson plans and activity guides to ensure they address current PA academic standards, that the content is accurate, and that they meet accessibility best practices.
● Refresh and update existing loanable education kits to ensure they address current PA academic standards, that the content is accurate, and that they meet accessibility best practices. Additionally, investigate partnership opportunities for implementation of statewide loan distribution protocols.
● Gather and organize resources on a Great Lakes Literacy relevant topic and assist in developing an online, self-paced educator professional development program.
● Assist with in-person and online educator professional development program planning and implementation, including Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs).
● Attend meetings with formal and nonformal educators and related partners.
● Additional opportunities as appropriate.
If hire is local to Erie, PA:
● Assist with planning and delivery of in-person educator professional development programs, including Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) in Northwest PA.
These tasks will involve regular communication with Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff and Sea Grant educators in the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and national networks, and with relevant partners from state agencies, non-governmental organizations, schools, and more.
This intern should be located in Pennsylvania. This position can be completed virtually and may also have the opportunity to attend programs, events, and meetings.
Qualifications: The intern should have strong writing and communication skills, the ability to work independently and with others, and good organizational proficiencies. An interest in and experience with formal and nonformal educational settings is preferred but not required.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant 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 LAW
Penn 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 814-865-1473.