Pennsylvania Sea Grant 2026 Summer Undergraduate Internship Program – Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach

The Pennsylvania State University • Erie, PA

24d • Hybrid

About The Position

Pennsylvania Sea Grant 2026 Summer Undergraduate Internship Program – Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention 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 Aquatic 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 years. The 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 education. This 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 Center. There may also be opportunities for travel to events in western or central Pennsylvania. Other aspects of this position can be completed virtually. These activities will involve regular communication with Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff, relevant stakeholders, state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and others.

Requirements

• This 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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 preferred.
• An interest in and experience with AIS prevention and management is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• 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 Blitz
• Compile and draft information for case studies about AIS invasive species management efforts in Pennsylvania.
• Other AIS-focused projects as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees