Internships

Internship opportunities with the Pennsylvania Game Commission are typically posted in January and February in preparation for spring and summer placements.

Positions are available across a variety of focus areas, including wildlife biology, forestry, habitat management, and communications.

All college level internship openings will be posted directly to this page.

• To apply, students must submit a resume along with proof of enrollment (for college students) or proof of college acceptance (for high school students). 

Because positions are competitive and may close once filled, applicants are encouraged to check back early in the year and apply promptly.

Scientific, & Technical (STI):

These competitive, paid internships provide hands-on field experience for students pursuing degrees in wildlife biology, forestry, natural resource management, or related fields. Internships are offered in three focus areas—wildlife management, habitat management, and forestry—each providing a unique opportunity to support wildlife conservation and the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s State Game Lands.

Wildlife Management Internships:

These internships are ideal for students pursuing degrees in wildlife biology, ecology, or related natural resource fields.

Interns will work directly with agency biologists on a variety of field projects that support wildlife research, conservation, and management goals across the Commonwealth.

Duties may include:

• Radio telemetry tracking
• Wildlife capture and tagging (e.g., black bears, waterfowl, doves)
• Avian identification point counts and nest monitoring
• Nest box and camera trap surveys
• Vegetation and habitat assessments
• Tree, shrub, and plant identification
• Wildlife disease surveillance (e.g., CWD sampling)
• Trap setup and maintenance
• Data entry and reporting

Interns will gain exposure to how biological data informs wildlife population goals, harvest recommendations, and habitat management decisions. This position also encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, giving interns insight into how biologists, land managers, and foresters work together to meet conservation objectives.

Additional opportunities may include training in and use of field equipment such as GPS units, UTVs, 4x4 vehicles, kayaks, and hand/power tools..

Habitat Management Internships

Interns will work alongside land managers, habitat crews, foresters, and/or GIS specialists to support the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitats.

Duties may include:

• Evaluating nest box utilization
• Conducting vegetation sampling and invasive species control
• Tree, shrub, and plant identification
• Assisting with prescribed fire activities
• Supporting farming practices and general maintenance
• Using GIS for mapping and data collection
• Participating in other habitat-related tasks as assigned

This position offers broad exposure to landscape-level habitat management efforts that support game and non-game species alike.

Forestry Internships

These internships emphasize the role of forest management in creating and sustaining wildlife habitat. Interns will work closely with professional foresters to learn about:

• Tree, shrub, and plant identification
• Timber typing and vegetative surveys 
• Project layout and implementation of forestry practices
• Timber marking and tallying, herbicide application, and road layout
• Timber sale and forest project administration

Unlike general forestry internships, this program integrates wildlife considerations into forest management decisions, giving interns a unique, conservation-focused perspective.

Communications / Information & Education:

These competitive, paid internships offer students pursuing degrees in communications, public relations, environmental education, journalism, or related fields the opportunity to gain real-world experience in conservation communication.

Interns will assist Pennsylvania Game Commission Information and Education staff with the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of outreach and communication activities that support the agency’s mission. They will work collaboratively with other program areas to collect and share stories about wildlife, habitat projects, and agency initiatives.

Primary Duties May Include:

• Creating content for social media platforms
• Writing news releases and articles
• Designing and editing PowerPoint presentations
• Organizing and staffing public outreach events
• Giving in-person or virtual presentations on conservation topics
• Capturing photos and video content in the field
• Performing other communication-related duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities:

Interns may also assist the Information and Education Supervisor by:

• Preparing and delivering public presentations on topics such as bear biology, wildlife forensics, and hunter education
• Supporting agency staff during education programs and events
• Maintaining and organizing outreach materials, equipment, and supplies

This internship is ideal for students interested in combining strong communication skills with a passion for wildlife conservation and public engagement.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers a formal High School Internship Program designed for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in government.

Opportunities vary and may include roles in clerical work, labor, and other functional areas across state agencies.

Who Can Apply:

• Current high school juniors or seniors
• Must be at least 16 years old on the first day of the internship
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the job site
• Must be able to sign required forms and documentation

For more information and to view current opportunities, visit: www.employment.pa.gov

This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more information, please write to:

Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights

U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer

• Or visit the U.S. Department of Justice at https://civilrights.justice.gov