Overview
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources understands the importance of developing the next generation of environmental stewards. DNR interns gain experience in the day-to-day operations of a state agency while:
- Applying theory to real-world practice
- Learning from experienced mentors
- Boosting their skills and confidence
- Obtaining marketable work experience
- Building a valuable professional network
Internships typically run for approximately 10-12 weeks in the summer (June-August) and fall (October-December). Summer internships open for applications in February, and fall internships open for applications in July. Occasionally, off-cycle internships may also be offered.
DNR offers full and part-time paid and volunteer internships across a wide range of fields within its units. Depending on the needs of the agency, internships may be open to high school and/or college students. Students may complete an internship for academic credit.
Requirements
Internship candidates must be currently enrolled in high school or college, or have graduated within one year of the internship start date.
The minimum requirements for an internship include:
- State application
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcript (minimum 2.5 GPA)
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How to Apply
When available, all of our internships will be posted on the State of Maryland Job Openings webpage at
jobapscloud.com/MD.
Click here to view available internships.
Submit our
Internship Interest Form to be notified when future internships open for applications.
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Enrichment Activities
Throughout each session, DNR offers activities that enhance the internship experience by helping interns connect with the organization and one another. These activities are designed to boost confidence, facilitate networking, and strengthen soft skills, all while giving interns the chance to appreciate the natural beauty of Maryland.
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Intern Welcome Lunch
A Welcome Address from the Office of the Secretary and intern introductions. -
New Employee Hike
A beginner hike for new employees and interns, hosted by the Office of Outdoor Recreation. -
A Day at the Park
A day of learning and outdoor activities at one of our beautiful State Parks. -
DNR Career Panel
An engaging career discussion with professionals from across the agency -
Intern Final Presentations
Interns will give a brief presentation on their experiences and accomplishments.
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Intern Spotlight
Katherine Taylor, 2024 Summer Environmental Planning Intern, Chesapeake and Coastal Service
During my Environmental Planning Internship with the Chesapeake and Coastal Service at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, I gained invaluable experience in conservation work within a government agency. With a background in biological research, I sought to explore green career paths beyond academia, making this position ideal for my goals.
I worked on the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Funding Opportunities project, researching and organizing information about various grant funding opportunities. I compiled information into an infographic to inform staff and guide potential grant applicants in navigating funding options. This endeavor deepened my understanding of the grant writing and management processes, highlighting their significance in allocating resources for impactful environmental projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Additionally, I engaged in hands-on fieldwork activities, including invasive species removal, rain garden maintenance, and several biological surveys of vital Chesapeake Bay fish species and submerged aquatic vegetation. These experiences enhanced my field techniques and allowed me to connect with professionals in the field.
My internship also provided numerous professional development opportunities, including workshops and research conferences. These experiences enhanced my networking skills and enriched my knowledge of ongoing environmental issues and projects that mitigate them. Now pursuing a Master of Science in Biology, I aim to inspire future scientists dedicated to protecting the Chesapeake Bay. I hope to return to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in my scientific career, contributing to its essential mission. This internship solidified my commitment to ecology and environmental conservation, laying a strong foundation for my future endeavors as a scientist.
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Internship Examples
Below are examples of prior internships offered by DNR. Positions vary each session based on the needs of the agency, but the breadth of our opportunities is highlighted below.
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Chesapeake and Coastal Service | Clean Vessel Act Grant Program Internship
This position will assist the grant manager with outreach to Clean Vessel Act Grant recipients (marinas). The intern's primary responsibility will be visiting marinas across the state of Maryland to inspect grant-funded boat pumpout systems and verify compliance with grant terms and conditions. The intern will also be expected to promote the availability of pumpout grants and communicate the terms of the grant program. -
Chesapeake and Coastal Service | Coastal Restoration Internship
The main purpose of this position is to provide staff capacity for technical assistance requests through the Shoreline Conservation Service. This will include collecting cost-data associated with specific shoreline erosion control design techniques (i.e. bulkheads, stone revetments, sills, groins, breakwaters). This internship will involve meeting with waterfront property owners and collecting data from existing projects on file. Updating the programs photo library for website improvements will also be a primary duty. -
Fishing and Boating Services | Migratory Finfish Complex Survey Internship
We are looking for an energetic individual interested in learning about fisheries biology. This person will have the opportunity to participate in field work, data entry, biological sample processing and learn fish aging techniques. Our project focuses on Atlantic Menhaden, Spot, Atlantic croaker, Red drum, and bluefish. We visit a variety of field sites including the Hoppers Island, Point lookout, and the Choptank River. This internship will provide the opportunity to develop both field and laboratory skills and will serve as a great introduction to the field of fisheries science.
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Office of Outdoor Recreation | Outdoor Recreation R3 Internship
The main purpose of this position is to assist staff from the DNR's Recruit, Retain and Reactivate (R3) Team to recruit, retain, and reactivate anglers and boaters by helping plan, promote, and lead outreach events with staff from across the department including the Office of Outdoor Recreation (OOR), Chesapeake and Coastal Service (CCS), Fishing and Boating Services (FABS) and Maryland Parks Service (MPS). -
Maryland Natural Resources Police | Outreach Coordinator Internship
The main purpose of this position is to develop, implement and manage outreach programs that strengthen relationships between the Natural Resources Police officers and diverse community groups. The coordinator will organize community meetings, educational workshops and events to promote public safety awareness, enhance transparency and encourage community engagement with law enforcement initiatives. Collaborate with various organizations to address public concerns, support crime prevention efforts and ensure that community needs are heard and addressed by law enforcement partners. In addition to planning and facilitating outreach activities, the coordinator will develop materials and communication strategies to ensure clear and consistent messaging between the Natural Resources Police and the public. -
Maryland Park Service | Graphic Design Interpretive Aide Internship
The main purpose of this position is to design a new “Junior Rangers” style activity booklet, based upon the Maryland Park Service’s Junior Rangers program curriculum. This will be used in State Parks across Maryland to provide self-guided educational opportunities. This position may also design promotional materials for other events and outreach, as well as assist the Chief of Interpretation with outreach and educational programming on weekends during the summer in State Parks. -
Resource Assessment Service | Natural Resources Technician Internship
The main purpose of this position is the collection of water quality, biological, and habitat data in non-tidal rivers of Maryland. Primary duties include collecting water quality data, surveying for stream fish and other fauna, measuring instream habitat, and entering monitoring data to assist with reporting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Do you have any internships available?
When available, all of our internships will be posted on the State of Maryland Job Openings webpage.
Click here to view available internships. -
What if I don’t see any available internships?
Submit our
Internship Interest Form to be notified when future internships open for applications. -
When will internships be available?
Internships typically run for approximately 10-12 weeks in the summer (June-August) and fall (October-December). Summer internships open for applications in February, and fall internships open for applications in July. Occasionally, off-cycle internships may also be offered. -
Do you offer internships for high school students?
Yes, depending on the needs of the agency, positions may be available for high school students. Please refer to the “Minimum Requirements” section of each internship posting. -
I recently graduated. Can I still apply for an internship?
Yes, if you graduated within one year of the internship start date. -
Are internships paid?
DNR offers both paid and volunteer internships. Please refer to the “Salary” section of each internship posting. -
Can I receive school credit for an internship with DNR?
Yes. Notify your supervisor that you are completing the internship for school credit. A Memorandum of Understanding will be executed between you, DNR, and your school. Based on your school’s requirements, it is your (intern’s) responsibility to request required school documentation from your supervisor. -
Where are the internship job sites located?
The majority of our internships are in Annapolis, MD, but internships may be located across the state of Maryland, depending on the needs of the agency. Some positions may require site visits to various locations across the state. Please refer to the “Work Location” section of each internship posting. -
Do you offer remote/work-from-home internships?
No. Some internships may offer a hybrid schedule, but to maximize the hands-on learning experience, the majority of internship work is completed in-person. -
How do I get the required documentation for an internship?
You can request a copy of your official transcript from your school. Recommendation letters may NOT be from relatives. We suggest reaching out to teachers, professors, coaches, or managers for recommendation letters. -
Can the person providing my recommendation letter send it directly to DNR?
Yes. Recommendation letters can be emailed directly to the HR Analyst identified in the “Further Instructions” section of the internship posting.
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For more information regarding internships, please contact Julie Kline at
julie.kline@maryland.gov.
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