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Internships and Student Assistants

Two EGLE staff examining organisms from a sample of a stream to assess water quality
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Internships and Student Assistants

We work with talented and innovative undergraduate and graduate college students. Through our paid internships and student assistant positions, students will gain experience and knowledge of how to protect Michigan's environment and public health.

Students work directly with staff and executives on key environmental issues in a variety of capacities throughout the department. Positions are be offered that match students' interests, degree programs, or career paths. Students may be studying in some of the following areas: Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Communications, Education, Engineering, English, Environmental Engineering and Science, Finance, Geology, Graphic Arts and Design, Health and Safety, Human Resources, Journalism, Laboratory Science, Materials Management, Meteorology, Physics, Sustainability Programs, Toxicology, Water Resources, or similar fields of study.

Work may be a hybrid experience to be accomplished virtually or physically in-office and/or field setting.  Students are expected to work a minimum of 15 hours per week, but no more than 29 hours per week. EGLE internships are offered only for the summer.

Our programs and projects give students career development experience and, in some instances, the ability to earn academic credits.

Examples of internship projects

Examples of projects that interns are involved in include, but are not limited to:

  • assist with the Brownfield Redevelopment Program
  • conduct PFAS research for various EGLE divisions and making presentations on the findings
  • research and map utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS)
  • research chemicals of concern and write reports on the findings
  • work with emergency management staff to update procedures and manuals
  • work with field staff to sample lakes, rivers, ponds, and air
  • update air quality pollutant levels charts

Join our team!

  • Interested in doing an internship with EGLE?

    • Our paid internship experiences focus on projects that are tailored to provide new learning and practical experience relevant to the student’s area of study.
    • EGLE internships take place during the summer, following a typical college/university summer semester schedule.
    • Internship opportunities for summer will be posted and open for application in between January and February for that year.
    • Applications will be accepted through early February with the closing date clearly listed on all postings.
    • Any junior, senior or graduate student can apply; each project posting will clearly state the areas of study eligible to apply.
    • Interns with EGLE are able to participate in events, webinars, and trainings that will enhance knowledge and expand professional networks.
    • Students seeking academic credit are encouraged to apply for an internship.  Obtaining academic credit is a process the student must facilitate with their academic institution, however EGLE will support the process in any way we can.

    Search for internship positions

  • Interested in a Student Assistant position?

    • Student assistant positions are paid support roles created to help division staff keep up with day-to-day tasks.
    • Student assistant openings are posted when a need is identified; there is no recruitment schedule.
    • Students must be available throughout the calendar year.  These positions are not tied to academic calendars or academic programs.
    • To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a college or university and maintain full- or part-time student status for the duration of their employment as a student assistant.
    • Student assistants can work up to 29 hours per week, or a maximum of 129 hours per calendar month.

Contact our recruitment specialist

For questions about our internship program or student assistant positions, contact Cindy Whittum, Recruitment and Internship Specialist at EGLE-Careers@Michigan.gov

A short interview with an EGLE intern, talking about her experience through the EGLE internship program

What our interns are saying

"I was looking to pursue a career with EGLE, and I wanted to check it out first," Caroline Nicholas explains in this short video, highlighting her experiences with the 2021 EGLE Internship program. "...and I ended up getting a job as a Financial Analyst with EGLE, just recently!"