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The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control offers full-time paid internships to college students and recent graduates eager to work alongside professionals while cultivating their own career paths.
Most positions are part of a 12-week summer program, which will employ up to 20 interns in various roles throughout the Department. Some positions may be available outside of the summer months. Opportunities are available at DNREC offices throughout the state, at locations in all three Delaware counties, some with hybrid or flexible work schedules available.
The internships offer a competitive salary of $17 per hour and up to a 37.5-hour work week, allowing interns to gain valuable, hands-on experience. This practical exposure is intended to open doors for those who want to establish careers in public service and/or environmental science.
Internships are available in several fields, including:
The Department is looking for current college students, or recent graduates, with a vision for a sustainable future who are passionate about making a positive impact on the environment.
Candidates should be interested in working alongside professionals who share that passion for the environment and are committed to making a difference.
The internships are ideal for those interested in a career in public service, environmental science or related areas.
DNREC hired 17 interns for 2025. Most internships began in late May or early June and wrapped up in August.
The summer internship program includes event opportunities for networking with fellow interns as well as key Department staff.
The positions in last year’s cohort are listed below, by Division, with a brief description. Some of the same positions will be offered in 2026 along with exciting new opportunities.
More detailed descriptions of each 2026 internship position, including specific job duties, job requirements, schedules and other information will be posted before applications launch in January 2026.
Work with the DNREC Office of Communications team to develop content, increase brand awareness, engage with constituents and support a wide range of marketing and communications efforts.
Contribute to the evaluation and enhancement of workforce programs within Delaware State Parks, including internships, youth corps programs, work-based learning, volunteer hosts and apprenticeship programs.
Work with the Planning section to support and advance strategic park planning, GIS mapping and grant initiatives across Delaware’s state parks system.
Work with the State Parks Chief of Interpretation to support public programs and interpretive efforts across Delaware State Parks.
Work with the SAV Program to expand SAV restoration efforts across the state and begin data collection for a long-term surveying effort. This position will explore both field work and educational outreach opportunities.
Work with the Sediment and Stormwater Program to perform site compliance inspections, complete compliance reports, and maintain data for construction projects throughout the state.
Support the Engineering and Compliance Program to gather, manage and report data related to facilities with concrete and asphalt crushing permits throughout the state.
Work with the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) and Coastal Management Program on education and outreach. This position will focus on an avian project, including development of education materials and trainings, interpretation of data, and analysis of anthropogenic debris in avian nests.
Assist the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) and Coastal Management Program with research and monitoring projects focusing on tidal marsh ecosystems as well as participatory science projects such as horseshoe crab surveys.
Provide technical assistance with research, data analysis, project management and support for updating and implementing the Remediation Section’s strategic plan.
Work directly with the division Ombudsman to provide outreach support to all programs within the Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances, create educational materials for public dissemination, and provide editorial oversight and facilitate communication with the department’s Public Affairs section.
Contribute to the Remediation Section by working to collect data from internal and external sources, ensuring data is accurate and well-organized, and collaborating with team members to recommend and implement process improvements that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of remediation practices.
Work with staff from the Environmental Laboratory to perform chemical, biological and ecological analyses in wetlands, ponds, streams, rivers and estuaries throughout Delaware.
Work alongside an experienced DNREC GIS Specialist to gain real-world hands-on experience applying sound Geospatial Principles and Analysis using databases, applications, and ESRI Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Work with staff from the Wetland and Waterways Section to review permit applications, construction plans and technical specifications, and calculations to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
Work with staff from the Commercial and Government Services Section to review permit applications, construction plans and technical specifications, and calculations to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
Related Topics: education, emplyment, internships
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