Job Description

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Pennsylvania Sea Grant
2026 Summer Undergraduate Internship Program - Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center
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
Eligibility

• 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. To learn about graduate fellowship opportunities, visit

Details and Application
Apply electronically ( ) with the additional documentation as described below. Applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled. Only applications with the complete materials described below will be reviewed.
Submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

• Resume or curriculum vitae detailing education and work experiences (2-page limit)
• Goal statement describing your interest in the internship program. Helpful information to include is your personal, professional, and academic background including your related experience, major or field of study and why you chose it; why you are interested in marine, Great Lakes, watershed science, policy, management, education, or outreach; how you think this internship would help you professionally; and information about how you might contribute to the mission of the CEI program (1000 words)
• Copy of unofficial transcript(s)
• Contact information (name, title, email, telephone number) for one reference. This reference should be someone who supervised you in a work or volunteer position and who is willing to describe your qualifications for the internship, or from a college professor or advisor who is willing to describe your academic achievements.

Review of applications and interviews will begin no earlier than January 21, 2026, and continue until the positions are filled. The positions will begin on or after June 1, 2026.
Successful candidates will be paid ~$17 per hour and be expected to work up to 40 hours per week for 9-10 weeks, from June into August. Interns should be able to work independently, with guidance from their supervisor. Interns should be located in Pennsylvania, with ability to travel to attend events and meetings in person. Other aspects of this position can be completed virtually, creating a hybrid work experience. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff meetings as well as other potential professional development and networking opportunities. See descriptions below for further details.
Questions should be directed to Sarah Whitney at including the subject line of "2026 Pennsylvania Sea Grant Summer Undergraduate Internship."
Visit Pennsylvania Sea Grant online at
Pennsylvania Sea Grant Summer Undergraduate Internship
Natural History Museum Intern
Despite the value of natural history collections in addressing current catastrophic global biodiversity loss and environmental change, the growth of collections is declining. Declining growth of natural history collections fails future generations. The Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center was established in 2006 to help increase the availability of specimens in the study of biodiversity and natural history in northwestern Pennsylvania, particularly in the Presque Isle State Park complex. Due to the presence of habitats that are unique within Pennsylvania, Presque Isle is home to many species that are rare or unusual in the state, including many Endangered and Threatened species. The park continuously undergoes change due to heavy human use, ecological succession, the effects of weather events, and the introduction of non-native species. Monitoring the presence of species on the park is critical to conserving species and habitats in the face of these changes.
The Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center is housed in two rooms on the basement floor of the Center and contains collections of preserved organisms primarily from northwestern Pennsylvania. Collection emphasis is on the Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs State Park complex. These collections are preserved and maintained to professional standards to ensure that they provide a high-quality resource for current and future generations of users. They are available to scientists, conservationists, and educators to further our understanding of biological diversity in the region, to provide validity to conservation efforts, and to increase awareness and knowledge of our flora and fauna among students and the public. The Museum is administered by Pennsylvania Sea Grant and the collections are held in trust for the people of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Sea Grant seeks a Natural History Museum intern to help increase the availability of specimens in the study of biodiversity and natural history in northwestern Pennsylvania. The intern will work with NHM Curator Mark Lethaby to help maintain the collections.
Specifically, the intern may:

• Collect specimens in the field using various techniques (nets, traps, hand capture).
• Prepare and label specimens according to standard museum protocols.
• Use taxonomic keys to identify specimens to the lowest level practicable.
• Enter specimen data into museum database.
• Check specimens and storage areas for pests and condition.
• Assist with maintenance of archival materials.
• Prepare specimens for educational displays.
• Assist other collectors with field collections, e.g., light trapping at night, bait trapping, vertebrate collection, etc.
• Maintain live specimens for display.
• Assist with education programming and events, e.g., Discover Presque Isle.

Qualifications:

• The intern should have strong writing and organizational skills.
• The ability to work independently, and to accurately synthesize and deliver information is preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license and own transportation.
• Willing to work occasional weekends or evenings.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review .
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

Skills Required