Internship - science

Applications for the 2026 Ohio Department of Natural Resources Summer Internship Program are currently being accepted for positions in Athens, Columbus, Delaware, Hebron, Huron, McArthur, Mogadore, and Ravenna from students of Science disciplines.

What We Need

We are seeking energetic, passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to play a key role for the position of 2026 ODNR Paid Summer Intern.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) offers some of the most diverse career opportunities in state government. Opportunities expand well beyond parks and recreation. The team of biologists, geologists, naturalist, forestry, wildlife and fisheries employees, just to name a few, helps the department fulfill its responsibility to manage and protect some of Ohio’s most critical resources – forests, rivers, breath-taking natural areas, shorelines and islands, astounding geologic formations, wildlife, oil, gas, minerals and water resources.

About The ODNR Summer Internship

What you will do:

Through The ODNR Summer Internship Program, Interns Will

• Gain a comprehensive knowledge of what the Department does and why.
• Have access to unique professional development and training opportunities.
• Play a role in ensuring a balance between wise use and protection of Ohio’s natural resources for the benefit of all.
  
  

ODNR seeks applicants from a wide variety of academic majors, including, but not limited to:

• Science: Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Conservation Management, Earth Science, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Entomology, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Management, Water Management, Zoology, etc.
  
  

An ODNR Internship Offers

• Hands-on, practical experience
• Flexible hours
• The option to gain school credit
• A safe, inclusive, respectful workplace
  
  

ODNR Core Values

• Do The Right Thing, The Right Way
• Promote Science-Based Stewardship
• If It’s Worth Doing, It’s Worth Doing Now
• Strive for Excellence in Customer Service
• Commit to Great Communication
  
  

Candidates Meeting The Following Criteria Are Eligible To Apply

• Enrolled as a part-time or full-time student, in Science Majors, at an accredited college, university, or community college which offers or leads to an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree.
• Good academic standing (2.5 GPA or higher)
• Applicants will be required to submit a resume and writing sample with their application. (A writing sample can be a research paper or writing assignment from a previous job or class and is, generally, one to two pages in length. The topic of the writing sample is up to the applicant but should be relevant to the internship to which the applicant is seeking)
  
  

Job Skills: Internship, Active Learning, Customer Focus, Verbal Communication, Critical Thinking, Observation

Organization

Natural Resources

Agency Contact Name and Information

[email protected] or 614-265-6981

Unposting Date

Dec 8, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Work Location

DNR Summit

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Other Locations

United States of America-OHIO-Summit County-Akron, United States of America-OHIO-Athens County-Athens, United States of America-OHIO-Delaware County-Delaware, United States of America-OHIO-Licking County-Hebron, United States of America-OHIO-Portage County-Ravenna, United States of America-OHIO-Vinton County-McArthur, United States of America-OHIO-Erie County-Huron

Compensation

$16.00

Schedule

Part-time

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

Internship

Technical Skills

Internship

Professional Skills

Active Learning, Critical Thinking, Customer Focus, Verbal Communication, Observation

Agency Overview

Who we are:

Did you know Ohio operates 76 state parks, manages over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife land and more than 2 million acres of water? That’s just the tip of the iceberg of what we do at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) as we seek to ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all!

Across our 12 divisions and support services, we employ office staff, law enforcement officers, geologists, biologists, engineers, attorneys, communicators, managers, and so much more. Whatever your passion, we likely have a position to fit it and pathways for advancement!

Working at ODNR is a special experience. Our employees are afforded opportunities to participate in public events at parks, nature preserves, wildlife areas, and annually at the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Fair! We routinely have Lunch and Learn events at our Assembly Center which are streamed on Teams Live as are the monthly updates with our Director.