If you are looking for an undergraduate internship, research experience, or postgrad job in the GES field, please feel free to peruse the job openings below! Some positions are local to Pittsburgh and to Pennsylvania, while other positions are available across the country and around the world. Note that this page is continuously updated as the department becomes aware of opportunities, so please keep an eye out for new postings.
To view additional organizations and companies that may have internships available, please also see the major-specific pages of the Undergraduate Internship and Job Board.
- Undergraduate Summer Internships & Research Experiences
Organization Position Location Job Description Contact Yale University, Muñoz Lab REU Internship New Haven, CT, and the Domincan Republic This paid research internship is supported by an award from the U.S. National Science Foundation to Yale University as part of a the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program. The goal of the REU program is to support the scientific growth of STEM undergraduate students through guided training and independent research opportunities. Our research project involves studying the thermal ecology of Caribbean anole lizards to better understand how thermoregulatory behavior influences physiological evolution and diversification in the tropics. The project focuses on the behavioral diversity of Caribbean anole lizards, a model system for the study of adaptive radiation. Key to this project is that anole lizards vary in their thermoregulatory strategies. Whereas some anole species thermoregulate other species thermoconform: the goal of this project is to discover how behavioral patterns influence the evolution of physiological diversity across environmental gradients.
To learn more and apply. please see the Muñoz Lab website.
Application Deadline: April 20, 2026
Dr. Martha Muñoz (martha.munoz@yale.edu) or Dr. Saúl F. Domínguez-Guerrero (saul.dominguezguerrero@yale.edu) Department of the Interior, Geologic Hazards Science Center Physical Science Technician (Field Assistant) Golden, CO, Lakewood, CO, or Albuquerque, NM As a Physical Science Technician (Field Assistant) within the Geologic Hazards Science Center or at the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:
- Collects and prepares field data for a variety of project types.
- Operates or assists in the operation of data collection field stations.
- Monitors and evaluates conditions in assigned areas.
- Prepares sediment and rock samples for physical or chemical analysis.
- Performs chemical analyses and physical measurements of samples applying various techniques to a wide variety of materials.
- May operate a government motor vehicle as an incidental driver.
For more information and to apply, please see the Physical Science Technician (Field Assistant) job posting.
Application Deadline: April 3, 2026
Ted Wilder: twilder@usgs.gov, 303-236-9571 Friends of the Cheat Seasonal Hellbender Technician Kingwood, WV, with extensive travel This position is a full-time (40 hours per week) seasonal position (12 weeks, July - September 2026). Full weekday availability in the months of August and September is a requirement of the position. The position is centered around hellbender conservation activities, namely assisting with monitoring and outreach initiatives intended on improving the understanding of Eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis; hereafter referred to as “hellbender”) occupancy and recruitment in West Virginia as well as promoting conservation actions for the species. The Seasonal Hellbender Technician will be required to travel extensively as part of the position for ease of survey efforts and will need to be available for overnight stays in hotels or other lodging accommodations for the majority of the position’s term.
For more information and application instructions, please see the Friends of the Cheat: Seasonal Hellbender Technician job description.
Application Deadline: April 20, 11:59 PM
Margaret Biss, maggie@cheat.org Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory Summer Internship Pittsburgh, PA The Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory (https://www.water.pitt.edu/) invites applications for a summer internship to support our research, outreach and education efforts. The position will involve working with community partners and attending events, as well as supporting research activities focusing on water quality, conventional and unconventional gas drilling waste, flooding, and urban soils. Additionally, interns may assist with planning PWC events and training opportunities. The position will be full-time (up to 37.5 hours per week), pays $15/hr, and runs from mid-May to mid-August.
Jon Burgess, jkburgess@pitt.edu University of Pittsburgh Global Studies Center Resident Advisor (RA) Pittsburgh, PA Are you passionate about mentoring students, global issues, and creating meaningful learning communities?
The Global Studies Center is seeking Resident Advisors (RAs) to join our summer team and support a cohort of exceptional high school students (rising juniors and seniors) from across Pennsylvania during the 2026 Pennsylvania Governor's School for Global and International Studies. PGSGIS is an intensive, residential academic program that brings together motivated students for four weeks of global learning, inquiry, and community building. As an RA, you will play a central role in shaping students’ experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
To learn more and apply, please see the PGSIGS RA website. Rising undergraduate sophomores through graduate students are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: April 3, 2026
Veronica Dristas, Director of PGSGIS: dristas@pitt.edu Western Pennsylvania Conservancy - Plant Conservation Alliance Internships Pennsylvania The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy seeks interns for multiple summer positions. Please see below for GES-specific opportunities:
Watershed Conservation Internship
We are currently hiring an individual to fill the Watershed Conservation Intern position based out of Indiana, PA. The person in this position will work under the supervision of assigned Watershed Conservation staff in the summer of 2026 for approximately 12 weeks (500 hours). The function of this position is to assist with implementing a variety of watershed restoration projects and aquatic surveys, in close coordination with Watershed Conservation staff.
Position will be open until filled. Apply on the WPC Internships page.
Other Internships
For more information on other internships available through the WPC, please see the WPC Internships page.
Please note: Please read the internship postings carefully, as all internships are listed on the same page.
wpcjobs@paconserve.org Pennsylvania Sea Grant Undergraduate Summer Intern Harrisburg, PA 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 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.
Review of applications will start 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 to August. Interns should be able to work independently, with guidance from their supervisor. Interns should be located in Pennsylvania and able to travel to attend events and meetings in person. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff meetings as well as other potential professional development and networking opportunities.
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.
Position descriptions and steps for completing the application process are available online at https://seagrant.psu.edu/summer-internship/
Sarah Whitney, Pennsylvania Sea Grant Director: swhitney@psu.edu
Emails should include the subject line of “2026 Pennsylvania Sea Grant Summer Undergraduate Internship.”
- Undergraduate Summer Field Courses
Organization Position Location Job Description Contact University of Maine, Wrangell Mountains Field Studies Summer Academic Field Program McCarthy, Alaska The Wrangell Mountains Center is a non-profit research, humanities and education institute located in McCarthy in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. The Center hosts programs promoting understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the land and its communities.
Our curriculum explores landscape structure and processes, from tectonic uplift through glacial-interglacial cycles and anthropogenic climate change. We conceptualize climate-mediated changes to landscape structure as complex systems difficult to model or predict, linked by the flow of material and energy across wide temporal and spatial scales. Our focus includes local ecology, geophysical processes, glaciology, systems science, and land management (natural resource management and land use policy) in changing historical contexts. Narratives and stories from people with long-term and ancestral connections to these lands are an important part of the course, and are deeply impactful to students beginning research careers, and their lives, in the context of anthropogenic climate change.
To learn more about the program and to apply, please see the Wrangell Mountains Field Studies website.
Applications are currently open and will be considered on a rolling basis. Interviews are scheduled after applications are reviewed.
fieldstudies@wrangells.org University of Montana, Flathead Lake Biological Station Summer Academic Field Program Flathead Lake, Montana The Flathead Lake Biological Station summer academic program emphasizes experiential learning through field observation and hands-on use of advanced research instrumentation in our facilities on the east shore of Flathead Lake in northwest Montana, USA.
FLBS courses:
- Involve field trips throughout the Flathead watershed, including Glacier National Park
- Often include overnight camping
- May be taken for undergraduate (300/400 level) or graduate (400 level) credit basis
- Substitute for required or elective courses in many campus degree plans
To learn more, please see the program website: Flathead Lake Biological Station.
Complete applications will be reviewed in the order received. Applicants will be contacted regarding acceptance status within three weeks. Payment must be made by May 17, 2026, or your first choice of course selections will be given to waitlist applicants.
Flathead Lake Bio Station
flbs@flbs.umt.edu
(406) 872-4500- Undergraduate Fall/Spring Internships & Job Opportunities
Organization Position Location Job Description Contact UpstreamPGH GIS Analyst Internship Pittsburgh, PA UpstreamPgh has three program areas: Advocate, Engage, and Plan/Build. The GIS Analyst Intern will assist our Plan/Build Director with the development of a suitability analysis of the Mon Water Project (MWP) service area within the City of Pittsburgh. The GIS Analyst intern will work with the Plan/Build Director and Executive Director to collect and analyze data, develop models using ModelBuilder in ArcGIS Pro and develop a final StoryMap sharing results of the analysis with the public. The GIS Analyst Intern will work closely with MWP staff and community members in the MWP
service area to inform the analysis and incorporate feedback.Note that this is a part-time paid internship (10 hours/week, $15/hour) running from April 2026 through February 2027.
For more information (including application instructions), please see the UpstreamPGH GIS Analyst Intern job description.
Aaron Birdy, Plan/Build Director, aaron@upstreampgh.org University of Oregon Research Opportunity Remote during the academic year, in-person (at respective mentor's institution) during the summer The GEI Twinning Program is a year-long research experience aimed at fostering participation of undergraduates from minoritized communities in subduction zone science and hazards research. Funding students to focus year-round on research differentiates our program from typical research internships and thus increases the likelihood of lasting student impact. Engagement in funded, mentored research experiences is directly tied to increased retention of underserved students in the STEM field. Because the program supports students year-round, students can focus on their research.
The focus of this program is a “twinning” model where the student participates in a research project involving more than one institution. The student is thus introduced to different mentors and a mode of scientific collaboration that closely mimics real-world experiences. Through experiential learning, undergraduate students gain valuable, high-impact research experience and build their oral and written scientific communication skills.
For more information and to apply, please see the GEI Twinning Program website.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026, 11:59 PM PT.
Shannon Fasola, sfasola@uoregon.edu, GEI Program Manager University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, Elsie Hillman Civic Forum Internships & Fellowships Pittsburgh, PA The Elsie Hillman Civic Forum at the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics is excited to share that information is available regarding applications for their civic engagement programming for the 2026-2027 academic year! They have paid and unpaid opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.
Each program's application will open in Spring 2026: To learn more about each available internship, please see the institute's website: https://www.elsiehillmanforum.pitt.edu/student-civic-community-engagement-opportunities
iop@pitt.edu - Post-BS/BA Opportunities
Organization Position Location Job Description EarthScope Consortium Educational Technologist I Remote The Educational Technologist I serves as a critical bridge between the organization's Engagement and Data Science groups. This role focuses on integrating technology into education initiatives and ensuring data science best practices are followed. As part of a remote-first organization, this professional collaborates virtually with staff with a variety of backgrounds. This position plays a vital role in ensuring that educational programs are enriched with advanced data science while maintaining accessibility and engagement.
For more information and to apply, please see the EarthScope Consortium - Educational Technologist job posting.
US Geological Survey Hydrologic Technician (Field Assistant) Pennsylvania The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Pennsylvania Water Science Center is pleased to announce more opportunities to fill multiple vacancies for Hydrologic Technician (Field Assistant) at the GG-4 level. The positions support critical water science monitoring efforts across Pennsylvania. Selected candidates will assist with field data collection in surface-water, ground-water, and water-quality data from gaging stations, wells, and monitoring sites using established hydrologic methods activities that contribute to understanding and managing the Nation’s water resources.
As a Hydrologic Technician (Field Assistant) within the Northeast Region, some of your specific duties will include:
- Collects surface-water, ground-water, and water-quality data from gaging stations, wells, and monitoring sites using established hydrologic methods.
- Performs laboratory analyses of water samples to determine sediment, chemical, biological, and physical characteristics.
- Operates and maintains hydrologic measurement and recording instruments, ensuring accurate setup, servicing, and data capture.
- Follows detailed procedural guidelines and works under close supervision, with assignments reviewed for accuracy and adherence to instructions.
- Performs routine field tasks requiring attention to detail and awareness of unusual conditions affecting data accuracy.
- Operates a government vehicle as an incidental driver.
For more information and to apply, please see the Hydrologic Technician (Field Assistant) job posting.
Application Deadline: April 6, 2026
US Department of the Interior Biological Science Technician New Cumberland, PA and Philadelphia, PA The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Pennsylvania Water Science Center is pleased to announce opportunities to fill multiple vacancies for Biological Science Technicians (Field Assistant) at the GG-5 and GG-6 levels. The announcements will be advertised live starting today Monday March 30 through April 3, 2026 for the duty stations of New Cumberland and Philadelphia Offices.
The positions support critical water science monitoring efforts across Pennsylvania.Selected candidates will assist with field data collection, biological sampling, and environmental monitoring activities that contribute to understanding and managing the Nation’s water resources.
A Biological Science Technician (Field Assistant) within the Northeast Region performs technical work in a laboratory or field environment in support of professional or technical employees engaged in data collection activities or analysis of biological data collection activities or analysis of biological samples. Performs one or more of the following duties:
- Collects biological, botany, fisheries, or wildlife data from study files or monitoring stations.
- Performs laboratory analysis of biological samples to determine specified chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
- Operates a government motor vehicle or a boat as an incidental driver
For more information and to apply, please see either of the Biological Science Technician job announcements:
Application Deadline: April 3, 2026
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Darrin Freshwater Institute Research Specialist Fredonia, NY Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Is seeking to hire a motivated full-time Research Specialist or Senior Research Specialist working on The Jefferson Project at Chautauqua Lake. The Jefferson Project was founded as a multi-disciplinary collaboration between RPI, IBM, and the Lake George Association. It expanded to Chautauqua Lake in 2020 with a partnership with the Chautauqua Institution. The Project emphasizes a sophisticated technological approach to studying freshwater and lakes, in particular. A central goal of the Project is to understand the impact of human activity on freshwater and how to mitigate those effects.
Please see the following resources: