15 Environmental Internships for Undergraduates
Internships are a practical option for college students looking to build professional skills while still in an academic setting. They provide exposure to real-world work environments, help you understand industry expectations, and allow you to apply classroom knowledge to actual projects. You also gain access to professional networks, which can be valuable for mentorship, references, and future job opportunities. For students interested in environmental fields, internships offer a way to explore different career paths while contributing to meaningful work. In this list of 15 Environmental Internships for Undergraduates, you’ll find opportunities that have been selected based on their prestige, the rigor of professional experience they offer, and the opportunities they provide to network with experts in the field.
Why should I do an environmental internship in college?
An environmental internship during college allows you to gain hands-on experience in sustainability, conservation, research, and policy. You develop technical and analytical skills that are directly relevant to careers in environmental science and related fields. Many internships expose you to real-world challenges, helping you understand how environmental issues are addressed across industries. This experience strengthens your resume and increases your chances of being selected when applying for jobs or graduate programs. It can also increase your chances of securing employment after graduation by demonstrating both practical experience and commitment to the field.
Here’s a list of 15 environmental internships for undergraduates curated basis location, cost & overall quality of the program!
If you’re looking for other, more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
1. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Stipend: Varies by program; full financial aid available
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective virtual internship where you collaborate with startups and nonprofits from around the world across various industries. During the program, you work on a real-world project that addresses an actual need of the organization you are assigned to. You present your work at the end of the internship as part of the program requirements. You work closely with a startup manager throughout the experience. The program provides exposure to practical project work in a remote setting.
2. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Internship Program
Location: Smithsonian at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, MD/ Virtual
Stipend: Minimum of $700 per week
Application Deadline: February 15 (for summer internships)
Dates: 10-16 week-long opportunities are available year-round, with most taking place in the summer
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate and Master's students, or students who have recently graduated from undergraduate or Master's programs
The SERC Internship Program provides you with an opportunity to conduct independent research in environmental science fields under structured mentorship. You select or are assigned projects across areas such as environmental chemistry, marine ecology, terrestrial ecology, and molecular ecology based on your interests. You can also work on public engagement initiatives, including environmental education and science communication. You are required to present your project outcomes to the SERC community at the end of the internship. You attend seminars and professional development sessions that complement your research experience. You interact with researchers and fellow interns, enabling exposure to diverse perspectives within environmental studies.
3. AmeriCorps Project Conserve Member
Location: Hendersonville, NC
Stipend: $31,500 living stipend and education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of the program.
Application Deadline: June 12
Dates: September 9 – August 6, next year
Eligibility: Be at least 18 years of age at the commencement of service
The AmeriCorps Project Conserve Member program places participants in full-time service positions supporting conservation efforts across western North Carolina. You work with host-site organizations focused on protecting natural resources in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains region. Service activities may include conservation education, volunteer coordination, trail improvement, habitat restoration, and water quality monitoring projects. Members also participate in regular training sessions covering topics such as wilderness first aid, CPR/AED, invasive species identification, and project planning. The program combines environmental service work with leadership and professional skill development.
4. Field Leader - Xplore Solano Summer Youth Crew
Location: Fairfield, CA
Stipend: $850 per week
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 8 - August 7
Eligibility: Must be a minimum of 21 years of age at time of hire
The Field Leader role in the Xplore Solano Summer Youth Crew program involves supervising youth participants engaged in conservation and public improvement projects. You oversee tasks such as nursery work, water conservation, and infrastructure projects in outdoor settings. You collaborate with agency staff and ensure completion of job hazard assessments and safety procedures. You support crew members in following uniform, PPE, and preparedness requirements for daily work. You participate in Friday sessions covering vocational exploration and environmental topics. You work four days in the field and one day in structured training and reflection activities.
5. Individual Placement-Alaska-Yukon-Charley Rivers Wildlife Biology and Invasive Plants
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Stipend: $350/week living allowance | $1,250/month housing stipend | $1,500 one-time round-trip travel allowance | $2,300 duty-related reimbursements for in-season travel
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: May 18 - August 30
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years or older
The Individual Placement – Alaska-Yukon-Charley Rivers Wildlife Biology and Invasive Plants program involves supporting field research across multiple Alaska park networks. You contribute to projects such as songbird surveys, peregrine falcon monitoring, and small mammal trapping. You assist with invasive plant removal and aquatic ecology work, depending on site requirements. You record and manage data with accuracy in both digital and paper formats. You work and camp in remote environments, accessing sites by hiking and boating. You collaborate with small teams while handling physically demanding field conditions.
6. Geology Summer Field Camp
Location: New Mexico
Cost: $2,700
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: May 8 – June 18
Eligibility: Upper level undergraduate and beginning graduate students
The Geology Summer Field Camp is a 6-credit field geology course based in northern New Mexico within the Rocky Mountains. You engage in daily hands-on fieldwork focused on observing, measuring, and interpreting geologic features. You study topics including stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology, mineralogy, and structural geology through applied projects. You participate in evening lectures and discussions at a field station near Taos Ski Valley. You also use traditional and digital tools, including GIS, to create maps and analyze field data. While not a traditional environmental internship for undergraduates, it is included for its structured, hands-on field experience aligned with real-world geoscience work.
7. LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science
Location: Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX
Stipend: Selected interns will receive at least $13,351
Application Deadline: December 12
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Eligibility: Undergraduates who have completed at least 50 semester hours of credit
The LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science is a 10-week research internship for undergraduate students. You work on research projects alongside planetary scientists, contributing to ongoing scientific studies. You participate in lectures and career development workshops as part of the program structure. You gain experience in a professional research environment while developing technical and analytical skills. You interact with scientists and peers, building academic and professional connections. You also engage in enrichment activities designed to support learning and exposure to planetary science careers.
8. EDF Internship Program
Location: Depends on the internship
Stipend: Paid (amount is not specified)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Opportunities are available in fall, spring, and summer; summer internships run for 10-12 weeks
Eligibility: Undergraduates
The EDF Internship Program offers project-based roles for undergraduate and graduate students interested in environmental work. You contribute to defined projects across fields such as science, policy, economics, advocacy, and law. You participate in a structured summer program that includes a weekly speaker series and professional development workshops. You are paired with an Intern Ambassador who provides mentorship and guidance throughout the internship. You attend organized events such as leadership interactions and social sessions. You gain exposure to a global organization while working toward specific project goals.
9. EarthRISE Developers Academy
Location: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Stipend: Paid (amount is not specified)
Application Deadline: March 6
Dates: June 1 - August 7
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are at least 18 years of age by the start of the term for which they are applying, with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0
The EarthRISE Developers Academy is an experiential program focused on applying NASA Earth observation data to real-world challenges. You work as an application developer on collaborative projects with partner organizations to support decision-making processes. You conduct literature reviews on remote sensing methodologies and use GIS tools to develop applied science solutions. You create project deliverables, including technical reports, presentations, and application outputs. You participate in professional development activities, such as team-building and networking. You also engage with scientists and partners while building skills in geospatial analysis and communication.
10. National Geographic Society Internships
Location: Mostly remote with one week in Washington D.C
Stipend: Paid (amount is not specified)
Application Deadline: February 26
Dates: June 7 - August 13
Eligibility: Student enrolled at an accredited college or university and be a rising sophomore or above.
The National Geographic Society Internships provide opportunities to gain professional experience while engaging with experts across disciplines. You participate in regular events with staff, Explorers, and educators involved in research and storytelling. You receive mentorship and guidance from professionals within the organization. You explore the processes behind projects aligned with environmental and educational missions. You interact with a network of professionals through structured sessions and discussions.
11. Earth and Planetary Science Interdisciplinary Internship at Carnegie Science (EPIIC)
Location: Carnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory, Washington, DC
Stipend: $6,000
Application Deadline: January 30
Dates: June 1 - August 7
Eligibility: Undergraduate students atleast 18 years old enrolled (part-time or full-time) in a baccalaureate or associate degree program
The EPIIC internship places you in a research-focused environment at Carnegie Science’s Earth and Planets Laboratory. You work under expert supervision in fields such as mineralogy, geophysics, and organic geochemistry. You contribute to a research project aimed at producing original scientific findings. You participate in regular group meetings, seminars, and program events. You work as a member of a research group throughout the internship. You gain experience in interdisciplinary research and scientific collaboration aligned with advanced study pathways.
12. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) Summer Student Fellowship
Location: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA
Stipend: $721 per week
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer with flexible start and end dates
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who will have completed their junior year at colleges or universities by the start of the fellowship period.
The WHOI Summer Student Fellowship is a research-based program focused on ocean sciences and engineering. You work on an independent project selected with guidance from a scientific advisor. You conduct research using WHOI facilities and interact with a network of scientists. You participate in seminars, talks, and a one-day ocean sampling cruise aboard the R/V Tioga. You engage in mentoring sessions and workshops with graduate students. You gain experience in scientific research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
13. Conservation Crew Leader – Summer Youth Crews
Location: Start/end in Eugene; Projects take place in parks, campgrounds, and natural areas throughout Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.
Stipend: $2,817.14 AmeriCorps Education Award + $8,400 living allowance
Application Deadline: Winter; exact date not specified
Dates:
Leader Training: May 28 - June 10
Session 1: June 13- July 18
Session 2: July 25 - August 29
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 20 years old and have current Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR certification.
The Conservation Crew Leader – Summer Youth Crews program focuses on outdoor leadership, conservation work, and youth development in remote natural environments. You co-lead teams of teenagers participating in hands-on restoration projects while camping and working together throughout the summer. Responsibilities include training crew members in the safe use of hand tools and facilitating lessons connected to the outdoor education curriculum. Conservation work may involve trail construction, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal. The program includes physically demanding outdoor work in mountainous and desert environments.
14. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pathway Internships
Location: Various locations nationwide
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Dates: Varies by internship; opportunities are available year-round
Eligibility: Students enrolled at least half-time at an accredited college/university; must be U.S. citizens
The EPA Pathways Internships place you in roles within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency across various departments. You work in locations such as Washington, D.C., regional offices, or research facilities. You contribute to tasks including environmental analysis, fieldwork, policy research, and administrative support. You receive a federal salary based on your level of study. You can participate in flexible internship options that align with your academic schedule. You gain experience in government work with potential pathways to permanent positions.
15. Scientists in Parks Program
Location: Various locations within the National Park System
Stipend: Stipend provided (amount is not specified)
Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Check here for more details
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who will be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
The Scientists in Parks Program provides opportunities to work on conservation and research projects across national parks. You are placed in positions that vary in focus, length, and location within the park system. You may participate in tasks such as ecological surveys, mapping, and wildlife monitoring. You work in outdoor environments while contributing to resource management efforts. You collaborate with the National Park Service and partner organizations. You gain experience through project-based roles that address environmental and conservation priorities.
Image source. - Smithsonian Environmental Research Center logo