State Park Intern - Ryerson State Park (College)

THE POSITION

Are you eager to embrace the beauty of nature and gain practical experience this summer? Consider applying for a State Park Internship, where you can dive into the world of park management and environmental education. With millions of visitors flocking to Pennsylvania's state parks each year, we are looking for motivated students who are excited to learn about park operations and enhance the visitor experience. If you have a passion for public service and seek meaningful work that will enrich your future career, we invite you to apply today!

 

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As an intern at Ryerson Station State Park, you will have the opportunity to support the Regional Office with a variety of events, inspections, programs, and projects. Your responsibilities will include engaging with visitors both in the field and at the office, ensuring they receive exceptional customer service for a memorable experience. You will collaborate with staff to manage the park's natural, cultural, and historical resources, which involves preparing and adhering to park management plans. Additionally, you will interpret and apply statewide park operation rules and assist in drafting letters, reports, and press releases to communicate park activities and special events to the public. Your role will also involve supporting special events and working alongside volunteers, as well as assisting the Environmental Education Staff with program planning.
 

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time internship that will run from 5/1/2026 through 8/28/2026
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position may require evenings and weekends, not to exceed 37.5 hours a week.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Internship Requirements:

• Enrollment in good academic standing as a FULL-TIME student in a bachelor's or advanced degree program in:
  • History
  • Environmental Science
  • Park and Resource Management
• An approved major course which includes a qualifying 24 credit hours of study in the physical, biological and environmental sciences may be acceptable.
• Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher)
• Freshman year completed by May 2026
• Pennsylvania residency or enrollment of a Pennsylvania college or university

Additional Requirements: 
 

• You must possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements: 

• In accordance with Act 153 of 2014, this position is required to complete Child Abuse, Criminal and Federal Criminal History Checks within 10 days of hire.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.  Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements.  Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. 
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date.  Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 

Veterans: 

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. 
 
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.