Environmental Conservation Intern

Job Description

About the Company

The Team Kentucky Internship Program is a prestigious and competitive initiative designed to immerse talented and motivated college students in the world of public service. It provides participants with meaningful and relevant work experience, professional development activities, and valuable networking opportunities with peers and state government leaders across the Commonwealth. Interns work alongside program and field professionals within state agencies.

The Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet (EEC) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Kentuckians. Its mission focuses on protecting the state’s land, air, and water resources, utilizing natural resources responsibly, connecting families with nature, preserving natural heritage, and supporting innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions that benefit the Commonwealth economically. The EEC offers a positive work environment for those looking to make a difference in environmental conservation and sustainability.

Job Description, Detailed

This internship is part of the Team Kentucky Internship Program, specifically within the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet.

Eligibility for the Team Kentucky Internship Program:
To be considered, applicants must:
• Be enrolled at an accredited Kentucky post-secondary school or another educational institution approved by the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet.
• Maintain good standing with their school and have at least a 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) at the time of hire.
• Graduating high school seniors enrolled in college courses with a 2.5 GPA may also qualify.
• Candidates must be 18 years of age by May 15, 2026.
• Applicants must upload their unofficial transcript when applying.

Program Requirements:
Selected interns are required to:
• Attend the TKIP Orientation.
• Attend at least one Professional Development Day.
• Attend at least one Agency Tour.
• Complete 300 working hours throughout the program.
• Submit a final project.
• Attend the TKIP Reception.

A Day in the Life (Typical Responsibilities):
Interns will gain practical experience by:
• Developing an understanding of conservation practices.
• Assisting in the preparation of educational materials related to conservation practices.
• Collecting, compiling, and entering data into EEC programs.
• Maintaining and tracking data necessary for both state and federal reporting.
• Drafting or preparing correspondence, detailed forms, reports, or other materials, often utilizing templates.
• Answering inquiries and providing detailed information on office matters in person, by telephone, or via email.

What You’ll Need to Succeed (Desired Qualities and Skills):
Successful interns should demonstrate:
• Dependability: Adhering to a designated work schedule, meeting assigned deadlines, and proactively communicating any issues or requests for adjustments/support to supervisors.
• Initiative: Actively seeking opportunities to go above and beyond daily tasks, showcasing self-motivation and problem-solving abilities.
• Learning Opportunities: Actively seeking new knowledge about the state agency and government, requesting feedback on job performance to foster growth, and asking questions when unsure about tasks or needing guidance.

Minimum Requirements:
• Education: None specified.
• Experience, Training, or Skills: None specified.
• Substitute Education for Experience: Not applicable.
• Substitute Experience for Education: Not applicable.
• Special Requirements:
• Must be 18 years of age at the time of employment.
• Must be enrolled on a full-time basis as either a graduating high school senior currently enrolled in college-level courses OR a college-level student enrolled at an accredited Kentucky post-secondary school or other educational institution approved by the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet.
• Applicants must furnish proof of enrollment to the Personnel Cabinet.
• Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the duration of employment in this job classification. The employing agency is responsible for ensuring the employee possesses and maintains these credentials.

Working Conditions:
Working conditions for this internship will vary depending on the specific agency and position within the EEC.