Environmental Laboratory Intern

Job Description

About company

The Team Kentucky Internship Program (TKIP) is a prestigious and competitive program designed to immerse talented and motivated college students into the world of public service. It aims to provide meaningful and relevant work experience, foster professional development through dedicated activities, and offer valuable networking opportunities with peers and state government leaders across the Commonwealth. Interns work alongside experienced program and field professionals within various state agencies.

The specific agency for this internship is the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet (EEC). The EEC’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all Kentuckians by diligently protecting the state’s land, air, and water resources. This is achieved through environmentally conscious utilization of natural resources, facilitating connections between families and nature, preserving Kentucky’s natural heritage, and supporting innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions that contribute to the Commonwealth’s economic benefit. The EEC promotes a positive work environment and offers career paths where individuals can significantly impact environmental conservation.

Job description, detailed

The Team Kentucky Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in public service, providing valuable work experience, professional growth, and networking.

Eligibility for the 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 academic standing with at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) at the time of hire.
• Graduating high school seniors who are currently enrolled in college courses and possess a 2.5 GPA are also eligible to apply.
• Candidates must be 18 years of age by May 15, 2026.
• Applicants are required to upload their unofficial transcript during the application process.

Program Requirements for Selected Interns:
Interns accepted into the program are required to:
• Attend the TKIP Orientation.
• Participate in at least one Professional Development Day.
• Attend at least one Agency Tour.
• Complete a total of 300 working hours throughout the program.
• Submit a final project.
• Attend the TKIP Reception.

A Day in the Life (Specific to EEC Laboratory Internship):
Interns within the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet will:
• Perform basic laboratory functions and receive training on how to use various lab instrumentation.
• Engage in data collection and reporting activities.
• Focus on the extraction and analysis of organic compounds found in water, soil, and sediment samples.
• Work within a state-of-the-art laboratory located in the Centralized Laboratory Facility.

What You’ll Need to Succeed (Desired Qualities):
The program seeks individuals who are:
• Dependable: Capable of adhering to a designated work schedule and meeting assigned deadlines. Proactive communication with supervisors regarding schedule adjustments or support needs is expected.
• Initiative-Takers: Always looking for opportunities to exceed expectations, demonstrating self-motivation and problem-solving skills.
• Eager to Learn: Actively seeking knowledge about the state agency and government, receptive to feedback on job performance, and willing to ask questions when unsure or needing guidance.

Minimum Requirements:
• Education: None specified.
• Experience, Training, or Skills: None specified.
• Substitute Education for Experience: None allowed.
• Substitute Experience for Education: None allowed.
• Special Requirements:
• Must be 18 years of age at the time of employment.
• Must be enrolled full-time either as a graduating high school senior currently taking college-level courses OR as a college-level student at an accredited Kentucky post-secondary school or other approved educational institution.
• Applicants must provide proof of enrollment to the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet.
• Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials throughout the duration of employment in this classification. The employing agency is responsible for verifying the maintenance of these credentials.

Working Conditions:
Working conditions will vary depending on the specific agency and position assigned within the program.