October 27, 2023

Environmental Protection Agency Internships

Environmental Protection Agency Intern Program The EPA works to stop pollution and damage to our lakes, forests, air and more.

About the EPA Intern Program

The EPA Intern Program (EIP) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a comprehensive, entry-level, professional, full-time employment and career development program. As a program participant, you will join an intensive two-year program to help you "jump-start" your career and develop your potential for future advancement within the Agency.

Attracting and retaining top-notch employees is crucial to the success of EPA. To foster both their personal and professional growth, EIPers participate in a two-year EPA familiarization and career development program. Key components of the program are:

An Orientation Conference held in Washington, DC, to familiarize new EIPers with the Agency;
Multiple rotational assignments, including an opportunity for a two-month rotation to a different geographic location;
Individual Development Plans to serve as road maps for professional and personal development during the program and beyond;
Site visits and group project to introduce the "hands-on" work of the Agency, such as research, monitoring, environmental clean-up, community involvement, compliance, and prevention;
A Graduation Conference, featuring team training and environmental studies;
On-going networking activities.

Applicant Characteristics

The EIP seeks graduates from Bachelors degree programs in a variety of academic majors, including, but not limited to:

-Biological Sciences and Ecology
-Chemistry and Physical Sciences
-Environmental Engineering
-Financial Management
-Public and Environmental Policy

-Business
-Computer Science
-Environmental Studies
-International Studies
-Public Administration

In addition, applicants should be able to demonstrate t he following:

-Academic achievement
-Leadership potential and teamwork skills
-Good citizenship and commitment to a career in public service
-Interests in environmental issues
-Solid written and verbal communication skills
-U.S. citizenship (required)

Employment Information

Candidates selected to complete the EIP will be offered professional EPA Intern Program Environmental Protection Specialist positions at the GS-7 or Environmental Scientist/Biologist positions at the GS-7 or 9, at either EPA Headquarters or Regional Office locations. Starting salaries are approximately , 000 -, 000 per year, depending on the grade and location of the position.

As EPA employees, EIPers enjoy a comprehensive federal compensation package that includes health and life insurance, federal retirement program, sick and annual leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (federal 401K plan). Quality of Work Life Programs such as career and personal development, flexible work hours, alternative work schedules, and tuition assistance may also be available.

Recruitment and Qualifications

Program positions will be filled through the Administrative Careers with America (ACWA) program, supplemented by the Selective Placement for People with Disabilities hiring authority, as well as others, such as Peace Corps, Americorps/VISTA, and the Federal Career Intern Program for Biologists and Environmental Scientists.

The ACWA program provides for entry-level hiring in a large number of professional and administrative occupations. Candidates are evaluated using rating schedules that typically include questions about competencies such as candidate’s relevant training, education, experience, skills, achievements in school, employment, and other activities.

Other Information

The EPA Intern Program vacancy announcements will be posted for approximately two weeks in Spring, 2007 (usually April), on the Office of Personnel Management’s website at or the EPA Ezhire website at www.epa.gov/ezhire.

Approximately 70 applicants may be invited to Washington, DC for the EIP Interview Process to be held in June or July, with travel expenses paid by EPA. We anticipate hiring approximately 25 EIP interns for the EIP class of 2007, who will come on board in August 2007.