Internships
Internships and hands-on experiences let you test-drive a green career. You can create a strong foundation for your resume, build skills, meet people doing the work, and discover what kinds of environmental problems you want to help solve.
Your Green Career Can Start Now.
You do not need to wait until college to start exploring environmental work. Look for paid internships, summer programs, conservation crews, student leadership programs, volunteer projects, and job-shadowing opportunities.
Programs labeled youth corps, stewardship, student leadership, summer experience, volunteer service, or career exploration can build many of the same skills. Taking the initiative to seek them out can open doors to experiences you might otherwise miss.
Featured Opportunities
These programs are strong places for high school students to watch for current openings and future application cycles. Eligibility and deadlines can change, so always check the official program page.
T.E.E.N.S. — Montgomery Parks
A paid internship developed for Montgomery County students to explore green careers in nature and environmental science while gaining hands-on training and working with the public.
Montgomery Parks ↗Smithsonian Natural History High School Internship
A summer career-immersion experience at the National Museum of Natural History for current high school students, with exposure to science and museum work behind the scenes.
Smithsonian Institution ↗Maryland DNR Internships
Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources offers internships across many units and career fields. Depending on agency needs, opportunities may be available to high school and/or college students.
Maryland DNR ↗Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps
A six-week, non-residential summer program for youth who want hands-on outdoor conservation experience in Maryland State Parks.
Maryland Park Service ↗NOAA Student Opportunities
Explore NOAA’s student opportunity database for internships, one-day experiences, fellowships, and other programs. Use the filters to find opportunities that match your grade level and interests.
NOAA ↗NOAA Pathways Internship Program
A federal internship pathway for students enrolled in educational institutions from high school through graduate school, with paid opportunities to explore public-service careers.
NOAA ↗Maryland Envirothon Job & College Resources
A Maryland-focused collection of conservation career resources, volunteer opportunities, summer programs, internships, college pathways, and scholarships for students interested in natural resources.
Maryland Envirothon ↗Volunteer & Leadership Opportunities
If a formal internship is not the right fit yet, these are excellent ways to build experience, earn service hours, meet environmental professionals, and show future employers or colleges what you care about.
Montgomery Parks Volunteer Opportunities
Find stream and park cleanups, trail projects, Weed Warrior activities, group service opportunities, and other ways to help care for local parks.
Montgomery Parks ↗Chesapeake Bay Foundation Student Leadership
High school students across the Chesapeake watershed can build environmental leadership skills, join action and advocacy events, and create a project that improves their local watershed.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation ↗Get Ready to Apply
You do not need a long résumé. You need to show curiosity, reliability, and a genuine interest in learning.
Build a one-page résumé
Include school activities, clubs, volunteer work, projects, part-time jobs, technical skills, and anything that shows responsibility.
Write your 3-sentence introduction
Say who you are, what interests you, and what you hope to learn. You can reuse and personalize it for emails and applications.
Ask for a reference early
A teacher, counselor, coach, supervisor, or club adviser can speak to your work ethic and interests.
Apply before the deadline
Summer opportunities often recruit months in advance. Bookmark programs you like and check their pages throughout the school year.
Your first opportunity does not have to be perfect.
Choose something that lets you learn, contribute, and meet people. Each experience gives you more information about what you want to try next.