County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is a regulatory agency serving Pima County by protecting public health and the environment. PDEQ operates programs that monitor air and water quality, hazardous waste, solid waste, and promotes waste minimization, and pollution prevention. PDEQ also provides public outreach and education, processes environmental permits, and responds to public complaints and inquiries with investigations and enforcement
Internship Available
- Summer
- Fall
- Spring
Deadlines
Submit application at least one month prior to start of term. (Apply early as limited spots fill up fast.)
Internship Description: Unpaid
Interns will assist PDEQ with developing and enhancing public health outreach and education materials, programs, or campaigns regarding air quality. Projects can include: research and development; creating information or activity sheets; developing interactive activities, a short video, or displays to engage the public; and/or providing special services for new projects that may be developed in accordance with the unique skill set the intern possesses. Work will mostly be with Clean Air Program staff, however, interns are encouraged to interact with staff from other divisions, such as compliance and enforcement, water and permitting programs. Interns may accompany staff during outreach events or site inspections as appropriate and available.
Purpose of the Internship
Internship with PDEQ will provide mutually beneficial services, experiences and product. Student will: gain experience and demonstrate competency for a professional career related to environmental issues; apply classroom knowledge and conduct further research to help alleviate environmentally triggered public health concerns within our community; perform tasks that address environmental exposure risk in the community, such as developing educational materials for the general public; provide PDEQ with a product, or the first draft of a product that can be used by the department to help educate the public regarding public health issues.
Agency Preferred Qualifications
Senior or graduate student interested in the environmental field. Experience with Microsoft Office. Dependable; detail-oriented; demonstrates initiative in pursuing tasks, identifying resources and requesting assistance as needed; ability to analyze information and highlight the most important aspects related to reaching the public and protecting public health; comfortable speaking with the public. Creative problem-solving talents helpful.
How to apply
Applications must be requested and completed applications sent to karen.wilhelmsen@pima.gov. Resumes and cover letter may be submitted with completed application.