Who we are:

Did you know Ohio operates 76 state parks, manages over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife land and more than 2 million acres of water? That’s just the tip of the iceberg of what we do at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) as we seek to ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all!

Across our 12 divisions and support services, we employ office staff, law enforcement officers, geologists, biologists, engineers, attorneys, communicators, managers, and so much more. Whatever your passion, we likely have a position to fit it and pathways for advancement!

  Job Description Applications for the 2025 Ohio Department of Natural Resources Summer Internship Program are currently being accepted for positions in Columbus, Akron, Cambridge and New Philadelphia Ohio, and from students of Engineer/Surveyor disciplines.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) offers some of the most diverse career opportunities in state government. Opportunities expand well beyond parks and recreation. The team of biologists, geologists, naturalist, forestry, wildlife and fisheries employees, just to name a few, helps the department fulfill its responsibility to manage and protect some of Ohio’s most critical resources – forests, rivers, breath-taking natural areas, shorelines and islands, astounding geologic formations, wildlife, oil, gas, minerals and water resources.

Through the ODNR Summer Internship Program, interns will:

Assist with infrastructure assessments and construction projects. Conduct on-site observations, prepare field reports and evaluate documents prepared by consultants. Participate in field investigations, assist with development of plans and help with inspections. Work closely with engineers on hydrology, grading and pipe design. Develop Standard Drawings alongside team members. Gain a comprehensive knowledge of what the Department does and why. Have access to unique professional development and training opportunities. Play a role in ensuring a balance between wise use and protection of Ohio’s natural resources for the benefit of all.  

ODNR seeks applicants from a wide variety of academic majors, including, but not limited to:

Engineer/Surveyor: architectural, civil, environmental, geological, mechanical, mining, petroleum, engineering technology An ODNR internship offers:

Hands-on, practical experience Flexible hours The option to gain school credit A safe, inclusive, respectful workplace ODNR Core Values:

Do The Right Thing, The Right Way Promote Science-Based Stewardship If It’s Worth Doing, It’s Worth Doing Now Strive for Excellence in Customer Service Commit to Great Communication Embrace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

 Qualifications Candidates meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply:

Enrolled as a part-time or full-time student, in an Engineer/Surveyor related major, at an accredited college, university, or community college which offers or leads to an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree. Good academic standing (2.5 GPA or higher) Applicants will be required to submit a resume and writing sample with their application. (A writing sample can be a research paper or writing assignment from a previous job or class and is, generally, one to two pages in length. The topic of the writing sample is up to the applicant but should be relevant to the internship to which the applicant is seeking) Job Skills: Internship, Active Learning, Customer Focus, Verbal Communication, Critical Thinking, Observation

Supplemental Information

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please contact Mohammad Yakubu, EEO Regional/Program Administrator at 614-265-6992 or mohammad.yakubu@dnr.ohio.gov.

Effective July 1, 2015 applicants must apply online for positions at all state agencies except the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).

STATUS OF POSTED POSITIONS: Applicants can view the status of this position by logging into their user profile on the Ohio Hiring Management System [OHMS] Home page at the following link careers.ohio.gov, and selecting "My Profile".

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.