Grid Services Vegetation & Natural Resource Intern

Duke Energy Corporation; Lancaster (SC); Hybrid; USD 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Hybrid work opportunities

Job summary

Duke Energy offers a summer internship in Vegetation Management and Environmental Health & Safety in the Carolinas, targeting students in Forestry, Natural Resources, GIS, and related fields. You’ll review work plans, assist with environmental assessments, and learn from seasoned professionals in a hybrid, on-site program.

The role emphasizes collaboration across VM and Environmental teams, exposure to fieldwork, and development of professional skills with a 10–12 week summer schedule.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s in Natural Resources or related field is required.
• Must not graduate before August 2027.
• GPA of 2.75 or higher is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Vegetation Management by reviewing work-plan maps for environmentally sensitive interactions.
• Collaborate with VM System Forester, VM Program Managers, and Environmental/Natural Resource teams.
• Support field assessments, bat roost surveys, and remote sensing validations as needed.
• Review mapping data for quality and accuracy and document findings.

Skills

Technical proficiency

Written and oral communication

Leadership ability

Team collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s in Natural Resources or related field

Tools

GIS software

Remote sensing tools

Job description

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.
Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

About Us Duke Energy, one of the largest electric powers holding company in the U.S., is a Fortune 150 company dedicated to driving the future of reliable, affordable and cleaner energy. Join us in our mission to build a smarter energy future and help drive our transition to net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.
Why Duke Energy? Here Are The Top 3 Reasons Why Working At Duke Energy As a College Student Is The Number One Choice For You

• Career Development: Duke Energy provides extensive training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career development resources to help students grow professionally.
• Growth and Reputation: As one of the largest energy companies in the U.S., Duke Energy offers job growth and a reputable name in the industry, which can be advantageous for future career prospects.
• Work-Life Balance: The company supports a healthy work-life balance with flexible work schedules, remote work options, and employee wellness programs.

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Enrolled and pursuing an ABET-accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Natural Resources or related field.
• Must not graduate prior to August 2027
• Cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or higher

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and learn from experienced professionals.

Program Locations for 2026: Opportunities at locations in South Carolina and North Carolina

Duke Energy is seeking an energetic, hardworking student with an interest in the electric power industry currently pursuing a degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Management, GIS, or a related field. This position is in the Grid Services Vegetation Management organization and the Environmental Health and Safety, Natural Resource organization.

Vegetation Management - This organization is responsible for driving strategies that reduce vegetation costs, drive efficiencies in processes, operations, and interactions with other lines of business.

Environmental Health and Safety - This group provides support of state and federal environmental regulations, permits siting, licensing/relicensing, environmental review, and natural resources assessments/surveys for vegetation management and other business unit related work throughout the Carolinas.

• The successful candidate will primarily assist the Vegetation Management team by reviewing maps of upcoming work plans to identify and document potential environmentally sensitive interactions.
• The intern will work closely with the VM System Forester, VM Program Managers, and the Environmental and Natural Resource team.
• Other job functions may include but not limited to field assessments, protected bat roost surveys, and remote sensing field validations.
• Utilize the Environmental Checklist to perform detailed desktop reviews of VM work plan maps to identify and document potential environmentally sensitive interactions. Develop positive working relationships.
• Willingness to make sufficient choices and decisions, with some guidance or direction from a mentor or supervisor.
• Strive to continually improve job-related, technical, and professional knowledge as well as skills and performance.
• Reviews mapping data for quality and accuracy

Preferred Majors: Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Fisheries, Environmental Sciences

Desired Qualifications

• Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in use of computers
• Previous related work experience
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide the quantity and quality of work necessary to reach an accomplishment.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities through effective decision making.
• Works effectively with others from diverse backgrounds to achieve common goal.
• Ability to deliver superior results within allocated time through effective prioritization, scheduling, planning and execution of assigned work.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid and onsite work environment opportunities
• Housing stipend available when applicable
• Some opportunities require a valid driver’s license.
• Depending on work location, exposure to mechanical, electrical, noisy and/or other hazards
• Depending on work location, may be required to meet requirements for unescorted access/security clearance.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment (hardhat, safety glasses, appropriate clothing, ear plugs, fall protection, etc.), as needed.
• Potential travel to project sites
• Internship/Co-op summer session length is 10-12 weeks
• Valid drivers license

What You’ll Get

• Hands-On Experience: Engage in impactful projects that contribute to Duke Energy’s innovative initiatives.
• Mentorship and Growth: Receive mentorship from industry professionals and participate in training sessions to enhance your skills.
• Networking Opportunities: Build lasting connections with peers, mentors, and leaders in the energy sector.
• Competitive Stipend: Earn a competitive stipend while gaining invaluable experience.
• Professional Development: Access to workshops and resources to support your academic and career growth.

Join us this summer at Duke Energy and be a part of a team that’s lighting the way to a brighter, more innovative, sustainable future!

Travel Requirements 5-15%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

No

Represented/Union Position

No

Visa Sponsored Position

No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.