State Park Intern - French Creek State Park (High School)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Elverson (Chester County); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, French Creek State Park Complex, seeks a State Park Intern to gain hands-on experience caring for parks and supporting visitor enjoyment. You will learn new skills, meet dedicated staff, and contribute to projects that make a real difference while earning and learning outdoors.

The role introduces daily park operations, project preparation, maintenance support, construction oversight, equipment care, and safety

Qualifications

• You must be at least 16 years of age at time of hire.
• You must be a junior or senior enrolled in high school during the 2026 - 2027 school year.
• Letter of Recommendation from school staff indicating eligibility.
• Submit Work Permit upon acceptance.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Observe and assist with park facilities operations.
• Participate in meetings and procedures for upcoming park projects.
• Help with maintenance of park grounds, trails, and outdoor areas.
• Observe and assist with monitoring maintenance and construction projects.
• Support staff with equipment care and simple repairs.
• Demonstrate understanding of safety practices used in park work.

Skills

Age requirement

High school status

Education

High school student

Job description

Salary

$17.88 Hourly

Location

Berks County, PA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

N-2026-61097

Department

Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

Division

CN French Creek St Prk Cmplx

Opening Date

10/22/2026

Closing Date

11/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

U2540

Position Number

50697191

Union

Non Union

Bargaining Unit

98

Pay Group

XH28

Bureau / Division Code

00386328

Bureau / Division

French Creek State Park

Worksite Address

843 Park Road

City

Elverson, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

19520

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

Step into an outdoor adventure as a State Park Intern with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, French Creek State Park Complex. This role will give you a hands‑on look at how parks are cared for and how teams work together to help visitors enjoy nature. You will learn new skills, meet passionate staff, and take part in projects that make a real difference. This is a great way to explore a future career while earning and learning outdoors.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role introduces students to the daily work that keeps state parks safe, clean, and welcoming for visitors. As a State Park Intern, you will perform the following duties:

• Park Operations: Observe and assist with activities that support the general operation of park facilities
• Project Preparation: Take part in meetings and procedures that help prepare for upcoming park projects
• Maintenance Support: Help with basic upkeep of park grounds, trails, and outdoor areas
• Construction Oversight: Observe and assist with monitoring maintenance and construction projects
• Equipment Assistance: Support staff by observing or helping with equipment care and simple repairs
• Safety Awareness: Demonstrate understanding of common safety practices used in park work

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Work schedule will vary based on the agreement between the high school and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (COPA) location.
• High school internship starting Fall, 2026 for the 2026-2027 School Year.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• You must be at least 16 years of age at time of hire.
• You must be a junior or senior enrolled in high school during the 2026 - 2027 school year.

Additional Requirements:

• Letter of Recommendation: You must attach a Letter of Recommendation from your school's co-op coordinator, career or guidance counselor, or similar designated school professional indicating you meet your school's requirements and are being recommended for this opportunity.
• By participating in this program, the student and school agree to use the Commonwealth's Training Plan, Statement of Responsibilities, and Student Performance Evaluation. Forms will be provided to the student upon acceptance of this position.
• Work Permit: Minors will be required to submit their Work Permit upon acceptance of this position.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.