Statewide Summer Environmental Internship - Paid, Hands-on

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Texas; On-site; USD 45,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program (MLEIP) is a paid, full‑time summer internship opportunity with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or partnering organizations. It prepares undergraduate and graduate students for the next step in their careers by giving hands‑on assignments across scientific, technical, and business domains.

MLEIP internships are not available in spring or fall, and regional offices include Austin and many Texas cities.

Qualifications

• Undergrad student who has completed at least 60 hours by spring 2027 or a current graduate student.
• Enrolled full time spring 2027; GPA minimum 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Eligible to work in the United States; international students may be considered if eligible to work.
• Access to critical infrastructure security info may be required during internship.

Skills

60 semester hours

GPA 2.0

Eligible to work in US

International students eligible

Infrastructure security awareness

Education

Undergraduate (≥60 credits)

Graduate student eligible

Job description

Apply for the MLEIP Internship!

Gain hands-on experience and training while working on assignments that will stretch your skills farther than you ever imagined. We are pleased you have selected to apply for a Mickey Leland Environmental Internship during the summer of 2027!

Job Description

Apply for the MLEIP Internship!

Gain hands-on experience and training while working on assignments that will stretch your skills farther than you ever imagined. We are pleased you have selected to apply for a Mickey Leland Environmental Internship during the summer of 2027!

Please Note That You Must Complete The Application Form As Soon As Possible. To Complete The Application Process, You Must Email The Following

• An academic or professional letter of recommendation -Due no later than 2/28/2027
• A copy of your current official or unofficial university transcript -Due no later than 2/28/2027
• Verification of spring semester enrollment (required only if transcript does not list courses in progress during spring semester) -Due no later than 2/28/2027
  
  

The MLEIP prepares undergraduate and graduate students for the next step in their career journey through a paid, full-time summer* internship, either at TCEQ or with one of our partnering organizations, such as, other state agencies, county and city government, or in the private sector in Texas. This nationally recognized program provides college students with the opportunity to collaborate with scientific, technical, and business leaders while performing meaningful work.

• MLEIP internship assignments are not available in spring or fall.
  
  

Our regional offices are: Austin, Abilene, Amarillo, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Harlingen, Houston, Laredo, Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio, San Angelo, Tyler, and Waco. View a map of Texas cities with participating internships on the About the MLEIP page.

If you are interested in interning in Austin, affordable housing options may be available. Email us at [e-mail]

Eligibility Requirements

While the majority of MLEIP internship assignments are STEM-related, all majors are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be:

• An undergraduate student who has completed at least 60 semester hours at the end of the spring 2027 semester OR a current graduate student enrollee. Eligible undergraduate AND graduate students enrolled at an accredited educational institution in Texas, across the United States, or outside of the United States may apply.
• Enrolled full time during the spring semester 2027 and have a minimum academic grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application (eligible students who are graduating spring 2027 may apply for summer 2027 internship assignments).
• Eligible to work in the United States. (TCEQ may hire international students as MLEIP interns if they are eligible to work in the U.S. however, TCEQ does not sponsor international students).
• Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2). Accordingly, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.
  
  

How To Apply

• Submit an online application form. Applications are accepted September 7, 2026, through February 28, 2027.
• Email ALL of the following supported documents for your application to be considered complete. Only complete applications will have an opportunity for an interview.
• An academic or professional letter of recommendation. There is no specific form or format for the letter of recommendation.
• A scanned and legible official or unofficial academic transcript showing courses in progress during the spring semester 2027.
• Verification Enrollment Letter for spring semester 2027 from your university registrar (required only if transcript does not list courses in progress during spring semester 2027).
  
  

Supporting documents should be emailed to: [e-mail]

NOTE: Complete application packages (online application and all supporting documents) received by the February 28, 2027 deadline have the best opportunity for review and selection by sponsors/managers. Incomplete application packages (for example, missing the online application or related documents) may not be considered.

TRANSCRIPT/ COLLEGE HOURS Or COURSE WORK

See instructions on how to attach documents. A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials in CAPPS is required if needed to meet the qualifications listed above.

While you wait to find out if you were selected, use this handy Interview Tip Sheet to prepare for the next step in your internship journey.

MLEIP interns are expected to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of their assigned position and abide by the policies and procedures of the employing agency or organization. This may include background checks and/or drug testing.

Are you a former or current MLEIP Intern interested in employment at TCEQ?

Submit a State of Texas Application for a posted position or apply to the Transitions Hiring Program.