Plant Pathology Intern - Plant Pathology Lab, PA Dept of Agriculture (College)

Are you ready to contribute to the foundation of Pennsylvania's agriculture? Join the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture as a Plant Pathology Intern and get essential, hands-on experience in a professional laboratory setting! Internships at the Department of Agriculture provide an exciting learning opportunity for students to gain insight and assist in activities directed towards our mission to encourage, protect, and promote agriculture throughout the Commonwealth. If you have an interest in public service and want to gain valuable work experience that may be used toward a career after graduation, we invite you to apply with us today!

As a Plant Pathology Intern, you will acquire the skills necessary to play an impactful role protecting Pennsylvania's agricultural crops. You will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork by assisting with the collection of plant samples from various agricultural crops, as well as gain practical laboratory skills by assisting with general testing duties, including sample processing for ELISA (disease detection) and DNA/RNA extraction. You will also assist with upkeep of the greenhouse and plants, in addition to ensuring the integrity of our research by assisting with the accurate entry of data into departmental databases.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time internship that will run from 5/1/2026 through 8/28/2026.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, on a schedule that aligns with the supervisor so they are in the office on the same days. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• Enrollment in good academic standing as a FULL-TIME student in a bachelor's or advanced degree program in:
  • Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Sciences
• An approved major course which includes a qualifying 24 credit hours of study in the physical, biological, and environmental sciences may be acceptable.
• Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher)
• Freshman year completed
• Pennsylvania residency or enrollment of a Pennsylvania college or university

Additional Requirements:

• You must possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

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.