Summary
This internship involves analyzing data on PFAS chemicals in Michigan's water sources to map out where contamination has occurred, identify vulnerable areas for drinking water, and spot gaps for future testing efforts.
The goal is to help prioritize investigations in a fair and efficient way using data.
It's a great fit for students studying environmental science, data analysis, or related fields who want hands-on experience in public health and environmental protection.
Full Job Description

EGLE’s Summer Internship program is a 15-week intensive experience that integrates a student’s knowledge and classroom theory with practical application and skills development in a professional workplace setting.
Students will work with various divisions, offices, and locations across the State of Michigan experiencing hybrid, remote, and field work depending on the internship project needs.
This intern project will involve using available tools to analyze this data, to provide a spatial representation of where sampling has been done; where PFAS contamination has occurred; where sensitivities exist for PFAS contamination of drinking water; where gaps exist to be addressed through EGLE’s future sampling efforts. The outcome of this work will provide the means to more equitably and efficiently prioritize regions of our state for PFAS investigation using a data driven approach. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division (DWEHD) and the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) have accumulated a wealth of PFAS data from sampling water wells across Michigan, during compliance monitoring and investigations related to PFAS sites of contamination.
Position Description
Additional information about EGLE’s Summer Internship Program:
- EGLE’s Summer 2026 Internship Program will start on Monday May 11, 2026, and will run approximately 15 weeks.
- All interns will be required to attend an in-person orientation session on their first day. Time of orientation will be communicated once all interns have been selected and secured.
- Interns can work a maximum of 29 hours per week (129 hours maximum per calendar month) and weekly work schedules will be determined by the intern and their designated supervisor.
- All interns will be required to do a presentation about their project to EGLE staff and stakeholders during an organized event at the end of the summer internship session.
- All work performed, including remote internships, must be performed within the borders of the State of Michigan and students must reside in Michigan for the duration of the summer internship. EGLE does not offer any housing or relocation assistance for any out of state students wishing to apply.
The work location of this position will be either the Lansing, Jackson, Cadillac, Bay City, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Warren, or Marquette District Office, depending on the selected candidate.
However, the selected candidate may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule (combination of remote and in-person) or a fully remote work schedule (with occasional travel to their official work location). Employees approved for schedules that include remote work must complete that work within Michigan. Relocation expenses are not reimbursed. When working remote, employees must use a designated workspace that is safe and professionally appropriate, allows for privacy, minimizes distractions, and includes secure internet access. Details regarding work location and schedule options for this position may be discussed during the interview process.
Requirements
Educational Requirements:
You must be actively enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution and reached junior or senior level status going into fall 2025 or an actively enrolled graduate student. Some internships have very specific degree or grade level requirements so please read the details of each internship project closely.
Experience
No specific type or amount is required.
Additional Information
ABOUT EGLEThe Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's mission is to protect Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources.
At the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, we are passionate about protecting human health and Michigan’s land, water, and energy resources.
We are equally passionate about creating a positive, professional, and supportive work environment where we value our differences and are committed to being open and respectful of all our employees and the public we serve.
Our unique backgrounds and experiences make us better equipped to equitably deliver impactful environmental outcomes in the interest of all of Michigan’s residents.
Your application must include, and have attached to your application, the following:
- A cover letter detailing why you are interested in this specific internship
- A resume highlighting your education and experience as it relates to this internship
- A copy of your current transcripts showing coursework completed and active enrollment
Note: Failure to attach all requested documentation may result in your application being removed from consideration.