Careers

Overview

The Department of Environmental Protection is a covered agency under the WV Division of Personnel (DOP) and governed by the Administrative Rule. Therefore to be considered for employment with the Department of Environmental Protection, applicants must currently be employed in a “covered civil service” position and meet the minimum requirements for the advertised position, test through the Division of Personnel to get established on DOP’s referral listings, or be eligible for reinstatement into a Division of Personnel covered position. Refer to the Division of Personnel's website for more information about the DOP’s processes and procedures.

An exception to the hiring process is made for all positions in the Division of Air Quality and attorney positions for the Office of Legal Services. Positions within the Division of Air Quality follow the hiring requirements for the agency; however, testing through the Division of Personnel is not required. To fill positions within the Division of Air Quality, applicants are required to submit a completed “DOP Application for Examination” to the Department of Environmental Protection by the established deadline.

DEP is an equal opportunity employer.


Contact Us

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Administration: Human Resources Pre-Hire Unit
601 57th Street SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 926-0499
Fax: (304) 926-0483
Email: DEPHumanResources@wv.gov

 
Interning with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection can add valuable real world skills to your college education experience. We chat with three of our 2023 summer interns about their experience. Plus, how you can apply for Summer 2024.

 
Information for individuals looking to pursue a career as an Oil and Gas Inspector.

Get Started

The State of West Virginia offers employees a wide variety of competitive financial and personal benefits. For more information, please see the West Virginia Division of Personnel Benefits page.

Annual Leave

Annual leave (vacation/personal time off) is earned by eligible employees from the first day of employment. Most agencies allow employees to receive credit for earned leave on a monthly or semi-monthly basis, and the amount of leave accrued is based on years of service. Employees may use their leave in accordance with agency protocol, and they may save (or “bank”) up to a yearly maximum carry forward amount (from December 31 into the next year) that varies by length of service.

0 to 5 Years of Service

1.25 days off per month accrual and 240 hours maximum carry-over.

5 to 10 Years of Service

1.5 days per month accrual and 240 hours maximum carry-over.

10 to 15 Years of Service

1.75 days per month accrual and 280 hours maximum carry-over.

Over 15 Years of Service

2.00 days per month accrual and >320 hours maximum carry-over.

Sick Leave

Paid sick leave is available to eligible employees who are ill, injured, or have medical appointments, and it is earned from the first day of employment. Most agencies allow employees to receive credit for earned leave on a monthly or semi-monthly basis. All employees earn sick leave at the same rate (1.50 days/month = 18 days/year) and are allowed to carry an unlimited sick leave balance.

  • 1.5 days per month regardless of years of service
  • Employees may use up to 40 hours of his or her own sick leave balance for the illness of an immediate family member.


Retirement

The State of West Virginia offers an outstanding defined benefit pension plan – the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) under the Consolidated Public Retirement Board.

In addition, employees are offered the voluntary opportunity to participate in the West Virginia Retirement Plus Program, a supplemental retirement plan designed to provide an extra savings alternative for all State, county, city and other political subdivision employees. This retirement program is similar to a 401(k) plan in structure except that it is designed to supplement a participant's primary retirement plan.

  • Employees contribute 4.5% of their gross pay each payday (tax-deferred); the employer contributes 14.5% each payday.
  • Employees are vested after 5 years of creditable service.
  • Defined Benefit Plan with retirement payments based on years of service and final average salary (highest 36 consecutive months out of the last 15 years of employment).
  • Under the Straight Life Annuity option, the employee’s estimated benefit can be calculated as 2% of the years of credited service times the final average salary. This option does not pay an annuity to a beneficiary.
  • Two other options are available that pay 100% (Option A) and 50% (Option B) of the employees’ retirement annuity to the employee’s named and eligible beneficiary.
  • ING 457 Supplemental Retirement Plan is available.
  • For more information on retirement, visit www.wvretirement.com.

Paid Holidays

The State offers 12 paid holidays in each year. The number of paid holidays is above the national average for both public and private sector employees. In addition, employees generally do not work on statewide primary and general election days.

  • 12 paid holidays every year
  • Primary and General Election days off
  • An additional half day holiday before both Christmas and New Years when the holiday falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday


Health and Life Insurance Benefits

The State of West Virginia offers, through a variety of plans, a comprehensive health insurance plan which includes benefits for hospital, surgical, major medical, prescription drug, and other medical expenses. The State pays the majority of the insurance premium; employee premiums for health insurance vary according to salary.

Health

HMO coverage option available. Traditional pay-per-benefit option also available.

Vision/Dental

Low-cost plans available at tax-free rates.

Life

Group life insurance available with low group rates.

The positions listed here are ones that are commonly posted for DEP. Each position title is linked to the job specification provided by the West Virginia Division of Personnel.

Be sure to establish your name on competitive registers for any position you are interested in, and also, if you are a current or former employee eligible for reinstatement, be sure to check the current employment opportunities apply directly for those that interest you.

Position Overview

Performs beginning level professional work in a specialty area in the acquisition, preservation, management and enhancement of the state's environmental/natural resources. Acquires the knowledge, skills and abilities to function at the beginning level; assists higher level specialist in programmatic areas. Work involves the application of scientific principles, laws and regulations and program planning techniques in the areas of assignment. Areas may include grants and contract administration, environmental/natural resource program development and evaluation, education, or environmental monitoring and compliance. Assists in the planning, organization and implementation of a state-wide or regional specialty program. Travel over difficult terrain and in inclement weather may be required.

Environmental Resources Specialist Position Descriptions by Division

Environmental Resource Specialists within this Division are assigned to the air monitoring section to operate our statewide ambient air quality network. These individuals split their time between field work and time at the office to perform technical and regulatory work such as:

  • Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair a variety of scientific air monitoring instruments.

  • Review data outputs and reports to determine data validity.

  • Perform calibrations and checks on instruments using a variety of test equipment.

  • Read and use technical manuals, follow quality assurance procedures, US EPA guidance, and standard operating procedures.

  • Maintain detailed records, chains of custody, logbooks, and inventories of air monitoring equipment.

  • Maintain shelters and immediate surrounding area.

As an Environmental Resources Specialist with Abandoned Mine Lands you might…

  • Inspect active construction sites for compliance with construction plans and specifications.

  • Review and verify Pay Applications.

  • Review "As-Built" drawings for consistency with field conditions.

  • Report plan deficiencies or inconsistencies to supervisors for revision.

  • Inspect existing AML sites for proper function and request maintenance as necessary.

  • Attend and assist in the conduction of required bid conferences.

As an Environmental Resources Specialist with Special Reclamation you might…

  • Perform construction reclamation inspections, water sampling and watershed habitat evaluations.

  • Provide acid mine drainage treatment.

As an Environmental Resources Specialist for Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) you might…

  • Review and evaluate data submitted within Article 3 Mining Permits and Article 4 Quarry Permit Applications as they relate to the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act.

  • Ensure technical and legal completeness and accuracy within various types of mine and quarry permit applications.

  • Be involved in all types of permit applications affiliated with the Division of Mining and Reclamation including, but not limited to, new permit applications, permit amendments, revisions, transfers, and operator assignments.

  • Prepare reports, narratives, and facts & findings documents related to final recommendations for approval or denial of submittals.

  • Interact with the public, other state and federal agencies, and permit applicants.

  • Provide support to other branches within WVDEP including, but not limited to Inspection and Enforcement and the Hydrologic Protection Unit.

As an Environmental Resources Specialist with the Watershed Improvement Branch you might…

  • Work with volunteer watershed associations, local governments, and others to develop plans and implement projects to protect and improve water quality.

  • Conduct outreach and education on polluted runoff including urban stormwater, agriculture and failing septic systems.

  • Oversee and inspect natural stream channel design projects to restore streams and floodplains to a more natural state.

Position Overview

Under direct supervision, works at a training level in the performance of technical and field inspection work in environmental protection programs. Determines compliance with applicable laws, regulations, permits, best management practices, and/or contracts within an assigned region of the state. Work involves intensive training programs. Work is characterized by initial performance of job duties accompanied by an inspector, technical staff, training officer, or specialist, or supervisor. With gradual assumption of more independence and authority, and as proficiency is demonstrated, supervision becomes less direct. As the employee progresses in the performance of assigned and statutory duties, conditional apprenticeship assignment may be made to a specific geographic area of the state, during which the employee exercises all authority and is assigned responsibility in accordance with the laws of West Virginia pertaining to the area of assignment. Work requires travel and outside work in varying weather conditions and over difficult terrain. Subject to emergency response, being on-call and temporary assignment to a different geographical area of the state, as necessitated by environmental conditions and agency needs. May be assigned to an area of specialization, as detailed above. Performs related work as required.

Position Descriptions

Environmental Inspector Position Descriptions by Division

As an Environmental Inspector for Inspection and Enforcement you might…

Perform Technical and Field Inspection Work of Regulated Sites
  • Collect samples from state waters, soil and discharges for field and laboratory analyses to determine environmental quality and compliance; will document findings.

  • Make regular inspections of sites to ascertain types of wastes produced, sources and volume of wastes, efficiency of treatment, disposal methods, compliance with laws, regulations, issued permit conditions, reclamation contracts, to determine the condition of state waters, or to evaluate surface mining and reclamation practices.

  • Conduct field reviews of permit applications, contract proposals or sediment control plans.

  • Respond in accordance with approved emergency response procedures, to spills or releases of pollutants, some of which may be hazardous substances.

Have the Authority to Issue Notices of Violations and/or Cessation Orders
  • Initiate criminal, administrative or civil enforcement or prosecution actions against suspected violators of environmental protection laws; testifies in court or administrative proceedings as required.

  • Order immediate cessation of any operation or portion thereof when provided for by law where the public welfare or safety calls for such or when necessary due to noncompliance with law, regulations, permit conditions and/or agency orders.

Environmental Inspectors within this Division are assigned to the Office of Environmental Enforcement (EE). These inspectors perform technical and regulatory work in the following areas:

Hazardous Waste

As an Environmental Inspector for Hazardous Waste, you might…

  • Perform hazardous waste regulatory functions pertaining to the State Hazardous Waste Act and Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

  • Investigate complaints pertaining to suspected environmental harm and threat to human health.

  • Respond in accordance with procedures to emergency situations such as spills, releases, etc.

  • Be responsible for the collection of evidence and initiation of appropriate administrative, civil, or criminal enforcement actions.

  • Collect environmental samples for laboratory analysis.

  • Provide compliance assistance when appropriate.

Above- and Underground Storage Tanks

As an Environmental Inspector for Underground/Aboveground Storage Tanks, you might…

  • Perform technical and field inspection duties pertaining to the West Virginia Aboveground Storage Tank Act, the Underground Storage Tank Act and applicable sections of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

  • Investigate complaints pertaining to suspected environmental harm or threat to human health.

  • Respond in accordance with procedures, to emergency situations such as spills, overfills, leaks, etc.

  • Be responsible for the collection of evidence and initiation of appropriate administrative, civil, or criminal enforcement actions.

  • Collect soil and water samples for laboratory analysis.

  • Review of files, courthouse records, and information submitted by Tank owners/operators and certified AST and UST workers.

  • Provide compliance assistance when appropriate.

Water & Waste

As an Environmental Inspector for Water/Waste, you might…

  • Perform technical and field inspection duties pertaining to the Solid Waste Management Act, Clean Water Act and Groundwater Protection Act.

  • Make regular inspections of facilities to determine efficiency of treatment and disposal in order to ascertain degree of compliance with law, rules, regulations, permit conditions, etc.

  • Investigate complaints pertaining to suspected environmental harm from regulated or non-regulated sources

  • Respond in accordance with procedures to emergency situations, such as spills, truck wrecks, hazardous substance discharge, etc.

  • Collect soil, water, waste and effluent samples for laboratory analyses.

  • Collect evidence and initiate appropriate administrative, civil or criminal enforcement actions.

  • Provide compliance assistance when appropriate.

Position Overview

With limited supervision, performs professional engineering work in a wide variety of engineering services or creative works, the adequate performance of which requires engineering education, training and experience in the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences to such services or creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design of engineering works, and systems; planning the use of land and water; teaching of advanced engineering subjects, engineering surveys and studies; review of construction projects for the purpose of assuring compliance with drawings and specifications any of which embraces such services or work, either public or private, in connection with any utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, work systems, projects and industrial or consumer products or equipment of a mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or thermal nature, insofar as they involve safeguarding life, health or property, and including such other professional services as may be necessary to the planning, progress and completion of any engineering services.

Engineer Position Descriptions by Category

Over half of the staff that work for the Division of Air Quality (DAQ) have degrees in mechanical, chemical, civil or electrical engineering. Employees may work exclusively in any of DAQ’s sections—air monitoring, compliance and enforcement, hazardous waste, permitting or planning—or in a combination of areas at DEP offices across the state.

As an engineer in DAQ, you might…

  • Review air pollution control permit applications.

  • Conduct inspections and investigations.

  • Monitor air quality.

  • Model air quality under certain conditions.

  • Perform advance technical work for planning programs, working with local, state, and federal government to provide technical assistance.

  • Assist citizen groups.

Several DEP divisions/offices help protect the land. Engineers are an integral part of the mining program, abandoned mine lands and reclamation and special reclamation offices.

Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation (AML&R)

Engineers for the Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation (AML&R) help design and implement projects to reclaim land from mining operations that were abandoned decades ago. This work is critical to West Virginia’s environment. Many of these old mines pose hazards to human health and safety.

As an engineer in AML&R, you might…

  • Prepare project plans and specifications.

  • Manage and review project designs completed by consultants.

  • Oversee project construction activities.

  • Perform investigations and prepare reports of findings.

As an engineer in the Office of Special Reclamation, you might…

  • Review permit files, plan, design, and certify plans for acid mine drainage treatment systems.

  • Plan, design, and certify land reclamation projects.

  • Write specifications for materials and equipment in requisitions to be bid.

  • Review existing sites and prepare work directives for road maintenance, pond cleaning, sludge pumping, etc.

  • Prepare cost estimates and liability reports on new coal mine forfeitures.

Division of Mining and Reclamation

The Division of Mining and Reclamation (DMR) regulates active mining operations. Permitting staff in particular must have multi-disciplinary engineering skills to review surface mine and rock quarry operations.

As an engineer in DMR, you might…

  • Review surface and groundwater hydrology.

  • Review subsidence prediction and prevention.

  • Conduct embankment stability and geotechnical evaluations.

  • Develop dam design, defect remediation and construction surveillance.

  • Review stormwater permits.

  • Conduct approximate original contour modeling.

  • Investigate complaints involving water well and structural damage impacts from subsidence and blasting.

  • Use technology to expand database populations and to provide increased mapping accuracy of surface. mine permit boundaries, underground mine extents, and valley fill footprints.

The Division of Water and Waste Management (DWWM) houses the water resources and waste management office. Engineers in those programs provide expertise in everything from wastewater treatment plant design, to dam design approval, to landfill construction.

Water

As a water resources engineer, you might…

  • Perform technical review on municipal wastewater projects.

  • Review combined sewer overflow plans and water quality studies.

  • Provide compliance assistance to existing facilities to correct problems.

  • Perform construction inspections on wastewater treatment plants.

  • Perform engineering reviews of design plans for construction, modification, operation, repair, breach, abandonment or removal of dams.

  • Ensure that the structural stability and design rainfall capacity of dams meets safety requirements.

  • Conduct dam inspections.

  • Review and prepare permits for industrial and municipal discharges.

  • Develop water quality based effluent limits for specific permit requirements.

  • Provide technical assistance to permittees and enforcement personnel.

Waste

As a waste management engineer, you might…

  • Evaluate hazardous and solid waste permit applications.

  • Review hazardous waste to be placed in surface impoundments.

  • Provide technical assistance to municipal landfill owners and permitting consultants.

  • Conduct site inspections of solid and hazardous waste facilities.

As a Geologist for Permitting you might…

  • Review and evaluate the geologic and hydrologic sections of mining and/or quarry permit applications.

  • Review submitted information within the geologic and hydrologic sections for revisions to mine permit applications.

  • Prepare Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessments (CHIA’s) for new mine permits and revisions.

  • Interact with and accompany field personnel in the performance investigations potential hydrologic or subsidence impacts.

  • Conduct investigations to assist in the determination of hydrologic surface and groundwater issues.

As a Geologist for Oil and Gas you might…

  • Review geologic information associated with oil and gas well permit applications.

  • Review Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit applications and assess geologic considerations such as seismic risk, fluid migration, and potential impacts to groundwater.

  • Write UIC permits for regulated oil and gas waste disposal wells and enhanced oil production fields.

  • Respond to public comments and represent the agency at public hearings concerning oil, gas and UIC permits.

  • Compile statistical and narrative quarterly reports relating to the UIC program for submission to the EPA.

  • Coordinate with other state agencies concerning geologic data, historical record, and potential hazards.

Groundwater/Underground Injection Control

  • Write Underground Injection Control permits for mining/quarries, industrial facilities and storm water injections.

  • Review plans and results for remediation of contaminated sites - including in-situ and/or ex-situ treatments.

  • Review plans and results for hydrologic studies - including monitoring well layout, groundwater flow directions, stratigraphic/borehole columns, sinkhole mitigations, and/or testing of groundwater quality.

  • Conduct field work - inspections of groundwater/UIC sites or gather reconnaissance in karst/sensitive areas.

  • Sample wells for groundwater quality.

  • Compile statistical and narrative reports relating to the UIC program for quarterly reports to be submitted to the EPA.

  • Provide expert testimony in UIC related issues.

  • Coordinate with other state and federal agencies on all aspects of groundwater involved with UIC permits.

  • As a lead geologist, represent the agency in public meetings and with other governmental agencies.

  • Testify before the courts or appellate boards regarding groundwater related issues.

  • Make expert geologic interpretation of data to assess impact/status upon groundwater quality utilizing established groundwater quality standards.

  • Make recommendations for certification or denial of certification of State programs and/or individual permits as they pertain to groundwater protection.

  • CO2 gas sequestration injection for the State Of West Virginia.

Solid Waste Program

As a Geologist with the Solid Waste Program you might…

  • Review permit applications for hydrologic and geologic conditions of solid waste facilities which include landfills, waste tire stations, composting sites and recycling centers.

  • Review the installation of ground water monitoring wells plan.

  • Review the ground water monitoring data submitted semi-annually including statistical analysis.

  • Review the soil boring data for the site.

Hazardous Waste Program

As a Geologist with the Hazardous Waste Program you might…

  • Review the hazardous waste permit applications and groundwater monitoring plans.

  • Monitor data for the operating sites and corrective action sites.

  • Write the draft permits, attend public hearings and take written comments.

  • Issue final permits and process modifications to existing permits.

Find an Open Position

To view current job openings within the WV State Government, visit the West Virginia Division of Personnel Job Search Page .

Current State Employees

If you are a current civil service employee or eligible for reinstatement, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to https://personnel.wv.gov
  2. Under "State Employment"
  3. Click on "Promotion/Transfer Jobs Open"
  4. Show all Job Postings

Non-Employees/Public

If you are not a current civil service employee or eligible for reinstatement, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to https://personnel.wv.gov
  2. Under the "Job Seekers"
  3. Click on "Jobs Open for Application
  4. Scroll through the titles or use the search option
  5. Click on job ttile and follow appropriate instructions for submitting applications electronically

Note: If the job title requires a written examination, you must go to a WV test site within 30 days of submitting your electronic application. If the job title requires a review process, you should receive your test score(s) within two to three weeks.


Attorney Positions

For attorney positions, application/resume can be submitted to the Chief of the Office of Legal Services.

Applying for a Current DEP Opening

To apply for a current opening with the Department of Environmental Protection, please submit a completed “Division of Personnel Application for Employment” to the following address:

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Administration: Human Resources
601 57th Street SE
Charleston, WV 25304


Important Notes

Environmental Inspectors

The Department of Environmental Protection does not hire Environmental Inspectors from the Division of Personnel’s referral listings. If you have an interest in the Environmental Inspector title and you are not a “covered civil service” employee or eligible for reinstatement with WV State Government, please refer to the Environmental Inspector-in-Training title at https://personnel.wv.gov/job_seekers/

  • This does not include Environmental Inspectors for the Office of Oil and Gas

Additional Information

  • The Division of Personnel’s Internal Job Vacancy Postings are usually updated each Monday.

  • For covered/reinstatement state employees, please use the “DOP Applications for Employment” for current job openings within WV State Government; must have a signature and be dated during the posting period.

  • DEP posting numbers for advertised Department of Environmental Protection positions should be included on submitted applications along with the title.


Internship Opportunities

Watershed Assessment Branch

Why choose WVDEP WAB?

The WVDEP-Watershed Assessment Branch (WAB) is responsible for monitoring, assessing, and reporting on the quality of WV’s waterbodies, including rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands.

Assessing the water quality determines if waterbodies support their designated uses, such as drinking water, aquatic life/fisheries, and contact recreation. WAB is also responsible for developing restoration plans that identify pollutant sources and prescribe reductions to specific pollutants causing impairment in waterbodies.

WAB field staff perform essential fieldwork to collect data used to fulfill these responsibilities. WAB Interns will have an opportunity to participate in the fieldwork duties. All work will be under the supervision of a full-time biologist/specialist and training will be provided on all methods as expected.

Field Work Includes

  • Travel: Travel across the state as a part of a field crew often staying out 3 nights per week. This level of travel could be frequent or weekly based on assignment. (Travel reimbursement is included).

  • Collection Collection of water quality samples for laboratory analysis, as well as extensive habitat document- ation in accordance with WAB standard operating procedures. Collection of aquatic life such as benthic macro- invertebrates and fish specimens from various waterbodies.

  • Explore Work in remote areas that can only be accessed by hiking over rough terrain, as well as wading of streams with various bottom substrates. Use of a boat is possible in deep water conditions, so the ability to swim is encouraged.

  • Protection Exposure to various weather conditions from high heat to heavy rain over a typical long field day (at times longer than a 12-hour workday). Personnel to wear equipment such as chest waders, raincoats, and life vests, which are provided for intern use.

Division of Mining and Reclamation

The Division of Mining and Reclamation is headquartered in the Charleston, WV office.  We have three regional offices which cover a subset of counties in the state. Those regional offices are located in Philippi, Fayetteville, and Logan.

The Division of Mining and Reclamation's mission is to assure compliance with the West Virginia Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act and other applicable state laws and rules by means of effective and high-quality reclamation of mining sites, an efficient permitting program, and constructive communications between the public and regulated industry.

All interns will be under the supervision of a specialist and training will also be provided.

Available Internships

  • Engineering: Review design plans and specifications for Article 3 (SMRCA) and Article 4 (Quarry) Permit Applications. Learn about implementation/comparison of regulations to the construction activities as found in the approved permit applications.

  • Explosives and Blasting: Blaster training, blaster certification, processing of explosives fees, inspection of blasting operations, review of blasting plans, citizens’ complaints and damage claim investigations.

  • Permit Review: Review of new permits and revisions to coal mining, quarrying, and NPDES permits.

  • Inspection & Enforcement: Working in the field learning the requirements and application of the WV Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act, Quarry Reclamation Act, the Water Pollution Control Act, and the associated regulations.

  • Biology: Hybrid office/field work assisting permit reviewers and NPDES permit writers in developing site-specific permit conditions for mining operations, and also conduct field investigations.

  • Forestry: WVDEP is a signatory of the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI). ARRI is an agreement between the Federal Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and seven Appalachian states to promote the Forest Reclamation Approach (FRA) to mine reclamation, restoring native forests to reclaimed mine land.

  • Geologist: Review and assess geologic, hydrologic, subsidence and water monitoring plans associated with a mining permit application and conduct field investigations.

  • NPDES: Controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the State or waters of the US.

About

Each year the Department of Environmental Protection takes advantage of the Governor’s Internship Program to hire college students during the summer. Should you have an interest in this program, please refer to the West Virginia Governor's Internship Program website and follow the directions for students. This website usually starts accepting applications for the current year in February.

Mission

The Governor's Internship Program offers high-achieving college students the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into the world of experiential learning by participating in coordinated internships in private businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Students gain knowledge of the real world work environment, learn valuable communication and leadership skills, obtain experience and gain references for the future. These opportunities are a great way for the student to explore interests and consider future careers.

Program Information

The Governor’s Internship Program assists college students in locating meaningful summer employment within West Virginia government agencies, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

Ideally, students are placed in internships where they can gain experience relevant to their academic interests while learning under and being supervised by a professional in that field. Internships generally last nine to thirteen weeks during the summer and pay at least minimum wage.

Eligibility

  • An applicant must have a cumulative college/university GPA of 3.0 or greater. NO EXCEPTIONS!

  • An applicant must have completed at least one academic year of study at an accredited college or university by May 2020. High School graduates who have taken college courses prior to graduation from High School are NOT eligible.

  • An applicant must be a currently enrolled student at a West Virginia college or university, or a West Virginia resident attending an accredited college or university elsewhere.

Selection Process

The selection of interns is highly competitive and host agencies that participate base their selection process on the degree area that is needed for the internship at the time. Participating state agencies, private business and organizations are granted access to the database of candidate applications, and then they set up the interview with their desired candidate. This is when the applicant would bring their unofficial transcript and recommendation letters. The number of students applying usually exceeds the number of positions available; therefore, not all candidates submitting an application will be interviewed or selected to participate in the program.

Summer Enrichment

Throughout the summer, the Governor’s Internship Program sponsors enrichment events for the interns. These enrichment events vary in scope and can include networking, outings, and tours of the West Virginia State Capitol, the Governor's Mansion, and the West Virginia State Museum.


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