Food Safety Inspection Intern - Region 6 (College)

Are you a college student brimming with energy and enthusiasm? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offers internships that provide a unique chance for students to engage in meaningful activities aligned with our mission to support, safeguard, and promote agriculture across the Commonwealth. If you are passionate about public service and eager to acquire valuable work experience that can benefit your future career, we encourage you to apply today!

This internship will play a crucial role in implementing the Pennsylvania Department of Education's summer food program for children by utilizing fundamental knowledge of sanitation and food safety. Key responsibilities will involve performing initial sanitation inspections and follow-up inspections of feeding sites contracted by the Department of Education, with the requirement to submit detailed reports to the Regional Food Safety Supervisor or Program Specialist. Additionally, you will assist in the collection, packaging, and dispatch of food samples, including at least one milk sample and one meat sample, to the Food Safety Laboratory in Harrisburg. You will also collaborate with regional food safety staff during inspections of facilities related to seasonal events and support other food sampling and surveying efforts, which may include gathering milk and water samples or participating in ongoing sampling projects.

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

• 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 their supervisor . 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.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
  

QUALIFICATIONS
Internship Requirements:

• Current enrollment in good academic standing as a FULL-TIME student in a bachelor's or advanced degree program in:
  • Food Science
  • Biology
  • Animal Science
• An approved major course which includes a qualifying 24 credit hours of study in the physical, biological and environmental sciences may be acceptable.
• Freshman year completed by May 2026.
• Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher).
• Pennsylvania residency or enrollment at 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).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• 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:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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.