Region 8
EJ Student Intern Program
On this page
- Summer 2010 Intern Edmund Azigi
- What is a typical day in the life of an EJ intern?
- What kinds of projects may interns work on?
- With whom do do interns work?
- How can I apply for an internship position?
- What are EPA's requirements for an internship?
- What is expected from the intern's EPA staff supervisor?
- How can I get in touch with previous interns?
- Contact information
Edmund Azigi's perspective from his summer 2010 intern experience at EPA Region 8
Interning with EPA Region 8 has certainly bridged a gap between my classroom projects and the working world. As an EJ intern I worked on improving the usability of various web-based mapping and screening tools used for targeting disproportionate communities. Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit the Pueblo, CO community for a listening session on EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) web-based tool. Although it was all work, I participated in a softball game during EPA’s annual award ceremony. This ceremony is held to recognize individuals and teams on their outstanding achievements for improving the environment. I also participated in a retreat which focused on improving children’s health in the environment for the Salt Lake City, UT community. One thing I always looked forward working in Region 8 was the weekly meeting; it made the day go by faster.
Overall, my 10 weeks as an EPA (Region 8) intern in Denver has been a wonderful experience!
What is a typical day in the life of an EJ intern?
The Environmental Justice Program at EPA Region 8 is committed to providing an enriching experience for students while meeting the goals of environmental justice in environmental protection. Interns are expected to participate as full members of the Environmental Justice staff, to the extent their schedules permit. This includes attending staff meetings, serving on work groups, helping with administrative tasks such as copying, filing and data entry, and working on special projects. Other tasks that may be assigned include drafting articles for EPA's internal newsletter or library research.
Our intention is to provide the volunteer intern with and experience that will be rewarding and career-shapingwhile providing a real benefit to the Agency. If you are interested in becoming an intern for Region 8's Environmental Justice Program in the future please contact Nancy Curren.
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What kinds of projects may interns work on?
Current projects include writing a history of environmental justice specific to the six states in Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming), and drafting a discussion paper on EPA's role in cultural resources protection under the National Environmental Policy Act. Other projects may include research on relevant topics, Geographic Information Systems support, data analysis, and helping with conferences, workshops and training.
With whom do do interns work?
There are six and a half full-time employees dedicated to the Environmental Justice program. Backgrounds range from engineering and environmental science, to environmental law and grants administration and outreach. Depending on the nature of the special project, any one of the staff may take on the supervision of an intern. Some projects may require working with other EPA programs.
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How can I apply for an internship position?
Note: The 2012 summer internship position has been filled
If you are interested in learning more about paid employment, internships or other volunteer opportunities, please contact Elaine Robles, our human Resources Specialist for Region 8.
Elaine Robles
303-312-6194 or
800-227-8917 (toll free Region 8 only)
robles.elaine@epa.gov
What are EPA's requirements for an internship?
You must submit verification of at least half-time enrollment in a college or university. You must complete and sign a "Volunteer Service Program Participation Agreement", also signed by EPA. This is a contract between you and EPA stating the scope of the project you'll be working on, and specific areas of EPA support required for you to complete the project. A brief employment form is also required to be completed. (Please note that student interns are not compensated.) Finally, you must return any EPA property, such as security and identification cards, after the completion of your internship. Top of Page
What is expected from the intern's EPA staff supervisor?
We believe that, in order for an intern's experience to be mutually beneficial, a certain amount of time must be spent on activities to both orient the intern, and help integrate the intern into the office as a whole. Such activities may include a tour of the office, securing opportunities for interviews and/or shadowing, internal training classes, and introductions to others inside and outside EPA. Interns will also be provided with an orientation packet to help them understand the organizational structure of the Regional office, as well as the mission of the Agency. The staff supervisor will provide direction and guidance on special projects and other tasks.
How can I get in touch with previous interns?
Contact Jean Belille to request to be put in touch with previous interns. We do not give out interns' phone numbers; we will call them and let them know of your request to speak with a previous intern.
Contact Information
If you are interested in learning more about paid employment, internships or other volunteer opportunities with EPA in Region 8, please contact Elaine Robles, our human Resources Specialist for Region 8.
Elaine Robles
303-312-6194 or
800-227-8917 (toll free Region 8 only)
robles.elaine@epa.gov
You may also wish to visit our National Student Summer Employment website.