Summer 2026 Watershed Restoration Internship
Make an Impact: Restore Watersheds, Protect Streams, and Shape a Sustainable Future!
Who We Are
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in Montgomery County, MD is a nationally recognized and award-winning agency with the mission to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting and improving Montgomery County's air, water, and land in a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and industry-leading way while fostering smart growth, a thriving more sustainable economy and healthy communities. DEP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. DEP encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.
Program Overview
Montgomery County’s Watershed Restoration Division is seeking motivated and environmentally passionate students for its Summer 2026 Internship Program. This internship, running approximately between June 1 and August 31, offers hands-on experience in watershed management, stormwater programs, GIS mapping, and community outreach. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects that protect local streams, improve water quality, and support sustainable practices across the County. With flexible hours (20–32 per week) and exposure to professionals in engineering, biology, and environmental planning, this internship provides a unique chance to develop technical skills, gain practical experience, and make a meaningful impact on the environment.
- Duration: Internship runs approximately 7-10 weeks between June 1 and August 31, 2026
- Hours: 20-32 hours per week, schedule set during onboarding
- Location: 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD
- Compensation: $18.15 per hour
- Eligibility: Open to current college or graduate students; Montgomery County residents preferred
How to Apply
Please submit:
- An unofficial college transcript, resume or equivalent document detailing work or volunteer experience.
- Include a personal statement (minimum one page) outlining project interests, career goals, and how this internship supports those goals.
- Important: In your personal statement, please indicate your top 2 project tracks (e.g., Outreach, GIS for Tree Montgomery, GIS for RainScapes) and explain why you are interested in them.
All applications should be sent to [email protected]. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026.
Available Tracks & Projects
Outreach Internship (Track 1)
The Outreach Track offers an intern the opportunity to develop and implement creative communication strategies that engage Montgomery County residents in stormwater management and watershed protection. Interns will research and write content for the stormwater maintenance newsletter and social media platforms, assist with outreach to homeowner associations, and support the launch of new programs such as the Septic Pump-Out Rebate Program. Additional projects may include designing interactive educational tools or games to connect communities with local streams and aquatic life. This track is ideal for students interested in environmental education, communications, and public engagement, combining creativity with real-world experience in outreach and program development.
GIS Data Support for Tree Montgomery Program (Track 2)
This internship will support Montgomery County’s Tree Montgomery and Stormwater MS4 programs by improving the accuracy of geospatial data. The intern will review existing records and adjust mapped locations of newly planted trees to match actual ground conditions using aerial imagery. Tools such as Field Maps, EagleView CONNECTExplorer, and ortho images will be utilized to ensure spatial data integrity. Working independently with guidance from DEP staff, the intern will gain practical skills in GIS-based mapping, spatial data accuracy, and image interpretation. Ideal candidates should have an interest in environmental planning and GIS, strong attention to detail, familiarity with ESRI tools and mapping concepts, and the ability to follow technical instructions while managing tasks independently.
GIS Data Support for RainScapes Program (Track 3)
This internship provides hands-on experience supporting Montgomery County's RainScapes program by addressing a backlog of projects that require GIS delineations. The intern will review existing project PDFs and digitally transfer spatial data—including project area, impervious area, and drainage area polygons—into the RainScapes Field Maps layer. Working independently with guidance from DEP staff, the intern will gain practical skills in GIS-based mapping, spatial data accuracy, and stormwater program implementation. Ideal candidates should have an interest in environmental planning and GIS, strong attention to detail, familiarity with ESRI tools and mapping concepts, comfort working with PDFs and digital files, and the ability to follow technical instructions while managing tasks independently.
Additional Opportunities
Interns may support various teams within the Watershed Restoration Division based on their interests and academic background. Activities may include data analysis, pollution source tracking, reviewing plans, assisting with customer service, and participating in community outreach events. Interns can also contribute to communications by drafting blog posts, social media content, and outreach materials, as well as learning and applying GIS skills. Additionally, interns will have the chance to shadow professionals in the office and in the field — such as engineers, biologists, and environmental planners — to gain exposure to tree planting, stormwater inspections, stream restoration, and biological monitoring in streams. These additional tasks provide technical, analytical, and outreach experiences that advance Montgomery County's environmental goals.