City Semester Internship Program

Paid Internship Placement

Students are matched with a local community partner for a paid summer internship. Funding provided by Penn State Outreach ensures that organizations who do not have budgets for interns can host talented Penn State students.

Community Impact

Interns contribute to meaningful projects across sectors such as sustainability; soil, water, and land conservation; food systems; and community development. Beyond the workplace, students gain exposure to the region’s community and civic ecosystems and expand their professional networks in Pittsburgh.

Cohort Experience

Participants join a small internship cohort. Throughout the summer, the Pittsburgh Center will host social gatherings, professional networking opportunities, and informal check-ins and reflection sessions.

Career Readiness

In addition to their internship placement, students will engage in a brief Penn State Canvas mini-course focused on the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies. This guided reflection component (approximately 15 minutes per week) helps students intentionally develop and articulate skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism, leadership, and critical thinking.

City Semester Pittsburgh is designed for:

• Penn State undergraduate students (all majors and campuses welcome!)
• Students interested in community development, public service and impact, nonprofit leadership, or civic and community-focused careers
• Students seeking a paid, resumé-building summer internship in Pittsburgh

Students may explore internship credit options through their academic department, if applicable.

About 412 Food Rescue

412 Food Rescue prevents food waste and fights hunger by redirecting surplus fresh food to people who need it. Since 2015, thousands of volunteers using our Food Rescue Hero technology platform have helped rescue millions of pounds of food and delivered it to community organizations serving those in need.

Position Summary

Join a fast-growing nonprofit working at the intersection of food access, climate change, and technology. As a community engagement intern at 412 Food Rescue, you will help mobilize community volunteers who rescue surplus food and deliver it to organizations serving people experiencing food insecurity. This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit marketing, volunteer engagement, events coordination, and community impact while contributing directly to real-time food rescue efforts across the region.

Hours: 30 hours/week
Reports to: VP of Advancement

Key Responsibilities

• Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement
  • Assist with recruiting and onboarding new volunteers, including community outreach events.
  • Support communications with volunteers through email, social media, and outreach campaigns.
  • Help recognize volunteer milestones and celebrate the impact of Food Rescue Heroes.
  • Respond to volunteer inquiries and help ensure a positive volunteer experience.
• Event Coordination
  • Assist with planning and coordinating volunteer events, community outreach activities, and special initiatives.
  • Assist with planning Food Rescue Hero partner conference.
  • Support logistics for volunteer appreciation, recruitment events, and community partnerships.
  • Help promote events through communications and social media.
• Data & Program Support
  • Track volunteer engagement metrics, such as sign-ups and rescue participation.
  • Assist with identifying opportunities to increase volunteer participation across programs.
  • Provide support for volunteer-driven initiatives such as food rescues, home delivery programs, and seasonal campaigns.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate students interested in nonprofit work, marketing, community engagement, sustainability, or food systems.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Interest in community-based work and social impact.
• Comfortable using digital tools such as Google Workspace and social media.
• Experience with tools like Canva or Mailchimp is a plus but not required.

Equal Opportunity

412 Food Rescue is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

Position Summary

Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) is seeking a committed City Semester intern to assist in expanding the reach of the Urban Soils Program. Intern will add capacity to Urban Grower Soil Services via Heavy Metal Micro-mapping, as well as Resident Soil Screening event planning. Intern will provide support to additional education and outreach efforts via workshop planning, communications, representing ACCD at community events, and more.

ACCD’s Urban Soils Program sits at the crux of bolstering social determinants of health in environmental justice communities, supporting resilient food systems, and creatively mitigating climate change impacts. This additional support to expand ACCD’s Urban Soils Program will grow technical assistance resources and reach for urban agriculture and green infrastructure project in Allegheny County.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with urban grower site visits and soil sample collection
• Assist with processing soil samples in preparation for XRF analysis
• Assist with mapping soil lead screening results
• Assist with planning 1 urban ag workshop for fall season
• Assist with planning 1 free drop-off soil screening event for fall season
• Assist with planning 4 free pop-up soil screening events throughout summer season
• Compile historic soil screening project data for GIS mapping of soil lead distribution across Allegheny County
• Participate in NRCS Urban Soil Survey update as needed
• Participate in Regional Urban Soils Roundtable as needed
• Participate in Urban Soil Health Remediation projects as needed

By the end of the internship, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of soil lead as an environmental justice issue, how to lower risk of exposure to soil lead, soil lead remediation strategies for urban grower scale
• Apply soil sampling, processing, analysis, mapping, and results interpretation skills
• Understand role of Conservation Districts, both rural and urban, in providing essential technical assistance to variety of stakeholders across the county

Preferred Qualifications

Candidate should have interest in urban agriculture and sustainable food systems. Ideal candidate has knowledge and expertise on soil health (biology, chemistry, physics). Community engagement, education, and outreach experience preferred. Experience working with historically disadvantaged and/or frontline communities preferred. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Interest in Conservation Districts as potential career path preferred. Intern will be offered shared workspace in ACCD’s office at the Highline in Pittsburgh’s Southside neighborhood. A laptop will be provided for work-related use for the duration of the internship. ACCD is a flexible, hybrid workplace that prioritizes employee and community health. The position will require field and office work and allows for some work from home. Fieldwork will require reliable transportation and the ability to work in all weather conditions and navigate uneven terrain. The office duties require traditional interpersonal and technological skills.

Equal Opportunity

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. ACCD encourages both prospective employees and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with ACCD.

About the Department of City Planning

The Department of City Planning convenes residents, communities, civic organizations, commissions, and public entities to shape a shared vision for Pittsburgh’s future grounded in a Just Transition. Working in partnership, we advance policies and programs at the intersection of climate action, racial justice, and social equity to support healthy, safe, and vibrant neighborhoods for all.

Recognizing the central role of the built environment in daily life, our teams work to promote sustainability, climate resilience, design justice, arts and culture, housing affordability, and economic opportunity through neighborhood planning, land use policies, zoning regulations, development review, and coordination of community development programs and partnerships.

We prioritize neighborhoods that have been harmed by past planning policies and practices that have contributed to racial and economic inequities. This commitment requires authentic community engagement while removing barriers to our services and using more holistic measures to advance the well-being of Pittsburgh’s diverse communities.

The Department of City Planning recognizes the power of our residents to transform their neighborhoods and we are committed to supporting that leadership in shaping Pittsburgh’s future.

Position Summary

The internship position will support annual MS4 reporting to the PADEP. This includes, but is not limited to, updating stormwater control measure data collected over 2025, requesting and reporting on stormwater-related violations reported in the City of Pittsburgh in 2025, contributing to edits of the Annual Report submitted in collaboration with Pittsburgh Water, and other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Internship supervisor: Kyla Prendergast
Timeframe: 12-week schedule between May 11 and August 14
Work Location: Flexible, with in-office times available Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 412 Blvd of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 on the second floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the creation of a city-wide map of stormwater control measures through a geospatial analysis using RStudio and ArcGIS and validate results through desktop research and site visits.
• Support the update of the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual.
• Independent project development with support from supervisor

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data analysis in Excel and RStudio, geospatial analysis, stormwater management
• Environmental education background preferred, ideally planning or engineering student

About Green Building Alliance

Green Building Alliance (GBA) positively transforms the world through the built environment for a sustainable, healthy, and just future for everyone. As Greater Pittsburgh’s authority on sustainable design, GBA drives the market for healthy communities while equipping designers, manufacturers, developers, and policymakers to catalyze systemic change. GBA manages the largest 2030 District in North America, and in 2019, established Pittsburgh as the 2nd International Center of Excellence on High Performance Building in the world. GBA partners across Western Pennsylvania, with strategic alliances including the 2030 Districts Network, Architecture 2030, the United Nations, and International Living Future Institute.

Position Summary 

Green Building Alliance’s (GBA) building performance support intern will implement administrative and customer-service tasks to assist building owners in tracking and improving their buildings’ energy use, water use, and overall high performance. Tasks will include research, customer support, data entry and analytics, and on-the-ground building walkthroughs with full-time GBA staff. Reporting to the director of building performance and engagement as well as the senior director of energy & communities, this position will require entering building data into Energy Star Portfolio Manager, helping support direct communications and customer care needs to building owners and operators, taking detailed notes during one-on-one building performance review meetings and building walkthroughs, and doing research as needed. The intern will interface with local building owners and managers to ensure there are no gaps between data points, to maintain databases and datasets related to construction and sustainable building product manufacturing, and to accompany staff on in-person building walkthroughs and tours that give first-hand perspective into building science, architecture, and mechanical design.

Assignments will be completed at GBA’s offices on the South Side of Pittsburgh with an expected schedule averaging 30 hours per week.

This position will run from mid-May to mid-August, 2025. Potential option to extend to mid-October, based on organizational needs and funding availability.

Key Responsibilities  

• Take detailed notes of technical questions and projects mentioned during one-on-one building performance meetings and in-person building walkthroughs/tours.
• Assist with entering building utility bill data into Energy Star Portfolio Manager program.
• Scan or review incoming data to verify accuracy with other reported data or information and assist in basic building data analysis.
• Contact building owner partners to verify accuracy of data and to ensure no data points are missing or incomplete.
• Review, update, and maintain the accuracy of GBA databases related to building energy use, water use, construction and renovation projects, and sustainable materials manufacturing.
• Assist with technical assistance needs as necessary.
• Assist or conduct small research projects as necessary.
• Assist with monthly roundtable meetings, contact database management, and building data research as necessary.
• Support the onboarding process of new partners and collaborators.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent research skills and detail-oriented data entry
• Role will be most rewarding to someone with a background in or interest in building science, mechanical or civil engineering, and/or corporate sustainability
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented, able to think both creatively and analytically through assigned projects and material  
• Ability to keep sensitive data confidential as per GBA’s relationship with building owners and manufacturers across PA
• Experience with Energy Star Portfolio Manager a plus

Working Conditions and Requirements

• Based at GBA’s offices on Pittsburgh’s South Side in The Highline, a mixed-use, riverfront development offering access to bike trails, green spaces, a workout facility, coffee shop, and businesses
• The building performance support intern role will be an in-person role during summer months, with occasional travel to other western PA locations required (in carpool with GBA full-time staff).
• Ability to have a flexible work schedule, including some early mornings and evenings for events
• Local travel and driver’s license required

Equal Opportunity

GBA strives to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. We highly encourage qualified applicants regardless of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, military or veteran status (or any combination of these or related factors) to apply for consideration. GBA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About Riverlife

Riverlife envisions a Pittsburgh where thriving world-class riverfronts are essential to the region and belong to everyone. Our mission is to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts, connecting people through exceptional places and experiences.

Position Summary

The project and planning internship at Riverlife will provide practical hands-on training and experience while assisting Riverlife in achieving short- and long-term objectives. The project and planning intern provides assistance on several key organizational planning and design efforts, carries out tasks to support Riverlife projects and programs and community engagement, and assists with organization-wide operations and administration tasks.

Hours: 30 hours/week
Reports to: Urban Design and Community Engagement Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Project & Planning Support
  • Assist with community meetings, construction meetings, etc., including preparing meeting packets and materials, note taking, meeting follow-up, and technical support during virtual meetings.
  • Assist with engagement for design through staffing scheduled meetings and tabling at other key events on and around the rivers.
  • Support the implementation of barge programming and engagement, including shifts aboard Shore Thing.
  • Staff tabling events across the city as needed to share Riverlife plans, projects, and programs with the community.
  • Assist with design and renderings as needed, including additional barge concepts, designs for trail amenities, precedents for comfort stations and other potential projects.
  • Conduct field work, including photography for use in Riverlife communications, site analysis for projects, on-site interviews and surveys, etc.
• Administration
  • Attend required meetings; assist with note taking and preparing materials for reports
  • Maintain organizational records, files, and databases.
  • Assist other staff members with day-to-day office administration as needed.

Other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background or demonstrated interest in urban planning, landscape architecture, urban design, environmental studies, architecture, engineering, community and economic development, and/or riverfront improvement projects.
• Prior experience in administrative work in a nonprofit or office setting strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Positive and professional attitude; strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small, nonprofit environment.
• Flexibility to attend meetings and work events on evenings and weekends as needed. Reliable transportation a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite required. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and ArcGIS a plus.
• Photography, video editing, and/or graphic design skills a plus.
• Light physical activity, including some lifting of items up to 25 lbs., may be requested

Equal Opportunity

Riverlife is an equal opportunity employer, committed to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives and represent marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply.

Position Summary

Tree Pittsburgh is seeking a highly motivated and adaptable individual to support education and volunteer events at Tree Pittsburgh, as well as occasional support of Tree Nursery operations. The internship will be split evenly between the Education, Volunteer, and Nursery departments. Day-to-day activities will differ based on programming and seasonal needs. A key component will be to act as a camp counselor for Tree Pittsburgh’s summer camp in July for rising 4th to 6th graders.

This unique position offers an opportunity to engage in many facets of Tree Pittsburgh’s public facing work as well as gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship, specifically tree propagation, planting, and care.

Hours: 30 hours/week (Monday–Friday). Typical work hours are between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with flexibility based on programming needs.

Key Responsibilities

The following functions are representative (but not exclusive) examples of the position.

• Assist with running Tree Pittsburgh volunteer events, both on-site at Tree Pittsburgh’s campus/tree nursery, and in the Pittsburgh community.
• Support Tree Pittsburgh’s education and outreach teams in delivering programming to a range of audiences, pre-K to adult, on and off site.
• Assist with the delivery of Tree Pittsburgh’s week-long summer camp for 4th–6th graders, in a camp counselor capacity. Camp runs July 20–24, 2026.
• Preparation and maintenance of program supplies and equipment (relating both to volunteer and education events).
• Provide occasional support to the Heritage Nursery Team as needed in tasks relating to production of high quality trees and shrubs.
• Support campus and trail maintenance/upkeep efforts to enhance visitor experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the environmental sciences and/or environmental education.
• Ability to obtain relevant clearances for working with children within the initial four weeks of internship start date. (Tree Pittsburgh will guide this process and cover all associated costs).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
• Passion for communicating and connecting with a range of audiences on environmental issues.
• Positive attitude, friendly, energetic, and has the ability to work effectively with diverse groups in a variety of settings.
• Professional demeanor, attention to detail, comfortable working as part of a team and individually, as required.
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace.
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for Tree Pittsburgh’s mission, vision, and environmental justice goals.
• Camp counselor and/or prior teaching experience, while not essential, is a plus.

Working Conditions & Requirements

It is expected that time will be split evenly between office and field work. Field work may take place at Tree Pittsburgh’s nursery, campus and outdoor landscape, as well as parks, public green spaces, and even city streets. Field work is completed rain or shine, unless hazardous conditions are forecast. Position will require standing for extended periods, walking trails and uneven terrain, stooping, bending, and lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds. Tree Pittsburgh is a tobacco-free workplace and its use is strictly prohibited on Tree Pittsburgh premises.

The successful applicant will confirm readiness and ability to independently travel to and from Tree Pittsburgh’s headquarters in Upper Lawrenceville. Travel for any off-site programming at event locations within Allegheny County can be facilitated from Tree Pittsburgh’s campus as necessary.

Equal Opportunity

As an organization dedicated to making our community a better place to live for everyone, Tree Pittsburgh stands against racism and hate. Tree Pittsburgh is dedicated to the fair, just, and equitable treatment of all races, cultures, national origins, genders, gender identities, gender expressions, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses. We believe that no one should be excluded or feel unwelcomed from participating in environmental stewardship or contributing their voice to plans or activities that impact their community. Data shows that women and minority candidates more frequently do not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed. Our job descriptions are general overviews, not a mandatory comprehensive list. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you!