Office of the Secretary Internship Program

Program Details 

• Unpaid, full-time, in-person in at DOI Headquarters in Washington, DC. 
• Minimum 90-day term during the Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters. 
• All internships include orientation, professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and the chance to present work at the end of the term.  
• Support headquarters-level offices in areas such as policy, operations, communications, data analysis, research, and mission support. 

What You’ll Gain 

• Meaningful public service experience that strengthens federal career readiness.  
• Engaging workshops covering federal resume writing, interviewing, navigating USAJOBS, and career panels.  
• Exposure to senior DOI leadership and mission-critical programs. 
• Opportunities to contribute to projects aligned with Interior’s mission and Administration priorities.  
• A supportive cohort environment, encouraging collaboration and community among interns. 

Who Should Apply 

Current students and recent graduates with an interest in public policy, natural resources, energy development, conservation, public administration, emergency management, and other mission-related areas are encouraged to apply. Participants must: 

• Be a currently enrolled student or recent graduate (within 2 years) of an accredited educational institution. 
• Be a U.S. citizen.  
• Be able to complete a background investigation. 
• Meet any specific qualification requirements listed in the internship announcement.  

How to Apply 

Submit your application by November 22, 2026, on USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/891062700.

Timeline 

Spring 2027 

• Host office deadline: November 6, 2026 
• Application open: November 2-22, 2026 
• Acceptance notification begins: November 30, 2026 
• Internship term: February 1 – May 7, 2027 

Summer 2027 

• Host office deadline: December 14, 2026 
• Application open: December 17 – January 18, 2027 
• Acceptance notification begins: February 8, 2027 
• Internship term: June 2 – August 6, 2027 

Fall 2027 

• Host office deadline: May 17, 2027 
• Application open: May 20 – June 13, 2027 
• Acceptance notification: June 21, 2027 
• Internship term: September 7 – December 10, 2027 

Contact 

For questions about OSIP, email DOI_Office_of_Human_Resources@ios.doi.gov.  

Who is eligible to participate?

Interns must be a currently enrolled student or recent graduate (within 2 years) of an accredited educational institution; be a U.S. citizen; be able to complete a background investigation; and meet any specific qualification requirements listed in the internship announcement. 

Are current federal employees eligible? 

No. The Office of the Secretary internship program is designed to introduce students and recent graduates to federal opportunities and create a pipeline of future government leaders and supporters. Current federal employees should contact the program office about alternative opportunities available for current employees. 

Are these internships paid? 

OSIP internships are unpaid volunteer opportunities. Participants are not federal employees and do not receive federal pay, leave, or employee benefits. 

What benefits does this internship provide? 

OSIP provides meaningful project experience, regular supervision and federal mentorship, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and exposure to senior DOI leaders and mission-critical programs. Participants may be eligible to receive a transit subsidy. 

What are the hours and schedule of the internship? 

OSIP is a full-time, in-person internship at DOI Headquarters in Washington, DC. Interns must be available for the full internship term; specific daily hours and reporting instructions will be negotiated between the candidate and the host office.  

Can I earn academic credit for this internship? 

Academic credit is determined by your school. Before accepting an internship, consult your academic advisor or internship office about eligibility and required paperwork. DOI may be able to provide documentation about your duties and participation, subject to program and host-office requirements. 

Where can I find accommodations in Washington, DC if I am not a local student or recent graduate?

OSIP does not provide housing, relocation reimbursement, or a housing stipend. Non-local interns are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodations and transportation. For students, your school’s housing or internship office may be able to identify short-term student housing and other local resources.