Laboratory Testing Intern (High School)

Are you a high school student interested in gaining knowledge on transportation related materials testing processes? Are you ready for a paid internship during the 2025/2026 school year that will give you great experience and start your career with the Commonwealth of PA? Then this high school internship located in Harrisburg is for you!

High School Interns enjoy opportunities in various areas of the PennDOT Lab, including, aggregate, concrete, soils and chemistry.

These internships allow you to gain knowledge on:

Materials testing processes (aggregate, cements, concrete, and soils)

• Transportation related materials testing processes, such as aggregate, cement, concrete, soil, and other transportation materials; national and state testing methods, such as AASHTO, ASTM, and PA Test Methods (PTMs); and perform testing on prepared transportation related material samples.
• Develop skills and proficiency with material sample receiving and material sample preparation for testing.
• Develop skills and proficiency at recording material test results for further analysis and reporting.

  Retrieve and unpack samples received from the dock area, and log in and assign lab numbers.

• Conduct various sample preparation and testing procedures on construction material following ISO 9001, AASHTO, ASTM, and/or PTM established procedures.

• Assist lab personnel with the cleanliness of the lab.

• Gain knowledge of chemistry lab analysis of PennDOT-related materials such as, water-borne and solvent-borne traffic paints, traffic beads, deicers, admixtures, soil, etc.

• Gain an understanding of National and Commonwealth methodologies, such as, AASHTO/ASTM and Pennsylvania Test Methods (PTMs).

• Become familiar with good laboratory practices, truth-in-testing, evaluation techniques, and performing lab analyses safely in a chemistry environment. Become familiar with laboratory testing equipment and instrumentation in chemistry area.

• Become familiar with the interpretation and reporting of quality laboratory data.
• Become familiar with concepts related to laboratory testing such as sample handling, lab safety, and statistical analysis.
• Become familiar with entire analytical process from sample receipt to reporting of results and sample disposal.
• Learn math and computer skills related to sample analysis in chemistry laboratory.

• If you are selected for this position, you will work directly with your workplace supervisor to determine a work schedule that coordinates with your school schedule.
• This internship will run through 2025/2026 school year
• Students will be responsible for their own transportation, parking, and related costs unless otherwise noted.

• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.

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

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• You must be at least 16 years of age at time of hire.
• You must be a junior or senior enrolled in high school during the 2025 - 2026 school year.
• You must have completed sophomore year of high school at time of hire.

• Letter of Recommendation: You must attach a Letter of Recommendation from your school's co-op coordinator, career or guidance counselor, or similar designated school professional indicating that you meet your school's requirements and are being recommended for this opportunity.
• Work Permit: Minors will be required to submit their Work Permit upon acceptance of this position.
• By participating in this program, the student and school agree to the use of the Commonwealth's Training Plan, Statement of Responsibilities, and Student Performance Evaluation. Forms will be provided to the student upon acceptance of this position.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• 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).
• 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:

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).