Location: Champaign, Illinois
Overview:
The Champaign Regional Office, Division of Environmental Health, is seeking a dedicated intern to support the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental health, specifically in the assessment and management of lead hazards in residential environments. This internship offers a unique chance to contribute to a critical public health program while gaining valuable field experience. Interns will develop skills in environmental assessment, data analysis, and public health research.
Responsibilities:
- Compile and analyze data collected during Environmental Lead Risk Assessments, including:
- X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) readings from lead-based painted surfaces
- Dust wipe samples to analyze lead contamination on floors and horizontal surfaces
- Soil samples from areas with bare soil accessible to children
- Water samples from interior faucets that may contribute to elevated blood lead levels in children
- Accompany Environmental Health Field Inspectors on site visits during Environmental Lead Risk Assessments to observe and learn about the process of Environmental Investigations.
- Conduct in-home visits to test patients for lead exposure, following appropriate health and safety protocols.
- Additional opportunities to accompany inspectors during field inspections of the various Environmental Engineering programs the regional office is responsible for.
- Gain insight into identifying common lead hazards in residential structures and understanding the potential impacts of lead exposure on childhood development.
- Assist in developing a research project based on data collected from environmental lead assessments, focusing on key findings and trends.
Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a graduate degree in Public Health, Environmental Engineering (with a focus on Public Health), Biology, Chemistry, or a related STEM field.
- Enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois State University (Bloomington-Normal), or Eastern Illinois University (Charleston).
- Available to work 15–20 hours per week in full-day increments.
- Demonstrated experience in research, with a strong foundation in data analysis and interpretation.
- Exceptional attention to detail and well-developed analytical skills.
- Proven ability to work independently while also thriving in collaborative team environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; adept at critical thinking and inquiry.
- Motivated to deepen knowledge of environmental health hazards and their effects on public health.
- Must pass a background check.
- Must have a reliable personal vehicle.
Duration and Compensation:
This is an unpaid internship with flexible scheduling options to accommodate academic commitments. Academic credit may be available depending on your institution's guidelines. This is a fully onsite opportunity for 15-20 hours a week.
