Zoonotic Disease Program Internship - Multiple Openings

About Us:

Our mission at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans.  Our agency is committed to building a modern, vibrant public health system that creates the conditions where all Ohioans flourish. 

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What You'll Do:

The Ohio Department of Health is seeking a College Intern to join the Zoonotic Disease Program in monitoring vector-borne disease occurrence in arthropods in Ohio. This position will report to the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Candidates will be assigned to one of two internship types based on their expressed interest, prior work history, and education.

Entomology Internship (2 positions available)

This position will report to the State Public Health Entomologist and work in the field as well as the entomology lab. Entomology lab work will include assisting entomologists in identifying mosquitoes and ticks to the species level and preparing samples for pathogen testing. Field work will include overnight travel to different areas in Ohio to capture mosquitoes and ticks using a variety of traps and techniques and prepare samples for pathogen testing. Interns may also be asked to assist with data entry and reporting as needed.  

Unusual Working Conditions:

Field work will include overnight travel (an average of 3 nights per week).
Field work may occur in all outdoor conditions including exposure to heat, inclement weather, biting arthropods, and other conditions associated with outdoor summer field work.
Field work may include walking long distances while carrying surveillance equipment.
Interns conducting field work, travel expenses (lodging, meals, etc.) will be reimbursed according to the State of Ohio travel policies.
Candidates should be able to carry up to 25 pounds.
Candidates should be able to navigate through wooded environments.
 

Laboratory Internship (2 positions available)

This position will report to the Laboratory Virology Supervisor and assist lab scientists at the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory with testing a high volume of arthropod samples using techniques such as RNA extraction and real-time RT-PCR. College Interns will also assist with data entry and summarization of laboratory and surveillance data for West Nile virus and other vector-borne diseases.

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At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

Position Qualifications

• Students must be pursuing a degree in biological science, public health, or a related field.
• Students must agree to work full time for at least a 14-week period of the project May 4 – August 21, 2026.
• Students must have basic laboratory skills such as using a microscope.
• Students must have the ability to work independently.
• Entomology Interns must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive a state vehicle. 
• Laboratory Interns should have laboratory related coursework and/or experience with laboratory techniques such as pipetting and working in biological safety cabinets.
• Students must be able to provide their own transportation to work. 

Job Skills: Laboratory
Technical Skills: Laboratory, Wildlife, Public Health
Professional Skills: Problem Solving, Observation, Adaptability

Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. This is an hourly position with a pay rate determined by academic status.

Freshman or Sophomore - $18/hour
Junior or Senior - $20/hour
Graduate Student - $22/hour

Supplemental Information

All answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the work experience/education provided on your civil service application. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: 
All applicants must submit a completed Ohio Civil Service Application using the TALEO System.  Paper applications will not be considered.  Applicants must clearly indicate how they meet the minimum qualifications and/or position specific minimum qualifications.  Applicants are also encouraged to document any experience, education and/or training related to the job duties above.  An assessment of these criteria may be conducted to determine the applicants who are interviewed.  

STATUS OF POSTED POSITION:
You can check the status of your application online by signing into your profile. Jobs you applied for will be listed. The application status is shown to the right of the position title and application submission details.

Background Check Information

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

EDUCATIONAL TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS: 
Official educational transcripts are required for all post-high school educational accomplishments, coursework or degrees claimed on the application. Applicants will be required to submit an official transcript prior to receiving a formal offer of employment. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) working days of being requested will cause the applicant to be eliminated from further consideration. 

Please note that a transcript is considered "official" only if it is an original copy from the educational institution and includes an institutional watermark, ink stamp or embossed stamp. Transcripts printed from the institution's website will not be accepted. ODH reserves the right to assess the academic credibility of an educational entity's award of a putative degree.

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Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

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The State of Ohio is a drug free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.