Idaho National Laboratory Internships: Opportunities and Requirements

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL), a leading institution in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense, offers a variety of internship opportunities for students at different academic levels. As a Department of Energy (DOE) facility, INL is committed to advancing scientific impact and discovery through its work with national and international governments, universities, and industry partners. These internships provide exceptional educational experiences in a real-world work environment, allowing students to contribute to the nation's nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions.

Overview of INL Internships

INL internships are designed to provide students with hands-on experience and mentorship in their fields of study. Each year, INL hosts nearly 700 undergraduate and graduate students, offering them a chance to support the laboratory's mission. Internships include a nationally competitive wage, making them an attractive option for students seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Types of Internships Available

INL offers a diverse number of paid internship positions to high school, undergraduate, and graduate-level students. These internships span various fields, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), as well as science policy.

For example, the Ecology Crew Member internship provides students with the opportunity to join a field crew collecting vegetation monitoring data. This role involves hands-on experience with field-based data sampling efforts, requiring the intern to spend most of their time outdoors conducting fieldwork in a variety of weather conditions.

Internship Structure and Experience

Interns at INL can expect a structured and supportive environment. During the first week of the assignment, interns work with their mentors to outline the work scope and secure resources for a successful internship. Over the following weeks, the mentor provides considerable program assistance and mentorship to the intern, guiding them through their projects and tasks.

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In addition to regular activities, interns are encouraged to attend weekly seminars, tours, and community events crafted with career development in mind. These events provide opportunities for networking, learning, and personal growth.

The INL Intern Poster Session is a highlight of the internship experience, offering student interns a platform to showcase and present their summer research projects and educational experiences. This event allows interns to share their work with peers, mentors, and other professionals in the field.

Summer Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Program

One of the primary avenues for students to participate in internships at INL is through the Summer Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program. SULI is a paid internship opportunity sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) in collaboration with DOE laboratories/facilities.

Eligibility and Benefits of SULI

SULI is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates who are ready to use their major in a STEM field or science policy to help make a difference in the world. Participants in SULI become part of a DOE team that’s working together to advance scientific impact and discovery.

Each year, students from around the country participate in SULI at one of the 17 participating DOE laboratories/facilities, including INL. The program provides students with valuable research experience, mentorship, and career development opportunities.

How to Apply for SULI

Applying for internships can feel like a significant undertaking, but INL and the SULI program provide resources to help students excel during the process.

Learn about SULI: Make sure you’re aware of the eligibility and participant obligations, as well as the benefits of SULI. Take time to look over past intern highlights to help really see the kind of experience you could have as part of SULI.
Verify dates and processes: As you prepare to apply, be sure to review the key dates related to the internship term you’re hoping to participate in. It is also helpful to read over the frequently asked questions, as they are extremely helpful for SULI applicants.
Review the SULI application checklist and guides: Application resources include a comprehensive application checklist, in addition to guides on how you can request transcripts, recommendations, and how to approach the essay portion of the SULI application.
Attend a SULI application workshop: These workshops are created specifically to help you navigate the SULI application and to learn about the SULI experience.

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Apply: Once you have all the details you need and the resources required, you can create a competitive and compelling SULI application.

Specific Internship Example: Ecology Crew Member

To illustrate the nature of INL internships, let's consider the Ecology Crew Member position in more detail.

Role and Responsibilities

As an Ecology Crew Member, you will join a field crew collecting vegetation monitoring data and gain hands-on experience with field-based data sampling efforts. This role involves spending most of your time outdoors conducting fieldwork in a variety of weather conditions with limited access to facilities.

Ecology Mentors will offer three core literature examples from which the Ecology Crew will collaboratively select a topic to investigate. As a Crew Member, you are expected to take initiative in developing expertise in a specific aspect of the project - whether that’s data analysis, ecological theory, graphic design, or public communication style. While the Crew Lead guides the process, they rely on you to step into your subject matter expert role to drive the project forward.

Skills and Expectations

This internship requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team. The intern must be comfortable spending extended periods outdoors and be able to adapt to changing weather conditions. Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn are also essential.

General Requirements for INL Internships

In addition to the specific requirements for each internship, there are some general requirements that apply to all positions at INL.

Selective Service Requirements

To be eligible for employment at INL, males born after December 31, 1959, must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). This requirement is in accordance with federal law and applies to all positions at INL, including internships.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. INL is committed to providing a fair and inclusive work environment for all employees and applicants. INL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements for INL internships vary depending on the specific position. However, most positions require the employee to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, operate a computer keyboard or type, handle materials, or reach with hands and arms performing the essential functions of the classification.

Some positions may require the employee to sit for long periods. The employee must occasionally lift 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, conduct research, and inspect materials.

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Reasonable Accommodation

INL is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform the essential functions of a position, you should contact INL's Human Resources department.

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