P2 Intern Program

Challenging, hands-on internships

with Iowa Pollution Prevention Services offer an introduction to project management through assigned projects at top Iowa companies achieving economic and environmental results. Interns apply acquired technical skills to their assigned project to analyze current systems, research alternative processes or technologies and recommend cost effective strategies to improve the way they manufacture, consume, reuse, and recycle materials and resources.

Through this paid internship, students in this program are provided the hands-on opportunity to demonstrate their technical skills and leadership abilities at the host companies. Interns work with a broad range of staff, expertise, and resources to compile data and develop innovative recommendations. Students also establish and build professional networks through host company staff and contact with vendors and suppliers. Historically, 25 percent report receiving offers of full-time employment as a result of their internship.

• Boiler efficiencies
• Compressed air systems
• HVAC system efficiencies
• Motor efficiencies
• Water conservation
• Water/wastewater treatment
• Process improvements
• Solid/hazardous waste reduction

Since 2001, host companies have saved more than $87.8 million in implemented intern projects. These projects also divert waste from landfills, reduce hazardous waste, conserve water and energy, and reduce greenhouse gases and emissions. The following annual savings are a testament that improved environmental performance is a cost-effective venture for Iowa’s business sector.

• 392.8 million kWh of electricity
• 11.6 million therms of energy
• 4.9 billion gallons of water
• 238,820 tons of solid and special waste
• 8,646 tons of hazardous waste

For more detailed information on recently implemented projects, review the Pollution Prevention Intern Program Case Summaries booklet.

How does the Pollution Prevention Intern Program work?

Iowa businesses, institutions, or agencies submit potential projects for consideration.

The DNR matches upper-level engineering students with specific projects based on each student's coursework, academic performance, experience, technical and communication skills.

After one week of training with program staff the intern serves at the host facility, where they analyze the current process, research strategies, calculate cost comparisons and implement improvements. After writing a final report documenting results and recommendations, the intern presents this information to management at the host company and writes a case summary of the project.

Internships begin in May, with 12- or 24-week project opportunities available.

While on-site the intern reports to a company supervisor, who provides daily supervision, company resources, and ensures company support of the project and implementation. Technical advisers with the program provide interns with resources, tools and technical support and guidance throughout their internship.

** Students are not trained in or qualified to assess regulatory compliance issues. **

For more information, contact:

Danielle Dilks
515-725-8363
Danielle.Dilks@dnr.iowa.gov

"The work you do over the summer has a very real and very quantifiable impact, both environmental as well as financial."

"In addition to the amazing project experience, I learned a lot about myself and what I want to do in life. I think along with the professional experience you gain a feel for your career path. " 

“The P2 Intern Program is a valuable way for some of Iowa’s brightest engineering students to gain exposure to our company, demonstrate their skills and develop innovative solutions for challenging environmental projects. We have been impressed with the caliber of students and the projects at our facility have resulted in improved environmental performance and economic savings. We are proud to support the local community and area students interested in growing their career in the fields of engineering and environmental protection.”

“Our intern got an outstanding amount of work done. He did a great job of opening doors to outside resources and starting conversations that we didn’t have time to do. This will be key in fostering our ability to move forward, implement change and reap the benefits of lowering our operating costs.”