Internship Program

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Pollution Prevention 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 leads or offers of full-time employment as a result of their internship.

Common projects address:

  • Water usage reduction
  • Water/wastewater treatment
  • Boiler and steam systems
  • Compressed air systems
  • HVAC systems
  • Motor efficiencies
  • Process improvements
  • Resource recovery/reuse
  • Solid/hazardous material reduction

P2 Intern Program Highlights

Implemented Results

Since 2001, host companies have saved more than $122.5 million in implemented intern projects. These projects conserve water and energy, reduce hazardous material usage, divert waste from landfills, and reduce greenhouse gases and emissions. The following savings are a testament that improved environmental performance is a cost-effective venture for Iowa’s business sector.

  • 518.4 million kWh of electricity
  • 27 million therms of energy
  • 6.5 billion gallons of water
  • 286,763 tons of solid and special waste
  • 10,493 tons of hazardous waste
  • 430,020 MTCO2E

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

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How the P2 Intern Program Works

Iowa companies or agencies submit potential intern 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 P2 program staff the intern serves at the host facility for eleven weeks, 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.

2026 Internship Dates

Internships will begin on May 18, 2026 with a week of training and interns will then begin on-site project work on May 26, 2026. All 12-week internships will end on August 7, 2026, while 28-week coop projects will end on November 27, 2026.

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. **

Student Perspectives

  • “I felt very rewarded by the people onsite who recognized my work during my P2
    internship. The continuous support, both onsite and from the DNR, ensured I always had the necessary tools to get the work done. This internship provided valuable insight into the industry and the daily aspects of this type of work. The professional connections I made throughout this experience have also been extremely beneficial.” - Austin Lee
  • "The P2 internship offers a unique opportunity to complete a truly meaningful project that can significantly impact the host company. While the task may seem overwhelming at first, you are given the time, tools, and necessary resources to complete the given project. This internship experience has been incredibly valuable, providing professional work experience that I believe will lead to excellent future opportunities." - Zachary Dixon
  • “My P2 internship allowed me to shadow multiple professionals and focus on various aspects of engineering. This experience significantly expanded my engineering knowledge while also benefiting the host company and the environment.” - Tyler Casey
  • "During my internship, I was given information to understand the problem, develop a solution, and then identify the necessary steps for implementing a change." - Michael Maggio
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Student Information

Graduate and Junior or Senior undergraduate students enrolled in engineering majors are encouraged to apply. A complete application packet consists of a résumé, an application form, an unofficial copy of most recent transcript and a list of fall 2025 and anticipated spring 2026 courses. A cover letter explaining what type of project the student feels would be most interesting and a good fit for them is helpful to the recruiters when considering project assignments. Students will be fully considered for projects with or without a cover letter.

The intern selection process will begin mid-October and continue into the spring until all project assignments are finalized. Applications from students will be accepted until all projects are finalized. Students are encouraged to apply early for the best consideration of all projects.

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Host Company Information

Iowa companies, healthcare facilities, academic campuses, or government agencies with a desire to improve environmental performance should submit a project request for a 2026 intern. Eligible companies have must meet one of the following criteria: more than 100 employees, are RCRA Large Quantity Generators of hazardous waste, TRI Reporters, or incur annual energy costs of more than one million dollars. Selected companies must sign a uniform program agreement prior to an intern being assigned to the project. A cost share of $6,000.00 is paid to the department for each 12-week internship project with the Pollution Prevention Intern Program. A cost share of $12,000.00 (payable in two installments) is paid to the department for each 28-week co-op project with the Pollution Prevention Intern Program. Companies may apply for a $3,000 waiver of the cost share for their first year of participation.

The deadline for companies to submit a request for a 2026 intern is January 16, 2026. Technical staff is available to assist with project development or to complete the request form.

Company Testimonials

  • “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.” - Charles Heisel, Environmental Manager at JBS USA, Ottumwa
  • “This program is an excellent resource to employers in the state of Iowa. Each year, our assigned intern has provided us with results that have helped us improve our sustainability programs and environmental management.” - Brian Herbst, Plant Safety Manager at Smithfield Foods, Inc., Sioux City
  • “I would highly recommend this program to other companies. Not only does it give the host company a chance to finish something they may not have the time or resources for, it gives the students real time experience and helps prepare them to hit the ground running once they complete the degree work.” - Kevin West, EH&S Coordinator at Rosenboom, Sheldon
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Cumulative P2 Intern Project Index

The Cumulative P2 Intern Project Index cross references intern host companies, along the side, with project types across the top. When you click in the year, that is cross referenced with the specific P2 Case Summary with all the project information.

2025 P2 Intern Program - 12 Week Projects

  • Grinnell College - Grinnell
    Develop and implement strategies for food waste landfill diversion, and complete a campus-wide peak demand analysis to identify opportunities for electricity reduction.
  • Kemin Industries - Des Moines
    Conduct an assessment of water usage across all production and main campus facilities and develop water reduction and reuse opportunities.
  • JBS Swift Pork - Ottumwa
    Establish a solid waste stream profile and develop waste reduction strategies that prioritize source reduction and recycling to increase landfill diversion.
  • JBS USA, LLC - Marshalltown
    Identify and assess water conservation and reuse opportunities and outline the necessary processes and equipment modifications.

2025 P2 Intern Program - 28 Week Projects

  • Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. - Eddyville
    A 28-week project to conduct a review of the current triple effect evaporator and make recommendations to reduce water usage.
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