Occupational Health & Safety Nursing Intern (Summer 2026)

Description of Work

Are you a current nursing student or recent college graduate interested in learning about Occupational Health and Safety? If so, keep reading because this internship opportunity could be the perfect fit for you. 

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety has a unique internship opportunity for nursing students for the Summer of 2026. This internship will be based in the Central Human Resources Office and is part of the Safety, Occupational and Environmental Health section, within Workplace Health and Safety (WHS).

The Safety, Occupational and Environmental Health Office is tasked with researching various safety and health regulations to create policies and programs that ensure safe workplaces for state employees. The office is responsible for protecting employees' health and safety by preventing illness and injury in the workplace. The office drafts these policies for review, implements them through procedures, and provides training and informational meetings to help divisions comply with regulations. They also analyze data that supports the direction of regulatory policies, based on audits and inspections of sites, equipment, and employee conditions, and issue reports to management to address any issues. The office manages emergency plans to ensure safety during unforeseen events and serves as the primary contact for North Carolina Emergency Management. It provides accurate and timely reporting to regulatory agencies and prepares reports to update management on program effectiveness regarding occupational injuries and illnesses. The Safety Office also investigates serious accidents, oversees compliance during inspections, and responds to safety complaints from various stakeholders. It advises staff on safety regulations for medical equipment and training and ensures that new facilities meet safety standards. They also assess the effectiveness of occupational health programs and protocols for various health risks and advise on corrective actions.

The nursing intern will assist in conducting site health surveys, documenting the findings, conducting some data analysis, making recommendations, and recommending corrective actions. 

Applicants should possess the following skills:
• Knowledge and skill in Microsoft Office 365, including data entry
• Critical Thinking
• Baseline knowledge of Occupational Health Nursing

This internship is expected to start on May 18, 2026 and continue through July 24, 2026. The work schedule is part-time (up to 30 hours per week), Monday -Friday. The rate of pay is $18.00 per hour. 

A college transcript is required to determine eligibility. Please attach your unofficial college transcript(s). 

Please Note: The selected intern will be required to provide a letter of recommendation from a professional reference or academic advisor/professor before being hired.

Interns will be hired through Temporary Solutions which operates as the State’s temporary employment agency. As a temporary position there are no leave or retirement benefits offered with this position. Visit www.nctemporarysolutions.com for employment information.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

DPS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.    

The Minimum Education and Experience (E&E) is REQUIRED to qualify for this position. Management Preferences, including Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs), are not required but may be used to determine the pool of most qualified applicants. Managers may also choose to interview/select applicants who demonstrate Management Preferences. 

All work history and education (including accurate dates of employment/attendance) must be documented on the application. Work experience may include internships, volunteerism, and full and part-time work. A complete, all-inclusive application maximizes an applicant’s potential to qualify for the position, as well as receive the highest possible salary if selected for the position. Salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations for the advertised position. Click here for more information and application resources.   

Resumes may be attached as a supplement to the application but are not a substitute for a complete application.    

Management Preferences  

• Must be currently enrolled in college or a recent college graduate. NOTE: "Recent" graduates are those who have graduated within the last 6 months.
• Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Nursing. Recent graduates (with the last 6 months) with a degree Nursing will also be considered.

A college transcript is required to determine eligibility.  Please attach your unofficial college transcript(s).  The transcript must include your name, courses/major, and the name of the college/university.

Note: Please make sure your application is complete before submitting because the system will not allow you to reapply. (Your college transcript must be attached.)

Note: Interns must submit to a background check and fingerprinting or consent to agency onboarding requirements.