The Santee Cooper Environmental Internship Program provides a summer education-in-the-workplace opportunity designed to give interns an in-depth understanding of the many traditional and renewable resources used to make electricity, the importance of balancing environmental issues with meeting electricity demands and how that electricity is transmitted and ultimately distributed to homes and businesses. They will also learn about Santee Cooper’s key role in the environmental and economic well-being of South Carolina. The program concentrates on the challenges of keeping the lights on while protecting the state’s environmental and economic prosperity. 

Interns will have the opportunity to work in key environmental departments at Santee Cooper for hands-on experience at one of the nation's largest, public-power utilities. In the field, interns will see what rural electrification has done for our state and what Santee Cooper continues to do to protect our natural resources. From the drafting table to the backwoods, they will see how the process of generating power while preserving the environment is a never-ending one of search and discovery.

The Environmental Intern Program includes housing, a food allowance, and hourly wages.  Students learn the value of teamwork as they live and work together.  The program is hosted at the corporate headquarters located in Moncks Corner. 

How Do I Qualify?

11 college students are selected each summer to participate in Santee Cooper's Environmental Intern Program, one from each congressional district and five from the state at large.

To participate in the Santee Cooper Environmental Intern Program, you must:

• Be a permanent resident of South Carolina paying in-state tuition.
• Be an undergraduate student at a South Carolina college or university.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a rising junior or senior. Internships are served during the summer that precedes the junior or senior year.
• Have completed 60 credit hours by the end of the spring 2012 term.
• Have attended two full years of college.
• Have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
• Carry a minimum of 24 credit hours during the current school year.
• Be willing to work in a variety of outdoor settings, as well as in a laboratory and office environment. You must be willing to get messy. This is a hands-on internship, and some of the work assignments may cause you to get wet or dirty.
• Pass a pre-employment background check and physical including a drug and alcohol screen.

How Do I Apply?

Each applicant is required to provide the following information by February 15, 2012:

• Completed online application
  The application will be available in late November with a link located near the top right of this page. 
• Uploaded copy of your résumé
  The résumé should describe your paid and/or volunteer work experience, extra-curricular activities, honors, hobbies, community involvement and/or any other items a potential employer should be aware of.
• Uploaded copy of your college transcript
  An unofficial transcript will be accepted with the application.  An official transcript may be requested if you are selected.
• Uploaded essay entitled, "Why I Should Be Selected to Be an Intern"

• Up to two letters of reference
  Reference letters may be uploaded with the other documents or sent directly to the following address:
  Environmental Intern Program Coordinator, OC01
  Santee Cooper
  P.O. Box 2946101
  Moncks Corner, SC  29461-6101

• Both of South Carolina's U.S. Senators
• The U.S. Congressman representing your legislative district
• The President Pro Tempore of the S.C. Senate
• The Speaker of the S.C. House of Representatives
• The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc.

The 2012 program dates are May 21 - July 27, 2012. The deadline for submitting applications is February 15, 2012. Appointments will be announced in late March/early April.

 

Questions?  Contact:

Ms. Cile Spivey
Santee Cooper, OC01
Training & Development
PO Box 2946101
Moncks Corner, SC 29461-6101
(843) 761-8000 ext. 5510
clspivey@santeecooper.com