Public Health Internship Opportunities

Organization

Health Department – Ohio Department of Health (ODH)

Work Location

Health Department Building 246, North High Street, 1st Floor, Columbus, 43215

Primary Job Skill

Internship

Technical Skills

Clerical & Data Entry, Information Technology, Operational and Administrative Support, Plant Health

Professional Skills

Active Learning, Analyzation, Flexibility, Growth Mindset, Networking, Organizing and Planning, Teamwork, Verbal Communication, Written Communication, Proofreading

Agency Overview

Public Health Internship

About Us:

Our mission at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is advancing the health and well‑being of all Ohioans. Our agency is committed to building a modern, vibrant public health system that creates the conditions where all Ohioans flourish.

Job Description

General Overview

This posting is for future internship opportunities across multiple divisions within ODH. Applicants will be considered for roles based on their skills, academic background, and expressed areas of interest. Internship assignments may include, but are not limited to:

• Public Health Programs: Assist with community health initiatives, disease prevention, and health education campaigns.
• Policy & Planning: Support research and analysis for health policies, regulations, and strategic planning.
• Data & Analytics: Work with health data systems, perform data analysis, and contribute to reporting efforts.
• Communications & Outreach: Develop educational materials, manage social media content, and support public engagement.
• Administrative Support: Provide assistance with project coordination, documentation, and operational tasks.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from students in fields such as:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Epidemiology
• Communications
• Data Science / Analytics
• Business Administration
• Other related disciplines

How It Works

By applying to this posting, you will be entered into our internship talent pool. As paid and unpaid opportunities arise, candidates will be matched to positions that align with their interests and qualifications. Paid Internship positions cannot be used for credit toward a Practicum requirement.

The Pay Rate for internships will be determined by the student's current academic status.

• Freshman or Sophomore – $18/hour
• Junior or Senior – $20/hour
• Graduate Student – $22/hour

This position is unclassified per ORC 124.11(A)(29)

Benefits

At the State of Ohio, benefits are available to eligible full‑time and part‑time employees*. A full list can be found on the Total Rewards website. Benefits include:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (e.g., OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

Position Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a college degree in biological science, animal science, public health, or a related field.

AND

• Able to provide your own transportation to/from primary worksite (transportation for fieldwork will be provided, as necessary).

Job Skills: Public Health

Technical: Public Health

Professional: Active Learning, Teamwork

Educational Transcript Requirements:

Official educational transcripts are required for all post‑high school educational accomplishments, coursework or degrees claimed on the application. Applicants will be required to submit an official transcript prior to receiving a formal offer of employment. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) working days of being requested will cause the applicant to be eliminated from further consideration.

A “official” transcript must be an original copy from the educational institution and include an institutional watermark, ink stamp or embossed stamp. Trained transcripts printed from the institution’s website will not be accepted.

Application Procedures

All applicants must submit a completed Ohio Civil Service Application using the TALEO System. Paper applications will not be considered. Applicants must clearly indicate how they meet the minimum qualifications and/or position specific minimum qualifications. They are also encouraged to document any experience, education and/or training related to the job duties above. An assessment of these criteria may be conducted to determine the applicants who are interviewed.

Status of Posted Position: You can check the status of your application online by signing into your profile. Jobs you applied for will be listed. The application status is shown to the right of the position title and application submission details.

Background Check Information:

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug‑Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug‑Free Workplace Policy (HR‑39), and as outlined in the posting.