The Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) is proud to announce the Jon DeBerti Memorial Internship, established in remembrance of an exceptional Pennsylvania Game Commission Elk Biologist whose dedication and passion left a lasting impact on elk conservation and the lives of many across the Commonwealth.

Keystone Elk Country Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit wildlife conservation organization that operates, manages, and staffs the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, Pennsylvania. KECA’s mission is “To Conserve and Enhance Pennsylvania’s Elk Country for Future Generations,” accomplished through conservation education, habitat enhancement, and permanent land protection.

The Jon DeBerti Memorial Internship is designed to provide hands-on experience for students pursuing careers in wildlife science, conservation, and natural resource management while honoring Jon’s commitment to education, stewardship, and mentorship.

Internship Overview and Qualifications

Applicants should be hardworking, motivated individuals with a positive attitude and strong professional communication skills who work well as part of a team.

Qualified candidates must meet the following requirements:

Current full-time enrollment in a bachelor’s degree, associate/2-year technical program, or advanced degree in an acceptable major (wildlife science, conservation education, forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, or related field)

• Completion of freshman year by May 2026
• Good academic standing (minimum 2.5 GPA)
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
• Ability to pass background checks and required clearances

Experience and Skills Gained

The internship offers a comprehensive learning experience within a nonprofit conservation organization, including opportunities to:

• Assist with wildlife and conservation education programs at the Elk Country Visitor Center
• Interact with visitors to provide a safe, positive, and informative experience in elk country
• Gain hands-on experience in habitat management while working with KECA’s habitat crew to improve elk habitat within Pennsylvania’s elk range
• Help plan and participate in fundraising events at the Elk Country Visitor Center
• Learn about Pennsylvania’s elk herd and the Commonwealth’s natural resources
• Assist with sales and inventory in the Elk Country Store (gift shop)
• Support KECA’s marketing and communications efforts, including advertising and social media

Schedule, Compensation, and Location

• Anticipated Start Date: May 2026
• Anticipated End Date: August 2026
• Compensation: $17.00 per hour, 40 hours per week
• Schedule: Wednesday–Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (subject to change based on programs and events)
• Location: Elk Country Visitor Center, 134 Homestead Drive, Benezette, PA 15821

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and transcript showing current enrollment by February 20, 2026, to:

Contact: Ben Porkolab, Conservation Education Coordinator
814-787-5173, ConEd@KECAUS.com

Environmental Education Scholarships provided in partnership by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources Company, LLC.

Students who reside in Pennsylvania who are currently in their senior year of high school will have the opportunity to earn one of three $1,000 scholarships provided by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources Company, LLC. The amount of $1,000 is awarded once to the scholarship recipients. In order to be eligible for these educational scholarships, students must be accepted to attend a college or secondary vocational/trade school. They must also be majoring in or pursuing a career in an environmental field. (including but not limited to: Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Earth Science, Education, Environmental Engineering, Forestry, Botany, Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Sustainability, Parks and Recreation)

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio that includes:

– A typed essay (300-500 words) written in paragraph format about personal experiences and accomplishments in their lives that have inspired them to pursue the environmental field of studies, attributes they possess that will benefit them to be successful working in the environmental field, and the importance of this field of study to our future. Include a cover page with name, address, phone number, and high school attended.

-A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s former or current high school teacher.

-A copy of the letter of acceptance from the college/secondary education school that will be attended by the applicant.

This student portfolio should be submitted electronically to the Keystone Elk Country Alliance Education Department at ConEd@KECAUS.com

The recipients of these scholarships will be chosen by a panel consisting of KECA staff, KECA educational committee members as well as representatives from Seneca Resources Company, LLC.

Applications will be due by June 30th and the recipient will be selected by August 1st.

Ben Porkolab, KECA (Keystone Elk Country Alliance) Conservation Education Coordinator adds, “Seneca Resources Company, LLC. has been a significant partner of KECA and key supporter of our conservation education department for many years.  With monies from both the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources Company, LLC. these scholarships will be awarded to deserving Pennsylvania high school seniors each and every year. Students who pursue careers in conservation are passionate about the well-being of our natural world. KECA believes in supporting those who embrace conservation and the enhancement of Pa.’s elk country for future generations.”

KECA is a 501©(3) non-profit Conservation Organization headquartered at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, PA. More information can be found at ExperienceElkCountry.com

Seneca Resources Company, LLC, the exploration and production segment of National Fuel and Gas Company, explores for and develops natural gas and oil reserves in the Appalachia region. Additional information about Seneca and National Fuel Gas Company is available at http://www.nationalfuelgas.com

Contact: Ben Porkolab, Conservation Education Coordinator
814-787-5173, ConEd@KECAUS.com

Congratulations to our 
2025 Keystone Elk Country Alliance/
Seneca Resources Company, LLC
Scholarship Recipients:

John Bruner from Blairsville, PA, Mason Roessner from Coudersport, PA and Anessa Steel from Otto Eldred

From left to right:

Photo: from left: Ben Porkolab-Keystone Elk Country Alliance Conservation Education Coordinator, Wayne McConahy-Keystone Elk Country Alliance Board Member, Tim Lucas-Keystone Elk Country Alliance Board Member, Jeff Gauger-Keystone Elk Country Alliance President & CEO, John Bruner 2025 Scholarship Recipient, Holly Roessner Mother of Mason Roessner 2025 Scholarship Recipient, Trey Miller-Seneca Resources Company, LLC Representative II Stakeholder Relations

The Keystone Elk Country Alliance was proud to present our $1,000 Continuing Education Scholarships in partnership with Seneca Resources Company, LLC to three deserving first year college students on September 26th, at the Elk Country Visitor Center. This is the fifth year the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources have provided this scholarship to PA students pursuing education in the fields of conservation, wildlife, forestry, environmental studies, sciences, education or similar fields. Each applicant was required to submit a portfolio with an essay about experiences in their lives that have inspired them to pursue the environmental field of studies, a letter of recommendation, and a letter of acceptance from a college or secondary education school.

After thorough review from our Scholarship Committee, we selected three outstanding recipients for this year’s scholarship.  They are John Bruner from Blairsville, PA, Mason Roessner from Coudersport, PA and Anessa Steel from Otto Eldred. We wish them the best in their futures and look forward to their contributions in conservation.

Our foremost priority at the Keystone Elk Country Alliance is conservation education. Through instilling our mission, “To Conserve and Enhance Pennsylvania’s Elk Country for Future Generations,” through education to others, we can ensure that Pennsylvania’s Elk Country will continue to thrive. We are proud to support our partners in conservation. Seneca Resources explores for and develops natural gas and oil reserves in California and Appalachia, including the Marcellus and Utica shales, and has provided Pennsylvania energy and jobs for more than 100 years.

Seneca Resources has been a significant partner of KECA and key supporter of our conservation education department for many years.  With contributions from both the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources this scholarship will be awarded to deserving Pennsylvania high school seniors each and every year. Students who pursue careers in conservation are passionate about the well-being of our natural world. KECA believes in supporting those who embrace conservation and the enhancement of Pa.’s elk country for future generations.

The Keystone Elk Country Alliance is now recognized as a Top-Rated Nonprofit for 2021 according to the GreatNonprofits.org. To learn more click the link below!

Keystone Elk Country Alliance Reviews and Ratings | Benezette, PA | Donate, Volunteer, Review | GreatNonprofits