NRES Career Information

Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Gain practical, on the-ground- experience working with Forest Preserve Resource Management Crews and other natural resource professionals. Interns learn what it’s like to manage forest preserves in a highly urbanized setting. Work primarily involves using chainsaws and other equipment such as chippers to manage hazardous trees along trails, in picnic groves and other areas where they pose a safety risk to the public. There is some work conducting ecological restoration activities. Expect to be on your feet all day working hard outdoors and getting dirty. This is an ideal hands-on experience for Forestry Majors or recent graduates. Opportunities for interns to meet experts in their chosen field and grow professional networks are provided.

The program has campers ages 10-16 who are interested in learning about adventure activities. Adventure activities include: White Water Rafting, Climbing Wall, Rappelling, Zip Lining, Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Hatchet Throwing, Shooting Sports (Crossbows & Archery), and other 

This is 5-week summer program to introduced high school students to restoration work in the South Suburbs of Cook County. 

The Kent Lab (https://microbiome.nres.illinois.edu), based at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, is recruiting undergraduate hourly research technicians to assist with lab research in soil microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, and crop science. Our research group focuses on understanding the nitrogen cycling microbial community in agricultural ecosystems. We are also interested in exploring and harnessing beneficial microbial traits to improve soil health and inform future plant breeding. 

U.S. Geological Survey is recruiting for a student intern position focused on fisheries climate adaptation.