Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Summer Internship
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Bureau of Water – Northern Monitoring Unit - Des Plaines, IL
Applications due February 22, 2026 (11:59 pm Sunday night)
Work with EPA personnel in Streams & Lakes:
- Collecting water quality samples
- Sampling macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, & fish
- Recording discharge and assessing habitat
- Summer work contract is 14 weeks, Pay $15.00 per hour (planned dates are May 11-August 14, but there may be some flexibility)
Qualifications:
- Current undergraduate student at University of Illinois studying environmental science, ecology, biology, or related field
- Valid Drivers license
- Transportation to the EPA office in Des Plaines
- Ability to swim, ability to lift 50 lbs
- Tolerance of inclement weather, mud, bugs, and fish slime
- Some travel is required, hotel and per diem reimbursed
Apply by February 22, 2026 (11:59 pm Sunday night)
You will need:
- cover letter expressing interest and future goals
- current unofficial transcript
- resume
Questions?
Questions about the internship should be directed to Kevin Zidonis at Kevin.Zidonis@Illinois.gov.
Questions about the application procedure should be directed to Piper Hodson at phodson@illinois.edu.