Award: This internship comes with a $4,000 award paid at the end of the internship as well as travel and supply reimbursements up to $500.
Award Year: 2026
Length of Internship: June 6, 2026 - August 5, 2026
Application Deadline: March 15th, 2026
Requirements: Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in environmental sciences, natural resources, biology, animal biology, entomology, geography, or other relevant fields.
Primary Functions
This position will involve a mix of field and office work under the direct supervision of a senior stream ecologist including:
· Water quality measurement & habitat quality assessment
· Electrofishing and macroinvertebrate sampling
· Fish identification and measurement
· Statistical analysis of aquatic biodiversity and community structure
· Scientific writing
Minimum Physical Requirements
Work is conducted both indoors and outdoors. Ability to conduct fieldwork, at times for long hours or under strenuous conditions. Moderate lifting, carrying and operating sampling equipment in stream. Will also have normal office working conditions. Must be able to drive vehicle. Visual acuity and physical strength and endurance necessary to perform fieldwork.
Desired Skills/Experience
· Some field experience
· Completed relevant coursework, including ecology, fisheries management, conservation and statistics
· Aptitude for technical writing
· Possess a valid driver’s license
· Ability to communicate effectively, follow direction, and work independently
· Experience utilizing Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
· Positive and energetic attitude with good interpersonal skills
Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2026
Application process: Please submit a resume, unofficial transcripts, and two letters of recommendation to Dr. Yong Cao at yongcao@illinois.edu with subject title “Stream Ecology Internship 2026”. Letters of recommendation should be emailed to Dr. Cao directly from the letter writer.
Questions about the internship can be directed to Dr. Cao at 217 -244-6847 or yongcao@illinois.edu.