Stream Ecology Summer Internship
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Job Summary
The Larimore Stream Ecology Internship with the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) will provide you with knowledge and real-world experience to prepare you for a graduate program in stream or aquatic ecology. INHS has more than 150 years of research on biological resources, particularly aquatic life in Illinois and beyond (www.inhs.illinois.edu). Fieldwork will be focused on Jordan Creek in Central-east Illinois, approximately 40 minutes away from the UI campus. The stream has been used as a study model system over decades by several well-established ecologists, particularly, Dr. Larimore, who was a distinguished aquatic ecologist with INHS. The successful applicant will work closely with the stream ecology lab in INHS.
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: 2024
Length of Internship: June 6, 2024 - August 5, 2024
Application Deadline: March 25, 2024
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 the stream. Will also have normal office working conditions. Must be able to drive a vehicle. Visual acuity, physical strength, and endurance are 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 directions, and work independently
- Experience utilizing Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Positive and energetic attitude with good interpersonal skills
Application Deadline: March 25, 2024
Application process: Please submit a resume, unofficial transcripts, and two letters of recommendation to Dr. Yong Cao at yongcao@illinois.edu with the subject title “Stream Ecology Internship 2024”. 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.
