NRES Career Information

Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

The NGRREC internship is an amazing research based opportunity for undergraduates.

Internships are Mt. Cuba Center’s greatest investment in the future. Our goal is to inspire students to have an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a desire to protect the environments that sustain them.

We offer two types of programs: a summer program that runs for 12 weeks for college undergraduates or recent college graduates and a one year program for recent college graduates.

Internships for U of I students working with EPA personnel in lakes and streams collecting water quality samples, sampling macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, and fish, and recording discharge and assessing habitat. Internships are based in the IEPA Bureau of Water - Northern Monitoring Unit in Des Plaines, IL.

Internships for U of I students working with EPA personnel in lakes and streams collecting water quality samples, sampling macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, and fish, and recording discharge and assessing habitat. Internships are based in the IEPA Bureau of Water - Northern Monitoring Unit in Des Plaines, IL.

Internships for U of I students working with EPA personnel in lakes and streams collecting water quality samples, sampling macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, and fish, and recording discharge and assessing habitat. Internships are based in the IEPA Bureau of Water - Northern Monitoring Unit in Des Plaines, IL.

Big Island Farms offers internships (for which the student pays) on an organic permaculture farm in Hawaii.

The Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program (DFP) is a fellowship program in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The DFP is designed to provide a fellowship opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to participate full time for at least 11 weeks on projects that meet the qualification of a rigorous internship program.

Participation in the DFP will offer the selected fellows an opportunity to demonstrate to supervisors and managers their potential for success. Management may directly hire a fellow who has successfully completed their fellowship program and requirements for his or her degree program.

We are seeking up to three (3) field technicians to assist with aquatic research for summer 2026. Duties include collecting mussels by hand sampling, snorkeling, and quantitative sampling along transect lines; setting and maintaining water quality collection devices; and collecting eDNA samples. Other work may include collecting fish by dip-netting, seining, and trawling, as well as backpack, barge, and boat electrofishing; lab and museum work, data entry, processing specimens for curation, museum maintenance, equipment cleaning and maintenance; and other duties as needed. Travel is expected, and overnight travel with 2–3-hour travel time to research sites should be expected during some work weeks. Workdays may consist of long hours outdoors or inside a lab. 

Position will be based in Champaign, Illinois. Housing is not provided.

Summary: 

The Larson Aquatic Ecology Lab at UIUC is seeking a summer undergraduate technician to assist with field work in Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah for five weeks of summer 2026 from mid-July to mid-August. The technician will be assisting a graduate student in sampling native and non-native crayfish populations. This will be a full-time position (40 hours per week) at a rate of $15 per hour with travel, lodging, and meals provided.

 Duties:

Work will include using seines, nets, and traps to collect crayfish, and will require wading in streams and rivers, hiking in rough terrain, and camping in remote locations.

Qualifications:

Preferences for the hire include sophomore standing or higher with coursework in ecology and natural resources, experience/comfort hiking and camping in remote locations, previous experience in field biology/ecology, and a valid driver’s license.

To apply:

Email Jacob Watson at jacobbw3@illinois.edu a one-page cover letter, resume, and contact information for 2-3 references as a single PDF by February 27th, 2026. Use “Summer Field Technician Application” in the email subject line.

The Montana Conservation Corps has a mission of "Inspiring young people through hands-on conservation service to be leaders, stewards of the land, and engaged citizens who improve their communities." We do this through adventure with purpose, with members in a variety of positions that can fit individual, conservation, and community needs. Our corps members say MCC is a great place for personal growth, to learn practical job skills, build confidence, strengthen communication and leadership competencies, and to develop the ability to work well with people from all walks of life. Conservation Fellows’ service is centered around completing natural resources-related projects within their host site community.  Project focus and outcomes vary depending on the host site. Along with serving their communities, CFs make tangible contributions to conservation solutions while developing professional skills that directly transfer to a career in the community service and natural resources fields.

• Summer Research Assistant

  The Savanna Institute invites applications for a Summer Research Assistant to help with research and field work in agroforestry systems.  

• Most work will occur in and around Spring Green, WI.

• Hours: 30-40 hours per week for up to 12 weeks

• Location: Madison, WI; Spring Green, WI; or surrounding region

• Start Date: May - early June (exact date negotiable)

• Salary: $18/hr

• This position is not eligible for the Institute’s benefits package

• This position reports to the Cropping Systems Scientist

• Jobs - Savanna Institute

Under general supervision, assist with Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management related work including seeding, erosion control, brush removal and basic maintenance of equipment.

 The goal of the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment is to diversify the conservation workforce by finding and developing the next generation of land, water, and wildlife professionals among traditionally underrepresented groups. 

Doris Duke Scholars are eager to be immersed in an experiential learning program that incorporates diversity and inclusion into their understanding of conservation practices.

Doris Duke Scholars are committed to becoming a part of and changing the conservation arena, bringing new ways of looking at, understanding, and protecting the earth's land, water and wildlife.

May be of interest to continuing or graduating students. Due February 14, 2020.

Camp Wildlife is located in Summerton, South Carolina on Lake Marion. Students would work with 8-14 year olds. We teach kids the values of the outdoors through wildlife ecology classes, outdoor survival skills, and shooting sports (archery, shotguns, rifles). We’ve run this program for over 20 years and have been very successful in building the next generations love for the outdoors.

These staff positions can count toward internships and are paid.  We also get students certified in shooting sports through SC 4-H Shooting Sports.  

Focus on "Ecology in Human Dominated Landscapes". Rolling admission through January 24, 2020.

The Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is seeking one full-time intern to provide administrative support for SMC Flood Mitigation Program. This is a long-term position, not to exceed 1,000 hours. Applicants are encouraged to review information on the Voluntary Floodplain Buyout Program at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/3973/Flood-Information-and-Programs prior to applying.

Natural Resource Instructors (NRIs) work under the Camp Director and Camp Coordinator. Instructors will be involved in teaching courses at a residential camp ranging from first aid education, hunter firearm safety, fishing, forestry, ecology, fish and wildlife management, and outdoor recreation. NRIs also directly supervise and support 8-10 campers, ages 12-16, on a weekly basis. They will also be responsible for mentoring campers in educational, social, and personal matters and assisting all staff members in carrying out camp goals, objectives, and the Vermont State Fish & Wildlife Department’s mission. Please note: this is a residential position at either the Edward F. Kehoe Camp in Castleton, VT or the Buck Lake Camp in Woodbury, VT. 

The Natural Areas Internship is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in ecological management. Candidates with experience or interest in natural resources, or already attending college in programs related to natural resources, are encouraged to apply. 

Paid summer internship program with the following program objectives:

• Encourage diverse youth to study and pursue careers in STEM fields
• Introduce program participants to science careers in the National Park Service
• Increase relevance, diversity, and inclusion in the NPS workplace

MCC’s Conservation Fellow (CF) program makes a measurable difference in conservation efforts whilestrengthening the experience of young adults. CFs serve a five-month term of service from May –October at partnering federal/state agencies, nonprofits, tribal offices, and other community-basedconservation organizations across Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. Projects include: climateresiliency, habitat restoration, rangeland science, soil monitoring, invasive species treatment, developedrecreation management, GIS mapping, stream and wetland restoration, cave and karst feature surveys,conservation education and outreach, volunteer management and more.

The Village of Winnetka’s Engineering Department is seeking student applicants for the temporary position of Forestry Intern. This position is expected to begin work in late-May and continue through August (approximately 10 to 12 weeks). The Forestry Intern is responsible for assisting the Village Forester in maintenance and management of the Village’s public and private trees.   

The Freshwater@UW Summer Research Opportunities Program provides high-impact educational opportunities by facilitating immersive, hands-on mentored research experiences in freshwater science across the 13 UW Institutions. The program’s central aim is to support the growth of our freshwater research enterprise and freshwater workforce through collaborative, cross-system programming designed to train, recruit, retain and diversify the next generation of freshwater professionals 

The Larson Aquatic Ecology Lab at UIUC is seeking a summer undergraduate field technician to assist with field work in Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah for five weeks of summer 2026 from mid-July to mid-August. The technician will be assisting with sampling native and non-native crayfish populations. This will be a full-time position (40 hours per week) at a rate of $15 per hour, with travel, lodging, and meals provided.

Work will include using seines, nets, and traps for collecting crayfish, hiking in rough terrain, wading in rivers and streams, and camping in remote locations. 

Preferences for the hire include sophomore standing or above with coursework in ecology/natural resources, experience or comfort hiking and camping in remote locations, previous experience in field biology/ecology, and a valid driver's license. 

To apply, email Jacob Watson at jacobbw3@illinois.edu a 1-page cover letter, resume, and contact information for 2-3 references as a single PDF by February 20^th, 2026. Use “Summer Field Technician Application” in the email subject line.

The selected associate will work on creating a GIS story map for the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. Successful completion of 11-week term will result in the applicant being eligible for the DHA-RAI Certificate of Completion, program participants that meet Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for a BLM mission-critical/hard-to-fill occupation may be directly appointed without competition to a full time, permanent position vacancy. 

At the undergraduate level the emphasis is on recruitment, career exploration, and introducing top performing students to MDC.  

Sustainability Living-Learning Community is looking for a great Sustainability LLC intern for the 2017-18 school year. Application deadline is February 16th

Successful applicants will assist a research team studying grassland bird responses to cattle grazing in CRP grasslands in central Kansas, late spring-summer 2025.  Technicians will search for and monitor nests ~May 19 - July 25 and also assist with vegetation structural measures. 

This intern position is designed to prepare a student trainee for employment after graduation as a Park Ranger or Natural Resources Specialist.

These four positions will aid in collecting forestry data across several Forest Service, Northern Research Station projects but will primarily be focused on collecting data across three Experimental Forests (EF; Sinkin EF on the Mark Twain National Forest, Kaskaskia EF on the Shawnee National Forest, and the Paoli EF on the Hoosier National Forest). These positions are great first-entry temporary jobs for undergraduates or recent graduates. Travel is required.

Sustainability Living-Learning Community is looking for a great Sustainability LLC intern for the 2017-18 school year. Application deadline is February 16th.

We’re hiring! ISEA is seeking two individuals for Great Lakes Educator Intern positions, to help with ship and shore programming April 28 – August 15. While previous sailing experience is not necessary, much of the education programs will be provided onboard our traditionally rigged schooners. Programs can be both day sails around Grand Traverse Bay, as well as multi-day sails to away ports such as Detroit, MI, or Duluth, MN. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and team player, with enthusiasm for teaching about environmental science and the Great Lakes. Early career professionals and people looking to transition into environmental education are encouraged to apply. 

Seasonal Naturalist

Do you love UIUC? Apply to be an I STAR!

I STARs share their love for UIUC and knowledge of campus by leading campus tours and events for prospective students and their families. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from individuals who possess and promote these values. I STARs assist our office with hosting 40,000+ visitors to campus yearly.

Fall internship open to current students or recent alumni accepting applications until July 18, 2016. The internship will run from Sept. 6, 2016-Dec 16, 2016.

The Students Pushing INnovation (SPIN) internship program was launched to provide University of Illinois undergraduates with the opportunity to participate in hands-on research and contribute to interdisciplinary projects covering focused research areas in Culture and Society, Earth and Environment, Bioinformatics and Health Sciences, Material and Manufacturing, Data and Computational Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Digital Agriculture.

Various job and internship positions available. Deadlines vary.

Have an interest in the environment, conservation, and agriculture, particularly water and soil quality?  We are seeking undergraduate student interns for summer 2024 who are self-motivated, detail-oriented, strong communicators, enthusiastic, and have a sense of fun! The Iowa State University water resources internship program serves as an outstanding springboard for careers in agriculture, engineering, the environment, and/or further studies.  

Term Dates: 5/18/22 – 9/30/22; Location: Varies based on host site placement

May 23-Aug 8, 2022

Positions will be available for up to 12 technicians creating 3 separate crews. Incumbents will be performing aquatic or terrestrial surveys, dependent upon their assigned crew, across the state, specifically related to native Kansas fauna. Crews have the potential to conduct the following activities: (1) surveying for native mussels in their historical range throughout Kansas (2) assessment of threatened and endangered aquatic species statewide; (3) surveying for state-threatened species of reptiles and amphibians in appropriate habitats; (4) survey bats and small mammal communities using appropriate methods and procedures (5) conduct standardized aquatic surveys of fish and macroinvertebrate communities in public and/or private areas. Some lab work involving the identification, sorting, and cataloging of collected specimens obtained from surveys may be required. Assist with conducting educational events for students of various ages. Maintaining good working relationships with other institutions and personnel will be required. Perform other duties as required

The Tonto National Forest is planning to fill two Student Trainee, GS-0499-03/04/05 positions in our Rangeland Management program.  These are Pathway Indefinite Intern positions and may receive consideration for conversion upon graduation and completion of program requirements. 

Outreach Notice replies accepted through February 3. Applications accepted February 15-27, 2023.

The Land Steward Internship provides the opportunity to learn and gain experience usingbest conservation practices to maintain and manage the land, including but not limited tonatural resource inventory, management, monitoring/protection, invasive plant control,mapping, equipment maintenance, cleaning, and other duties. The position is physicallydemanding, requiring walking on uneven terrain in variable weather conditions, oftencarrying heavy equipment or supplies.

The camp is located about an hour and a half from Charleston, South Carolina at Camp Bob Cooper directly on Lake Marion (South Carolina’s largest lake). A majority of the camp week will focus on hunting and fishing techniques, wildlife ecology, outdoor survival skills and shooting sports activities (shotgun, rifle and archery). Instructors will be trained and certified through USA Archery, South Carolina 4H Shooting Sports, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. In addition to these activities, we will also utilize other components such as swimming, team building, and various recreation activities.

The Natural Areas Internship is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career or college program in conservation/ ecological management. Candidates with experience or interest in natural resources, or already attending college in programs related to natural resources, are encouraged to apply. 

Position Dates: May–August positions available, start dates may vary; alternating weekends/ holidays required.