Internships, Employment & Summer Research

Find dynamic, engaging opportunities

We believe some of the best learning happens beyond the classroom. That's why our department focuses heavily on connecting students with hand-on, engaged learning experiences in the form of internships and undergraduate research.

These experiences are great ways to apply knowledge from the classroom to the real-world. By applying your skills to solving real world problems, you have the chance to explore different career paths and specializations that suit your interests. In addition, the extra experience gained will boost your marketability.

Keep an eye out on this page for upcoming internship and summer research opportunities.

Internships

Hartman Reserve Nature Center Internship

Internships: https://www.hartmanreserve.org/internships.html

Winneshiek County Conservation Internship

Internship details at: https://www.winneshiekwild.com/jobs

MNDNR Internship

The MNDNR River Ecology Unit’s Summer 2023 Stream Fish-Habitat Internships. Information about the internship and how to apply can be found at Stream Fish Habitat Internship | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us). Search by Job ID 61342 on the MN Careers webpage to apply between January 3rd – 31st.

Other DNR Internships

Minnesota DNR Summer Internships

Iowa DNR Seasonal Opportunities

North Dakota Wildlife Summer Internships

U.S. National Park Summer Internships

Missouri DNR Summer Internships

National Mississippi River Museum

National Mississippi River Museum Summer Internship

Summer Naturalist Intern

Summer Naturalist Intern (up to 3 positions)

Woodbury County Conservation Board, Sioux City, Iowa

Description: Each 12-week position will run approximately May 22 through August 18, 2023 and will offer opportunities to actively participate in environmental education (EE), public information, nature interpretation activities and habitat management. The summer naturalist(s) may assume assigned tasks of increasing responsibility.

Duties:

Assist the staff naturalists with planning and conducting nature interpretation and environmental education program activities for a wide range of audiences; plan and conduct summer day camps; plan and conduct public education programs and special events; assist with nature center exhibit maintenance and animal care; assist with habitat management such as prairie shrub removal and trail work; participate with publicity and public informational activities as assigned; assist with center host duties as assigned; maintain working relationships with other employees and the public; and perform related tasks as assigned.

Shift: The summer naturalist(s) will work no more than 40 hours per work week (non-routine including some weekends, evenings and holidays).

Qualifications: High School diploma or GED equivalent. The applicant must possess a current, valid driver’s license; can get to and from the work-site; ability to use hand and small power tools and be physically able to work in extreme environmentally rigorous situations (heat, humidity, steep terrain). Applicant for hire must successfully pass background checks, physical exam and drug screening prior to employment.

Salary: $12.50 per hour

Deadline: Must be received by 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.woodburycountyiowa.gov

Position #2022-00001
CONSERVATION SUMMER NATURALIST INTERNS- DOROTHY PECAUT NATURE CENTER (3 POSITIONS)
Woodbury County application, resume, and cover letter are required.

Applicant for hire must successfully pass background checks, physical exam, and drug screening prior to employment.

Woodbury County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the ADA, the County will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.

Black Hawk County Roadside Vegetation Management Tech Aide

Black Hawk County Roadside Vegetation Management Tech Aide

Water Quality Initiative Edge-of Field Intern

wqi-intern-job-description-spring-2023.pdf

Smithsonian Internships

The Smithsonian Gardens provides an exceptionally well-rounded array of experiences in its intern program thanks to the wide diversity of services it offers to the Smithsonian, the world's largest museum complex. Interns will learn skills in a broad range of horticultural endeavors from SI's expert professional staff and can provide a strong practical background to emerging professionals hoping to enter the public gardening world.

We accept current and recently graduated undergraduate and graduate students studying horticulture, landscape architecture, museum studies, or other related fields. Selection is based on both an evaluation of the applicant’s application and available positions.

Internship Opportunities

(March 15 is the application deadline for summer 2023)

Horticulture Internship

Landscape Architecture Internship

Orchid Collection Internship

Education and Outreach Internship 

Deadlines:

Applications for internships should be received no later than the dates listed below.

Summer Internships: March 15

Fall internships: June 15

Winter/Spring Internships: December 1

Requirements for applying to the Smithsonian Garden intern program:

Submit an on-line application
Two letters of recommendation
College transcript(s)
Essay describing background, interest in field, career goals and chosen project.

To apply for an internship, applicants must create an account and submit an application online to the Smithsonian Online Academic Application System (SOLAA) at https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/#/public.

Further details about the internship and how to apply can be found on our website at Internships - Smithsonian Gardens (si.edu) .

Hartman Reserve Nature Center

summer_americorps_2023.pdf

Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens

Position: Horticulture Internship
Level: Seasonal
Reports to: Horticulturalist
Benefits: Flexible Work Schedule, excellent experience, academic credit (with approval)
Pay: 12 weeks with flexible beginning date mid-May and ending date mid-August. The intern is
required to work 40 hours per week, including some weekend and evening hours. $600 per week,
additional stipend possible with excellent outcomes based on performance review.

Position Summary
The Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens Event and Program Coordinator is the leadership
team member responsible for assisting the Horticulturist and garden volunteers. The position
requires physical labor, exposure to heat and humidity, and exposure to dirt and dust. General
horticulture duties will include planting, watering, weeding, and pruning. The Intern will also interact
daily with Arboretum volunteers and the general public. Other duties may include garden mapping,
giving tours, plant identification, and special projects.

Essential Functions

Garden Duties

Weeding/Watering
Assist with events and garden cleanliness
Assist with plant mapping technology
Educate volunteers and provide assistance to garden volunteer planting

Communication Skills

Able to follow directions
Available for various hours throughout the week (early morning, late evening, weekend)
Able to receive feedback and change direction when prompted

Commitment to Diversity
In alignment with the American Public Gardens Association, we value and respect diversity and
choose to be inclusive through its acceptance of all individuals regardless of race, age, gender,
religion, ability, cultural identity, or sexual orientation. This includes asserting that individuals, without
exception, are intrinsically valuable. We are committed to:

Developing programs that respond to the needs of its membership, guests and community
Utilizing hiring and employment practices that are free of bias
Hiring and maintaining a diverse staff and corps of volunteers
Maintaining a safe environment that is free of acts of discrimination or harassment against any individual

Required Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or
ability required.

Experience with horticulture
Able to lift, stand, squat and move items up to 75 lbs
Punctual and courteous

To Apply:
The application deadline is March 1st, 2023. Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references
to Executive Director, Chelsey Bowermaster at chelsey@cedarvalleyarboretum.org.

For more information about the internship program, please contact Chelsey at 319-226-4966 or chelsey@cedarvalleyarboretum.org.

Summer Field Assistant in Alaska

We are seeking a summer field assistant based at the Toolik Field Station (TFS), University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). We are interested in how increased snow due to climate change will alter vegetation and carbon balance in arctic tundra ecosystems. The research will take place near TFS, 170 miles north of the arctic circle in Alaska, between mid-June and mid-August.

The field assistant will mainly help with data collection for a UAF Ph.D. student. The essential qualification for this position is willingness and ability to learn and perform the assignments by following the instructions as well as by working independently in wilderness. Accurate record-taking skills and responsible work ethics are a must. The field assistant is required to be ready for various field conditions: s/he needs a valid US driver's license with a clean driving record, outdoor clothing/shoes/rain gear (including rain boots), and bug protection (net/bug shirt). Previous fieldwork experience or relevant experience in Alaskaâ€™s backcountry is a plus. The candidate must take all required safety training prior to starting the position, have emergency evacuation insurance coverage during the field season, and follow coronavirus safety procedures. Duties include various field data measurements, sampling, and lab work. Hiking over tundra with heavy field equipment (30-40 lbs) is required (mostly less than 60 min). Some days may be longer than 12 hours and it can be hot or cold, freezing rain or even snow, with a lot of mosquitoes.

In return, working in the field will provide a great experience, particularly for a student who is pursuing a science degree or contemplating graduate school. TFS offers scientific support for arctic ecology studies in various disciplines and hosts many researchers. The assistant may have the opportunity to conduct a small independent research project, if desired. The stipend is $400 per week or higher, depending on experience. You need to provide your own transportation to/from UAF, and possibly housing the night before/after the departure/return day if you come from a different town. Transportation between UAF and TFS, as well as room and board at TFS, are provided. Students wishing to have field experience for a career in ecology, wildlife biology, botany, natural resources management, or Alaskan/Northern studies are encouraged to apply.

Please submit a resume and three references (name and contact information) to Kyoko Okano at kokano@alaska.edu. Application deadline: April 1, 2023.

Employment

Hartman Reserve Nature Center

Full-time positions: https://www.blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov/316/Job-Openings

Land Care Coordinator Job Opening

Job description

$20 – 25 per hour plus full benefits – health, dental, vision, 401k. New graduates would start at the lower end of that range.

Seasonal Park Maintenance Worker

Closes On: March 31, 2023 at 11:59 PM CST

Location: Conservation, Waterloo, IA 50703
Department: Conservation
Division: None
Job Status: Part-Time
Days Worked: Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri.
Hour Per Week: Up to 40 hours
Rate of Pay: $12.00 - $14.00
Status: Accepting Applications
Details: Seasonal positions are temporary not expected to exceed 6 months. The temporary assignment typically occurs during the months of April - November of each year. Applicants will be contacted directly by the Hiring Manager if selected to receive an interview.

Job Summary

Under immediate supervision, performs unskilled tasks required in the maintenance of county parks and management areas.

Job Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location in order to perform assigned tasks.
• Assists in the performance of general maintenance work such as hauling garbage, cleaning toilets, cutting wood, building fences, roadwork, and other park maintenance.
• Performs janitorial duties in the shop and office.
• Washes and cleans vehicles.
• Operates tractors and trucks when necessary to carry out maintenance and development activities.
• Other duties may be assigned.

https://ia-blackhawkcounty.civicplushrms.com/careers/JobDetail.aspx?enc=QPQDKqwXNuJybHyCBjvzp/GRt/qhQmBDlEsHfj/JcZRmLAy0k31B31WG9jGNZYWD

Summer Research

Summer Undergraduate Research Programs

surps-2023_0.docx

University of Iowa Research in Microbiology

The University of Iowa Department of Microbiology and Immunology is host to a long running National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). This NSF-REU places students in bacteriology, immunology, parasitology, or virology research labs to complete 10-week, intensive, independent research projects alongside mentors.

We are currently accepting applications for summer 2023. To apply, students must register with the NSF-ETAP system, upload transcripts and a personal statement, and provide contact information for two professionals who will write letter recommendations on the student’s behalf.

Applications are due Feb. 15, 2023 and can be found here: https://www.nsfetap.org/award/503/opportunity/502.

To be eligible, students must be:

--enrolled at a community college, college, or university.

--returning for at least one semester of undergraduate study after summer 2023.

--a US citizen or permanent resident (hold a green card).

Disabled, minoritized, first-generation college, military veteran, and economically-disadvantaged students and students who are enrolled at colleges or universities with limited research activity are especially encouraged to apply.

Check out our website for more information: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/microbiology/education/summer-research-exper….

Feel free to contact undergrad-micro-info@uiowa.edu if you have any questions!

University of Minnesota Life Science Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Applications for the University of Minnesota's Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (LSSURP) are now being accepted!

Please click here to register and begin the application process. Once you register, you will receive an email with a link to the online application to complete.

Applications are due on February 15th, 2023.

The University of Minnesota LSSURP offers life sciences research opportunities for undergraduate students who have a goal of enrolling in Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., and D.D.S./Ph.D. programs. Our program offers exciting and engaging faculty mentored-training in 10-week immersive research activities, coupled with professional development, networking opportunities, and training and preparation for graduate research careers in the life sciences.

Program choices available:

Cancer Biology (CREATE)
Dental and Craniofacial Research (MnCORE)
Heart, Lung, and Blood (HLB)
Neural Systems Engineering (NSE)
Neuroscience of neurological disorders and drug addiction (NS and NS ADD)
Neuroimaging in Cognitive Neuroscience (CogNS)
Pharmaconeuroimmunology (PNI)
Pre-MSTP
Training Research Educators in Minnesota (TREM)

Lastly, please see frequently asked questions (FAQ) about our LSSURP program and email us at lssurp@umn.edu for any additional questions you may have.

We look forward to receiving your application!

University of Wisconsin-Madison Summer Research Opportunity Program

The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a number of Summer Research Opportunity Programs (SROP) to undergraduate students. These are unique opportunities for undergraduates to work closely with faculty mentors and graduate students in their major discipline. Students accepted into research programs are matched with faculty whose expertise and interests match the student’s research interest. Students gain valuable skills for success in post-graduate studies and careers in their chosen field. Upon completing their summer research, students have the opportunity to present and receive reviews of their individual work. The SROP goal is to create a diverse academic environment by increasing the number of traditionally underrepresented students in UW–Madison graduate programs and ultimately the professoriate.

The 2023 SROP application is open through February 15, 2023. Apply here: https://srop-uwmadison.smapply.io/prog/2023_summer_research_opportunities_program/