Computer Systems

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources offers internships to college students pursuing degrees related to computer fields.

An applicant will gain hands-on experience with agency computer networks, computer repair and maintenance, and software application development. Work schedules will be set to accommodate the student's schedules.

An applicant must be enrolled in curriculum related directly to data processing/computers. Preference will be given to junior, senior or post-graduate students with PC experience and good references from school administrators.

Education

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Office of Land Management and Education offers upper level and graduate students opportunities to gain practical experience in developing and presenting environmental education materials.

The Office's Division of Education in Springfield will train interns to become facilitators for Illinois Project WILD, Project WILD Aquatic, Project Wet and/or Project Learning Tree. One non-paid intern will be placed each fall, spring and summer semester.

An applicant must be a full-time student enrolled in a college or university at the junior, senior or graduate level with a major in biological science, natural resources or environmental education.

Fisheries

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Division of Fisheries offers non-paid internships to college students pursuing degrees related to fisheries.

An intern will gain practical field experience by working under the supervision of an IDNR fisheries biologist or urban fishing coordinator at sites convenient to the student. Three-month internships, available between mid-May and September, will be arranged to accommodate students' schedules.

An applicant must be enrolled in curriculum related directly to fisheries, biology, zoology, ecology or environmental biology. Preference will be given to junior, senior or post-graduate students whose major course of study requires an internship.

Forest Resources

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Division of Forest Resources offer non-paid summer internships available to forestry students.

Interns will take street tree inventories at small to medium-sized communities having urban forestry programs. They also will collect data for the development of management plans for private woodland owners.

An applicant must be a full-time forestry student enrolled at a college or university at the junior, senior or graduate level, and must have successfully completed a forest dendrology course. Preference will be given to applicants working toward degrees in urban forestry.

Grant Administration

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Division of Grant Administration offers summer internship to a senior or graduate student who will be given the opportunity to work with local units of government and park districts requesting state grant assistance for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities.

Under direct supervision of a grant administrator in the Springfield office, part of the intern's field work will involve inspecting proposed grant applicant park sites, reviewing park plans and designs and assisting in final and post-completion inspections (travel expenses are reimbursed).

An applicant must be a full-time student enrolled in park and recreation management, planning or a public administration program. Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience in parks and recreation management.

Land Management

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Office of Land Management and Education is offering non-paid internships in park management, park interpretation and administration.

An applicant must be a junior, senior or post graduate student in a natural resources-related program, such as parks and recreation, ecology or natural resource management. Preference will be given to applicants whose major course of study requires an internship.

Law Enforcement

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Office of Law Enforcement offers statewide internships for eight weeks during the spring, summer and fall semesters. The non-paid positions provide practical experience for individuals pursuing law enforcement or criminal justice careers.

An applicant must be a full-time student enrolled in a college or university at the junior, senior or graduate level. Preference is given to criminal justice or natural resource related majors who need to complete an internship for their degrees. Applications must be received 90 days before an internship's expected starting date.

Natural Heritage

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Division of Natural Heritage offers residencies to graduate students who will be given the opportunity to conduct biological inventories, monitor endangered species and manage natural areas. The number offered each year is subject to the amount of funds available for this program.

Working under the supervision of an IDNR natural heritage biologist, residents can expect to develop skills in writing management plans and presenting programs to the public. They also will receive training in the use of power tools and equipment and in the application of pesticides to control vegetation, and obtain field experience in the application of prescribed fire.

Residencies are scheduled to accommodate university and college semesters, with each residency lasting 12 consecutive months. During their residencies, students must reside within a 30-mile radius of their base location.

A residency pays $1,305 monthly, with health insurance, vacation, sick and personal leave benefits provided. An applicant must be enrolled in a graduate program in plant biology, plant and soil sciences, forestry or zoology and must be recommended to IDNR by the graduate school. Residents may receive units of credit toward their graduate degrees in accordance with university requirements.

Wildlife Resources

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife Resources offers non-paid internships to college students who have an interest in wildlife conservation. Students enrolled in wildlife, biology, ecology, zoology or related curricula at the junior level or above are preferred.

Often working under the supervision of IDNR wildlife biologists, interns will have the opportunity to develop their writing and public speaking skills, conduct biological inventories and participate in field work, including habitat management on public and private lands.

Three-month internships, available between mid-May and September, will be arranged to accommodate students' schedules at locations convenient to the interns. The number of interns accommodated varies annually and is determined by a combination of programmatic needs and student interest.