Spring 2026 Internship Wetlands Research

Internship:Wetlands Research
Department: Conservation Research
Status: Temporary non-exempt
Pay Rate: $17.00/hr
Location:Hybrid
Season:Spring 2026(3/16/26-6/5/26)
Application Deadline: January 18at 5pm CST

Shedd Internship Program
Shedd Aquariums Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits animal care conservation research and beyond. We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for.

These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge but not necessarily the real-world application.

We welcome applications from all levels of experience including those seeking career exploration or changes gap year students freshmen sophomores and those seeking first internships.

Department Overview:
As part of the Conservation Research Department the intern will work closely with the Wetland Biologist to document the wildlife that use these habitats and monitor species abundances in response to restoration efforts; special focus is given to amphibians aquatic insects and reptiles. These efforts will help us understand how restoring temporary wetlands can benefit animals. This research will help inform management strategies to best protect wetlands

Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots and their protection is critical to support diverse wildlife. Shedd Aquarium is working with community volunteers and local partners to restore and monitor wetlands across Cook County. This restoration work falls under Shedds Conservation Priority Area to Revitalize Habitat.

Environment:
Interns will work directly with Melissa Youngquist at Shedd and at field sites around the greater Chicago area. At Shedd interns will work in the Conservation Research Laboratory and the technician office. Work will primarily be sedentary at a desk using microscopes and computers. The role requires sitting for extended periods of time and proper ergonomic set up is required to protect from back neck and eye strain.

In the field interns will walk off-trail through wooded prairie and wetlands habitats. Environmental conditions depend on the weather and may be cold hot rainy humid or very pleasant. The intern will be exposed to plants mud biting insects and other wild animals (amphibians reptiles fishes etc). The intern must by physically able to carry 30 lbs of gear for 5 miles in all weather conditions.

Learning Goals:

• Gain skill in field and laboratory procedures to collect data on community composition
• Demonstrate understanding of how to conduct scientific research: study design data collection and analysis and presentation of results
• Gain working knowledge of restoration and wetland ecology in Chicago
• Broaden perspectives on conservation ecology

Responsibilities & Projects:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedds vision mission and values
• Assist with field work
  • Set out/monitor audio loggers document amphibian breeding activity and sample tadpoles in wetlands
  • Document roadkill near wetlands
  • Surveying snakes in a restored wetland/prairie complex
• Assist with laboratory work
  • Laboratory work will include use of a dissecting microscope to sort identify and count macroinvertebrates samples
• Assist with data entry
  • Enter data from datasheets into Excel
  • Processing frog-call recordings
• Other projects as assigned

Qualifications:

Fields of Interest:

• Wetland ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Habitat Restoration
• Herpetology
• Entomology

Skills/Characteristics:

• Self-motivated to work hard
• Good organizational written communication and oral communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team
• Able to walk 5 miles off trail though forest and prairie habitat carrying field supplies
• Able to work outdoors in unfavorable conditions (cold hot insects mud)
• Able to work in front of a microscope / computer screen for long periods of time.
• Willingness/desire to learn about freshwater conservation research
• Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
• Have a high school diploma or GED at time of application.

Schedule:

• This internship will run from 3/16/26-6/5/26.
  • The first day of the internship will be a full day orientation from 9am-5pm. This is required even if you will not normally be scheduled on Mondays.
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 30hours per week during this time period pending business needs and individual performance.
  • Preferredschedule: Availability flexible Monday-Thursday between 9am and 5pm.
  • Set schedule based on intern availability and host department needs.

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process please email us at

We strongly encourage people of color LGBTQ community Veterans andactive dutymilitary parents individuals with disabilities and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.