Internships

Wildlife Prairie State Park is a unique 2,000 acre zoological park and botanical park located in Central Illinois. It is home to what once was the Illinois Prairie and woodland. The animals are housed in large enclosures to replicate their natural habitats. Wolves, bison, elk, black bears, and cougars roamed or once roamed within Illinois. Rare, threatened, endangered, and common Illinois wild animals can be found within the park. Rare and endangered plant species are being introduced yearly.

Established in 1978, Wildlife Prairie State Park has three purposes: , Conservation, Education, and Recreation. Interns will work together with the park staff to insure and enhance these goals.

Naturalist Intern Duties
The Naturalist Intern will work under the direction of the Intern Supervisor as a member of the Park's Education Department.

Duties will include: greeting school groups and assisting and conducting with various interpretive programs; presenting daily interpretive programs to the general public; interpretive programs at special functions such as the Heart of Illinois Fair and summer library reading programs; assisting with special events such as Night in the Wild, and Park Day Camps; certain opening and closing procedures; trail monitoring; researching materials and designing bulletin boards; completion of a special project to mutual agreement; an afternoon in each of the park's departments; and any number of daily and or special activities that fall under the allocation of the education department.

Interns are also trained in the care and use of raptors, reptiles, amphibians and mammals for educational purposes. Animal Department Internships are also available. Please indicate on your cover letter for which internship you are applying.

Session Options

Spring - March through May

Summer - Mid-May through Mid-August

Fall - September through November

Winter - start and end dates are flexible

Eligibility and Qualifications
Open to undergraduates, graduate students, and college graduates. Applicants must have at least two years pursuing a degree in Outdoor/Environmental Education, Parks and Recreation, Biology, Education, or other related field. Animal experience preferred but not required.

Remuneration and Benefits
Interns will receive uniform shirts & discounts on food and shop merchandise. On-site housing may be available.

Contact Information:
E-mail: Internships
Phone: 309.676-0998 ext. 6720