Internships

Latino Heritage Internship Program: Ecology Intern

Applications accepted through March 1, 2026.
Time Frame: May 25th, 2026 – August 10th, 2026 (11 weeks)
Compensation: $688/week.

Position Description

The intern will support the development of a long-term monitoring strategy targeting the assessment and condition of vernal pools within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Data from preceding studies will be queried and classified to prioritize pools for long-term evaluation considering habitats near development and timber harvest, proximity to other pools, and diversity of indicator species. A subset of pools will be surveyed for ecological parameters for submission to the Michigan Vernal Pool Partnership database as well as measured for precise hydroperiod to inform relationships of hydroperiod types across the landscape.

Trail cameras will be maintained to detect terrestrial wildlife use across an array of pool types to supplement ongoing research (in collaboration with Michigan Technological University) within the park and Hiawatha National Forest.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys using trail cameras, song meters, and data loggers
• Synthesis of existing vernal pool data in GIS and database applications
• Data submission of 18 vernal pool sites to the Michigan Vernal Pool Partnership
• Create graphs of 2025 vernal pool hydroperiods
• Completion of field report.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate career objectives in wetland ecology, hydrology, or ecology.
• Possess strong organizational and communication skills.
• Previous experience with maintaining data in spreadsheets and following standard operating procedures in collecting and organizing field data is desirable.
• Proficiency in creating graphs, tables, charts, and figures in relational databases is beneficial, including applications in ArcGIS.
• Ability to independently navigate long distances off trail on uneven and flooded terrain under inclement conditions (e.g. biting insects, humidity) while wearing a backpack and carrying equipment.
• Be a self-starter and an effective team player.

Apply Here

For more information and to apply, visit the Latino Heritage Internship Program website

Applications accepted through March 1, 2026.

 

Lake to Lake CISMA: Vegetative Crew Intern

Applications accepted through February 13, 2026
Time Frame: May - October 2026. Not to exceed 880 hours.
Compensation: $20.60/hour, gas stipend, PPE gear stipend.

Position Responsibilities

1. Conduct invasive species management objectives including hand pulling, cutting, mowing and other best management practices.
2. Assist with data management and invasive treatment activities. a. Use handheld GPS unit and ESRI software to collect data. b. Enter field data according to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore data management protocols. c. Assist with other duties as assigned.
3. Conduct vegetative surveys of native restoration sites and native restoration activities

Qualifications

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree, or current student working towards biology/natural resources/agriculture degrees, or persons with background in natural resources preferred. Coursework related to GIS, botany, or ecology a plus.
2. Experience: Field experiences with native and invasive species identification, GPS & map use, and public speaking.
3. Willingness to become a certified Michigan Pesticide Applicator and/or prior certification upon application.

Requirements

• Have reliable personal transportation; must maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license in good standing.
• Be able and willing to work efficiently and independently outdoors in a variety of conditions and terrains, carrying field supplies up to 50lbs.
• Be able to work cooperatively with District and Park Service personnel.
• Exhibit excellent attention to detail in collecting and recording field data.
• Be prepared to wear personal protective equipment whenever applicable

Apply Here

For more information and to apply, visit this link.

Applications accepted through February 13, 2026.

 

Scientists in Parks: GIS Assistant

Applications accepted through February 15, 2026, or until 60 applications are recieved, whichever occurs first.
Time Frame: 05/18/2026 - 11/16/2026 (26 weeks)
Compensation: $600/week, $450 one-time relocation stipend, Americorps Education Award upon successful completion of position
Housing provided

Position Description

The SIP participant will support a major visitor use management project at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (PIRO), the Mosquito Beach and River Area Site Plan. The participant will utilize GIS and GPS tools and software to map social trails, trail reroutes, natural resource damage, restoration areas, and trail assets to inform management decisions to meet desired conditions for natural resource sustainability and visitor use.

The participant will also support PIRO trail map consolidation, design of digital data collection tools, organization of a framework of base layers in NPS Portal, and mapping unauthorized access roads in the Beaver Basin Wilderness.

Qualifications

The applicant should demonstrate career objectives in geographic information systems or natural resource planning and management. Previous experience with GIS data collection and software applications (e.g. ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Field Maps) and adherence to metadata documentation is required. The ability to independently navigate long trail systems on uneven terrain under inclement conditions (e.g. biting insects, humidity) while wearing a backpack and carrying equipment is essential. The participant should be a self-starter, well- organized, and an effective team player.

Requirements

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
• Prior to starting the position, agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check for the employer of record, Conservation Legacy, and a separate government security background check for the host site.
• The applicant must be available to participate for the entire 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

Apply Here

For more information and to apply, visit the Scientists in Parks website.

Applications accepted through February 15, 2026, or until 60 applications are recieved, whichever occurs first.