Spring 2026 Internship - Wetlands Research

Shedd Aquarium•Chicago, IL

2d•$17•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Shedd’s Conservation Priority Area to Revitalize Habitat. 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. Shedd Aquarium's 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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Wetland ecology
Conservation Biology
Habitat Restoration
Herpetology
Entomology

Responsibilities

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
Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values