Student Intern for Restoration Ecology

Job Description

Job Description

Organization: DeKalb County Forest Preserve District

Location: Northern Illinois

Duration: Mid-May through Mid-August 2026

Pay: $15.00/hour

Application Deadline: May 5, 2026

Are you passionate about protecting natural habitats and gaining hands-on field experience in restoration ecology? Join the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District for a rewarding summer internship dedicated to preserving, protecting, and restoring native ecosystems in Northern Illinois.

This internship provides immersive, real-world experience in ecological restoration while supporting our mission to "preserve, protect and restore the flora, fauna and natural beauties of our lands...for the education and recreation of our citizens."

What You'll Do

As a Restoration Ecology Intern, you will work alongside Natural Resources staff on a wide range of field-based conservation projects, including:

• Invasive Species Control – Herbicide application (backpack and vehicle-mounted), weed-eating, mowing, and hand-pulling invasive plants.
• Native Habitat Restoration – Propagating, planting, seeding, watering, weeding, constructing barriers, and assisting with predation control.
• Seed Collection – Gathering native seed and supporting volunteer-led collection efforts.
• Inventory & Monitoring – Identifying plant and animal species, collecting ecological data, mapping, and preparing reports.
• Rare & Endangered Species Monitoring – Assisting with surveys using telemetry and GIS equipment, with frequent wading in streams, marshes, or ponds.
• Field Documentation – Maintaining a detailed daily log of activities and species lists.
• Team Support – Assisting with additional conservation-related tasks as needed.

What to Expect

This is a physically demanding, hands-on outdoor position. Interns will work full days in summer conditions, including heat, humidity, insects, poison plants, and allergens. If you enjoy getting your boots muddy and spending your summer immersed in native landscapes, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Current college student or recent graduate in biological sciences, forestry, ecology, botany, horticulture, environmental science, or a related field.
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work daily.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must obtain an Illinois Pesticide Operator's License through the Illinois Department of Agriculture as soon as possible after starting (preferably before employment begins).

Spend your summer restoring native landscapes, gaining valuable field experience, and making a tangible impact on local ecosystems. We look forward to reviewing your application!