"This program provides our interns with a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academics and  real-world conservation work that contributes to the health and sustainability of our landscapes. A good number of LFOLA interns have gone on to find jobs in the horticultural industry."  -Susan Wright, Emeritus

  Sponsor an Intern!

"This program provides our interns with a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academics and  real-world conservation work that contributes to the health and sustainability of our landscapes. A good number of LFOLA interns have gone on to find jobs in the horticultural industry."  -Susan Wright, Director

  Sponsor an Intern!

Updated listing coming soon

Restoration Ecology Paid Internship
June – August, 2023 | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
An exceptional opportunity for college and post-graduate students
seeking hands-on experience within the field of restoration ecology.

Job Description:
The summer internship is a nine-week program committed to restoring wildlife habitat, preserving high-quality prairies, and maintaining trails for public access. The internship includes a direct educational component including a research project, field trips to local environmental organizations, and guest speakers.

Qualifications:
    • Be 18 years of age
    • Have completed the first year of college or equivalent
    • Be willing to work in all types of weather conditions
    • Be able to help with heavy lifting
    • Exemplify Lake Forest Open Lands’ mission and values within the community
    • Ability and willingness to work in a team environment
    • Passion for the outdoors

Successful candidates should have the ability to work as part of a team and have an interest in working in the field of natural resources, as well as an enthusiasm for environmental stewardship. Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude are important for working with other Lake Forest Open Lands programs including Center for Conservation Leadership students, Eco-Adventure Campers as well as interacting with members of the public.

Duties:
Interns can expect to use a variety of restoration techniques to remove invasive plants to include: hand pulling, dead heading and mowing using power tools. They will also help increase the diversity of native plants through planting and harvesting seeds. Interns will also assist in trail and preserve maintenance.

How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Molly Marz at mmarz@lfola.org. Email subject line “Restoration Ecology Internship.”

Qualified applicants will be interviewed either in-person or via Zoom. All in-person interviews include a field work component. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Questions?
Please contact Molly Marz at mmarz@lfola.org.

Restoration Ecology Paid Internship
June – August, 2023 | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
An exceptional opportunity for college and post-graduate students
seeking hands-on experience within the field of restoration ecology.

Applications available in early February 2023

Job Description:
The summer internship is a nine-week program committed to restoring wildlife habitat, preserving high-quality prairies, and maintaining trails for public access. The internship includes a direct educational component including a research project, field trips to local environmental organizations, career development and guest speakers.

Qualifications:
    • Be 18 years of age
    • Have completed the first year of college or equivalent
    • Be willing to work in all types of weather conditions
    • Be able to help with heavy lifting
    • Exemplify Lake Forest Open Lands’ mission and values within the community
    • Ability and willingness to work in a team environment
    • Passion for the outdoors

Successful candidates should have the ability to work as part of a team and have an interest in working in the field of natural resources, as well as an enthusiasm for environmental stewardship. Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude are important for working with other Lake Forest Open Lands programs including Center for Conservation Leadership students, Eco-Adventure Campers as well as interacting with members of the public.

Duties:
Interns can expect to use a variety of restoration techniques to remove invasive plants to include: hand pulling, dead heading and mowing using power tools. They will also help increase the diversity of native plants through planting and harvesting seeds. Interns will also assist in trail and preserve maintenance.

Questions?
Please contact Molly Marz at mmarz@lfola.org.

All positions have been filled; please check back early next winter for information regarding next year's internship opportunity.

Each summer, Lake Forest Open Lands hires 6-8 college or post-graduate students as Restoration Ecology Interns. These students work with LFOLA staff and gain hands-on experience within the field of ecology. This nine-week paid internship focuses on restoring degraded wildlife habitat, preserving high-quality prairie parcels and maintaining public trails as well as increasing knowledge of native flora and fauna. The internship also has a direct educational component—Intern Education Days—and is acheieved with field trips to other local environmental organizations each week.

$4,000 sponsors a Restoration Ecology Intern for the summer.