Located in Bloomington, Illinois, Miller Park Zoo is one of the smallest AZA-accredited zoos in the country, spanning just four acres. Despite its size, the Zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals and is committed to meaningful conservation initiatives that provide exceptional educational and hands-on learning opportunities. Miller Park Zoo is currently accepting applications for Conservation Internship positions. This internship is designed to provide students with practical, hands-on experience while developing the knowledge and skills needed for a career in wildlife and plant conservation. Conservation Interns will work closely with the Zoo Director and Miller Park Zoo Staff to assist with the planning and implementation of conservation programs. While the majority of the internships involve fieldwork, interns will also participate in research projects and assist with on-site conservation initiatives. In addition, interns will help organize Zoo activities and programs that engage staff and the community in sustainability and conservation efforts. This internship is based at Miller Park Zoo and provides valuable experience in a professional zoological setting. This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned. Winter/Spring/Fall internship requires 60 work hours for every 1 (one) earned college credit hour. The intern is welcome to stay on as a volunteer to gain more work experience, but not to exceed 240 hours. Summer internships require 100 work hours for every 1 earned college credit hour. Not to exceed 400 maximum hours. Maintain pollinator gardens both on and off Zoo grounds. Assist with the care and management of the Puerto Rican Crested Toad breeding population. Participate in additional conservation initiatives as new programs are developed. Assist the Animal Care Department as needed. Present conservation programs and educational talks to Zoo guests. Develop and complete an independent conservation project during the internship and present the project to Zoo staff upon completion. Perform other duties as assigned. Be a junior or senior college student pursuing a degree related to sustainability, conservation, wildlife biology, environmental science, ecology, or a related field. Students studying environmental education or science communication are also encouraged to apply. Be detail-oriented, dependable, and highly motivated. Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills. Possess the ability to conduct research and compile and analyze data. Have a strong passion for wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. Be able to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrate strong organizational and project management skills. Enjoy working outdoors. Previous field experience is preferred but not required. Provide proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test completed within the past 12 months. A current tetanus vaccination is highly recommended. Demonstrate professionalism, maturity, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently while following direction. This internship involves moderate physical activity and extensive outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, cold, and dusty environments. Interns should be comfortable walking long distances, bending, reaching, performing repetitive motions, and lifting or moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Because Miller Park Zoo is a public facility, interns will interact frequently with guests, Zoo members, donors, volunteers, and staff. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills are essential. The Conservation Internship is unpaid, and housing is not provided. Professional development opportunities are available through college credit through their college/university. It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure their college credit from their school. Applicants will not be accepted without proper proof of a secured agreement for credit from their university.