Science, Education, & Leadership Expeditions for Positive Change

 

• Internship Expedition - provides free marine science and sailing programs to local children that are experiencing disadvantages and is open to all genders and majors. Interns, many of whom are college students, volunteer their time, and the position meets internship and service learning requirements.  There are four week and two week options. Here is a flyer that can be shared with students.

 

• Women's Leadership Expedition - an immersive, experiential program that is centered around leadership education and stewardship with a focus on providing women the knowledge to become the optimal version of themselves as a conscious leader. Here is a flyer that can be shared with students. 

Land-Grab Universities

 In 2020 a western U.S.  environmental publication, High Country News, published an in-depth study by Robert Lee and Tristan Ahtone of how the Morrill Act of 1962, which established land-grant universities in the U.S., was funded by states selling land expropriated from tribal nations.  The authors gathered extensive data on how these land-grant universities have benefitted, and many continue to benefit, from the sale and ownership of these lands.  

 

Tristan Ahtone  was interviewed yesterday on ”The 21^st  Show,” on NIU’s NPR station, WNIJ.  A YouTube recording of the interview is at the link below.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGI0Rw9ae7U

 

He will be speaking at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana on Feb. 19.

 

https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/events/event.php?ID=2683

 

The article is in the attached pdf of the January, 2020, issue of the publication. The link below is to an html version of that article.

 

https://www.hcn.org/issues/52-4/indigenous-affairs-education-land-grab-universities/

 

2026 Stormwater Coordinator Internship

The Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is seeking 1 intern to assist our planning, GIS and stormwater coordinator staff on a variety of tasks.

The successful candidate will spend time in the office and field under the guidance of SMC staff and will be involved in several phases of SMC’s programs in support of watershed workgroups, grant inspection coordination, education and outreach, site inspections, MS4 coordinator support and GIS tasks.

Examples of office activities may include, but will not be limited to 1) Watershed Workgroup support by updating the websites, taking and organizing meeting minutes, assisting with lining up presenters and organizing panels, and helping with meeting notes, 2) coordination with other Lake County departments/divisions for educational videos and outreach opportunities 3) updating an SMC funding source spreadsheet, 4) reporting on Watershed-based Plan milestones, 5) education and outreach support by creating project factsheets, coordinating stream clean-up requests, creating an inventory of project photos, assisting with Winter Best Practice workshops and events, 6) Central Permit Facility maintenance support, 7) GIS tasks to include filling data gaps in the SMC GIS Permit database.

Examples of field activities may include but will not be limited to 1) assistance with scheduling and coordinating best management practice inspections, 2) coordinating and performing field inspections and investigating discharges under the guidance of the SMC Stormwater Coordinator 3) field inspections on various construction projects under the guidance of the SMC Regulatory Staff, 4) other assigned field tasks as needed under the guidance of SMC Planning and Regulatory staff.

To be successful in this position, candidates must possess a high level of attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills, and intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Office products. The candidate will also possess the ability to work both inside and outside in variable conditions and be willing to engage in limited to moderately strenuous physical activity. Successful candidate must also be highly motivated, be willing to take initiative and coordinate with project managers to ensure assigned work items are completed on schedule.

We are looking for candidates who are a graduate of, or current student in, a 2- or 4-year higher education program with an emphasis on water resource engineering, environmental science, urban planning, biology, or related field. Basic to intermediate level experience with the ESRI ArcGIS Suite, specifically ArcGIS Pro, is desired. Every effort will be made to provide County vehicles for field use; however, candidates must have their own transportation for traveling to and from field sites, if needed. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

This is an office position with regular Monday through Friday work hours (for example 8:00am – 4:30pm). Alternative work schedules are available including varying start times with the possibility for remote work opportunities depending on assignment. Candidate will work approximately 40 hours per week for up to 25 weeks, not to exceed 1,000 hours. The desired start date is flexible. Class credit may be available for these internships; please check with your academic advisor. Questions should be directed to Jeff Laramy at jlaramy@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-7709.

Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County! To learn more about the department you will be working for, visit the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Website. To learn more about other services Lake County provides and to see some of our employees in action visit our website to view videos. If you need assistance writing your resume, we have some tools to help you at our Human Resources website.

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam at a County-approved medical facility, at no cost to the applicant. Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply for this internship, visit https://tinyurl.com/3su4xv4y

Job Location Libertyville, Illinois, United States 

Position Type Intern 

Salary $18.00 USD 

Applications will be accepted until March 27, 2026

2026 SMC Project Internship

 The Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is seeking 1 intern to assist our GIS, planning, and regulatory staff on a variety of tasks. The priority task will be gathering photographs and documentation for all existing SMC project sites.

The successful candidate will spend time in the office and field under the guidance of SMC staff. It is anticipated a large portion of this internship will be in the field photographing and documenting SMC projects sites. The successful candidate may also be involved in several other phases of SMC’s programs in support of GIS tasks, watershed workgroups, grant inspection coordination, education and outreach, site inspections, and MS4 coordinator support.

Office time will be spent updating the SMC project database and creating an inventory of project photos. Other office activities may include but will not be limited to 1) coordination with other Lake County departments/divisions for educational videos and outreach opportunities, 2) education and outreach support by creating project factsheets, coordinating stream clean-up requests, 3) Central Permit Facility maintenance support and 4) filling data gaps in the SMC GIS Permit database.

Field time will be spent photographing and documenting SMC project sites. Other field activities may include but will not be limited to 1) inspections on various construction projects under the guidance of the SMC Regulatory Staff, 2) inspections and investigating potentially illicit discharges under the guidance of the SMC Stormwater Coordinator and 3) other assigned field tasks as needed under the guidance of SMC Planning and Regulatory staff.

To be successful in this position, candidates must possess a high level of attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills, and intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Office products. The candidate will also possess the ability to work both inside and outside in variable conditions and be willing to engage in limited to moderately strenuous physical activity. Successful candidate must also be highly motivated, be willing to take initiative and coordinate with project managers to ensure assigned work items are completed on schedule.

We are looking for candidates who understand the basics of photography, who are a graduate of, or current student in, a 2- or 4-year higher education program with an emphasis on water resource engineering, environmental science, urban planning, biology, or related field. Basic to intermediate level experience with the ESRI ArcGIS Suite, specifically ArcGIS Pro, is desired. 

Every effort will be made to provide County vehicles for field use; however, candidates must have their own transportation for traveling to and from field sites, if needed. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

This is an office/field position with regular Monday through Friday work hours (for example 8:00am – 4:30pm). Alternative work schedules are available including varying start times with the possibility for remote work opportunities depending on assignment. Candidate will work approximately 40 hours per week for up to 13 weeks. The desired start date is flexible. 

Class credit may be available for these internships; please check with your academic advisor. Questions should be directed to

Jeff Laramy at jlaramy@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-7709.

Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County! To learn more about the department you will be working for, visit the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Website. To learn more about other services Lake County provides and to see some of our employees in action visit our website to view videos. If you need assistance writing your resume, we have some tools to help you at our Human Resources website.

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam at a County-approved medical facility, at no cost to the applicant. Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply for this internship, visit https://tinyurl.com/5yvwjjwh

Job Location Libertyville, Illinois, United States 

Position Type Intern 

Salary $18.00 USD 

Applications will be accepted until March 27, 2026

Join Xerces and help protect fireflies!

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BADvxdP4a/

Join Xerces and help protect fireflies!

Job Title: Endangered Species Conservation Biologist, Firefly Specialist

Location: Remote within central USA. Preferred IA, IL, or MO. Will consider AR, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, SD, WI.

Compensation: approx. $65,998 per year

Application deadline: March 5, 2026

This role focuses on expanding firefly conservation initiatives and Firefly Atlas engagement across the central USA and Canada. The specialist will engage with land managers, biologists, researchers, and community scientists on firefly conservation issues,; and help develop evidence-based management guidance.

Key responsibilities include coordinating with partners and land managers, recruiting and training Firefly Atlas participants, conducting firefly surveys, assisting with species identification, and providing technical expertise and support to staff, partners, and the public.

The position will also use Firefly Atlas data in addition to the other data sources and the scientific literature to inform best management practices, species assessments, and conservation recommendations for imperiled and data-deficient firefly species nationwide.

Learn more and apply at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Rec.../Jobs/Details/3919017

To be the first to learn about new job opportunities and other Xerces news, sign up for our newsletter at xerces.org/newsletter

Please note that we are unable to answer questions about this position via social media.

NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy Summer 2026 Paid Research Opportunities

 NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy is offering 10-week, paid research opportunities this summer that are open to current students and recent graduates, as well as transitioning/early career professionals. The Academy builds the next generation of science and technology leaders through an immersive, experiential model applying NASA Earth observations to real-world challenges.

 

For the summer 2026 term, EarthRISE Developers Academy will provide in-person opportunities at Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA), Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, AL), and Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO). Additionally, a limited number of projects are available for virtual participation. Through collaborative projects, professional development, and state, local, tribal, territorial, and private partnerships, the Academy equips participants with the skills to accelerate innovation and bridge Earth science with the future of space exploration.

 

The Academy is an interdisciplinary activity, where we accept participants with experience in a variety of fields, as well as from different phases of their career. Applicants with demonstrated skills in Earth, environmental, and/or planetary sciences, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and/or computer science are encouraged to apply. Participants will work together on teams, guided by NASA scientists and science advisors and in partnership with community organizations, to expand their skills to use NASA science data to address environmental concerns from urban heat, air quality, disaster management, agriculture, ecological conservation, and water resources to lunar science in support of NASA’s Moon to Mars strategy.

 

Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. EarthRISE Developers Academy offers hourly, paid positions with rates that are determined by education level and working location. During the term, selected participants should be able to commit to 25 – 29 hours per week, Monday – Thursday during normal business hours.

 

Please see details about this opportunity including eligibility, tentative project themes, and application instructions at https://appliedsciences.nasa.gov/nasadevelop. The application window is open now through March 6th, 2026, for the 10-week, summer 2026 project term taking place from June 1st – August 7th. US citizenship or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status is required to apply.

 

Water Career Platform

 The program is called Veolia Workforce Academy, and it's a joint venture with the Water Environment Federation and the American Water Works Association (which represents 50,000 members and more than 4,300 water and wastewater utilities in North America) to provide a fully digital workforce training and employment pathway program. It's designed to expand access to water sector careers across the United States and create skilled jobs. This program emboldens young professionals to learn technical skills and prepare them for state level certifications necessary to enter and advance their careers in the field. 

It is completely FREE to enroll and take courses. The program just rolled out last week and I believe early engagement will push out more material that can truly impact young professional's lives. Additionally, Veolia has a number of internships it offers from Environmental Compliance to Scientists listed on their career page. 

Academy.veolia.us

REEU program at Purdue Northwest

 

Author visit

 

Kane County Forest Preserve District Seasonal and Internship Positions

 

2026 Flood Mitigation Program Management Internship Opportunity

 Flood Mitigation Program Management Intern

The Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is seeking one full-time intern to provide administrative support for SMC Flood Mitigation Program. This is a long-term position, not to exceed 1,000 hours. Applicants are encouraged to review information on the Voluntary Floodplain Buyout Program at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/3973/Flood-Information-and-Programs prior to applying.

The intern will primarily work in the office, with limited field visits under the guidance of SMC staff and will support multiple phases of flood mitigation program implementation. Responsibilities include assisting with coordination and communication among SMC staff, homeowners, municipal partners, and other governmental entities; supporting project documentation, administrative records, and cost tracking; and assisting with property transfer activities related to voluntary floodplain buyout projects. Additional responsibilities include administrative support for bid and demolition activities, such as maintaining bid and demolition files; supporting bid development, openings, tabulations, and award documentation; assisting with asbestos abatement planning; supporting demolition scheduling, permitting, site documentation, and compliance; coordinating with Habitat for Humanity, recycling and reuse partners, and other Lake County departments to facilitate utility disconnects; and assisting with purchase requests, payment processing, and maintenance of accounting and budget balances. Other duties may be assigned in support of SMC program management and flood mitigation activities.

Successful candidates must have strong attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, and intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office products, as well as the ability to work both indoors and outdoors in variable conditions and perform limited to moderately strenuous physical activity. Candidates should be graduates of a two- or four-year higher education program with coursework in environmental science, geography, urban planning, hazard or disaster (particularly flood) mitigation planning, or a related field, and have an interest in local and federal government processes. Experience with ESRI ArcGIS software is desirable but not required. A valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record are required, and while County vehicles will be provided for most field work, candidates must have their own transportation for travel to and from field sites if needed.

This is an office-based position with regular Monday through Friday work hours (for example, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), with alternative schedules and limited remote work options available depending on assignment. The intern will work approximately 40 hours per week for up to 25 weeks, not to exceed 1,000 hours. The desired start date is flexible, and academic credit may be available pending confirmation with the candidate’s academic advisor. Questions regarding this position may be directed to Jeff Laramy at jlaramy@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-7709. Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam at a County-approved medical facility, at no cost to the applicant. Lake County is an Equal Opportunity 

Employer.

To apply for this internship, visit https://tinyurl.com/4duk8ejx

Job Location: Libertyville, Illinois

Position Type: Intern

Salary: $18.00/hour

Application Deadline: February 27, 2026

Western's Master in Environmental Management - Accepting Applications Now

 I am reaching out to share information about Western Colorado University’s Master in Environmental Management (MEM) program, which is now accepting applications for our upcoming 26-27 cohort. If you know of students interested in a graduate program focused on applied, interdisciplinary environmental problem-solving, this may be a strong fit.

 

Applicants seeking consideration in the first round of fellowship reviews are encouraged to submit their MEM application by February 15, which allows sufficient processing time to access the fellowship application ahead of the March 1 review deadline.

 

Now in its second decade, the MEM program is known for its place-based foundation, strong faculty mentorship, and flexibility for both residential and distance students. We deliver courses in a synchronous format, allowing students to engage deeply with faculty and peers either in Gunnison or remotely.

 

A defining feature of the program is the second year MEM project, during which students complete impactful work with a partner organization of their choice, often aligned with their career goals and geographic interests. For students interested in restoration-focused careers, Western also offers a standalone Ecosystem Restoration Certificate, which students can pursue independently or alongside graduate study.

 

We are also in the process of refining and strengthening our curriculum, with several exciting updates planned for announcement later this spring. If you’d like to receive updates as these developments are released, I encourage you to complete our brief interest form here: https://admissions.western.edu/register/?id=496fca03-4003-463d-99bd-48b47ffdcef2

WoSTEM February Lecture: Dr. Karen Samonds

Dr. Karen Samonds from NIU was the inaugural winner of the Carla Montgomery Memorial Award for Faculty and thus will be the speaker for the Women in STEM lecture series this semester. Her talk is entitled Unearthing stories: A woman’s journey through fossils, fieldwork, and family. Thus, I think her work will be of broad interest to students and faculty across STEM, health, humanities, and gender and women's studies fields.  

Who: Dr. Karen Samonds from NIU 

When: Thursday, February 19th, 12:30-1:30  

Where: Founders Memorial Library Staff Lounge, which is on the ground floor next to Einstein's Bagels.  

RSVP Here is optional but encouraged.   

A light lunch will be served. 

As always, Women in STEM events are open to everyone and are intended as a forum to provide inspiration and connection for all people working across fields where women are often underrepresented. Lunch will be served. This is an honors engaged eligible event. 

Registration is now open for the 21st Annual Chicago Food Justice Summit!

 

We’re excited to share that registration is now open for the 21st Annual Chicago Food Justice Summit! This annual gathering brings together community voices, lived experience, and bold ideas to advance food justice across Chicago and beyond. Pull up, bring a friend, and be part of the movement for food justice. We can’t wait to gather with you.

Registration is FREE and open to all!

🗓 March 11–13 

REGISTER HERE!

¡Nos emociona compartir que ya está abierta la inscripción para la 21ª Cumbre Anual de Justicia Alimentaria de Chicago! Este encuentro reúne voces comunitarias, experiencias vividas e ideas audaces para avanzar la justicia alimentaria en Chicago y más allá. Acompáñanos, invita a alguien más y sé parte del movimiento por la justicia alimentaria. Nos encanta la idea de poder reunirnos pronto.
 

La inscripción es GRATUITA y está abierta para todas las personas! 

🗓 11–13 de marzo

¡Regístrese hoy!

**This event is organized in partnership with Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE). CFPAC and the 21st Annual Chicago Food Justice Summit is supported in part by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded to Cook County Department of Public Health from Cook County Government.