Diversity in Conservation Internship
Applications are now open – learn more below!
Applications for the 2025 cohort of the Diversity in Conservation Internship program are now open and will close on January 24th, 2025.
What is the Diversity in Conservation Internship?
NRF’s Diversity in Conservation Internship Program provides meaningful experiences for undergraduates interested in careers in natural resource conservation. The program encourages applicants from underrepresented groups or disadvantaged backgrounds, and previous conservation or environmental science background or education is not required to apply.
The goals of this cohort-based program are to introduce students to the field of conservation and its career pathways, and to help strengthen their knowledge and skills to meet the need for diverse professionals in Wisconsin’s conservation field.
Program Highlights:
- Explore Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes and learn about the lands, waters, and wildlife that make our state unique.
- Learn what a career in conservation might look like – from ecological restoration and wildlife monitoring, to policy, engagement, community outreach, and more.
- Build relationships with other students in the cohort, learning from each other and supporting each other through the experience.
- Network with conservation leaders and practitioners from across the state, building connections for future career opportunities, while learning about the different facets of this field.
- Gain practical work experience and skills by working with a conservation nonprofit or agency.
- Receive professional development support, including mock interviews, resume reviews, and more, as well as one-on-one mentoring.
- Receive college credit (if approved by an accredited university).
Lawrence University student Brian Duong planting pollinator habitat as part of his internship in the Diversity in Conservation Internship Program. Photo Credit: Brian Duong.
How It Works
The program takes place during a 10-week period from June 9th to August 15th, 2025. Students are paired with a host conservation organization, which provides a full-time internship opportunity that engages the student in a specific project, while allowing them to learn about the organization, its role, and how it operates. Each student receives a $6,000 stipend for their participation in the experience.
The Diversity in Conservation Internship Program is cohort-based. In addition to their internship with a host organization, students will participate in a weekly seminar that allows them to connect with and learn alongside each other, while also networking with conservation practitioners and exposing them to the different opportunities available within the field of environmental conservation.
The internships are an estimated 40 hours per week. Monday through Thursday will be a full work day (8 hours, typically 9am – 5pm) with the host organization, and Fridays will be a full day of programming with the cohort, which will include seminars and field trips.
The program is currently offered to undergraduate students from Lawrence University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Students in the 2022 Cohort of the Diversity in Conservation Internship Program took a field trip to Kemp Natural Resources Station. Photo: Caitlin Williamson
2025 Partners
We’re grateful for our partnership on this program with Lawrence University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as well as with the following conservation organizations who are hosting an intern through the Diversity in Conservation Internship Program in 2025:
- City of Madison
- International Crane Foundation
- Lake Michigan Bird Observatory
- Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon)
- The Nature Conservancy – Milwaukee Program
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
- Wehr Nature Center
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Milwaukee State Parks
- Zoological Society of Milwaukee
Interested in hosting an intern?
Contact Lindsey Taylor at Lindsey.Taylor@wisconservation.org to learn more about hosting an intern in future years. Check back here during the summer to find the host organization application form for hosting an intern in 2026.
Apply
If you attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, or Lawrence University, you can check this page to apply for our 2025 cohort at the Handshake link here or search Handshake for Job #9494436: https://app.joinhandshake.com/stu/jobs/9494436
Application Q&A
Questions about the program or the application process? Join the program coordinator, Lindsey Taylor, on Zoom on Wednesday December 18th at 4:30pm to learn more about the program, application, and ask questions.
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqce-rqj4sGNB6ApXt9T3BKpGRgCvp_Abq
Questions?
Reach out to Lindsey Taylor at Lindsey.Taylor@WisConservation.org if you have questions or would like additional information.
If you would like to speak to an alum about their experience in the Diversity in Conservation Internship Program, contact Lindsey and we will put you in touch with someone from the previous cohort.
This summer experience has been nothing but eye opening for me. Within a short period, I gained an immense appreciation for habitat conservation and so many skills that I never would’ve thought I’d gain, such as plant identification. The program provided me one of the most fulfilling summers of both my academic and personal life.
Donate
We are deeply grateful to the following donors for their support for this impactful program:
Lindsey Taylor
Conservation Coordinator
(608) 409-3145
Lindsey.Taylor@WisConservation.org
Lindsey Taylor (she/her) supports the Foundation’s conservation programs, including coordinating our grant programs, initiatives, and partnerships that benefit Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife.
Banner photo by Emma Schatz