Internships

Updates for 2022: 

COVID-19 policies for 2022 will likely include wearing a mask and vaccination. It may include COVID-19 testing. All participants will be required to follow all regulations.

Our dining hall will not be open. We are working to develop alternative options such as carry out lunch or a grocery stipend and grocery delivery for students.

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Interns work with their mentor to come up with an individualized Learning Plan for the summer, attend weekly professional development seminars, and you may also complete a portfolio-worthy project.

At the end of the summer you will develop a professional poster and “elevator speech” about your KBS internship experience to be presented at the annual KBS Undergraduate Symposium, and/or write a professional blog post that will be shared on our KBS blog.

Dates:

This program is 11 weeks long (except Forestry intern) and will run from May 15 – July 30, 2022 (students are expected to arrive on-site by 5 p.m. Sunday, May 15 and depart Saturday, July 30).

Hours:

Internships are typically part-time (20+ hours/week) to accommodate your KBS course load. Hours typically increase closer to full time during the session you do not have a KBS course commitment. Specific work hours will be arranged with your mentor.

Course Requirement:

As part of your learning experience you are required to enroll in a summer field course at KBS.  Interns are responsible for paying for the MSU tuition associated with their course(s). Please contact the MSU Office of Financial Aid if you will need summer financial aid.

Compensation:

$3000 stipend + FULL room & board scholarship (which includes Breakfast M-F, Lunch M-F, Dinner M-Th, Brunch Sat/Sun).

Housing is equipped with small full kitchens so students also have the ability to prepare meals on their own. Resident Mentors also facilitate group meals/BBQs on evenings when the Conference Center is not serving dinner.

***Note that interns are hired as an MSU Intern and pay checks will have taxes withheld.

Learning Plan & Professional Development:

All Interns will work through the I@S program and develop a Learning Plan with their mentor that outlines specific learning goals for the Internship.  KBS offers a variety of Professional Development seminars throughout the summer designed to provide Interns with essential professional skills. ***Attendance of designated Professional Development seminars is required.

You may click HERE for detailed student info and the required forms for the Internships @ State (I@S) Program.

KBS Internship Program – Expectations and Weekly Timeline

KBS Code of Conduct

MSU I@State Requirements

If you need an accommodation of any kind that is not supported in what we have provided, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Summer 2022 Internship Positions

Avian Care Internship – Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

Mentors: Lisa Duke (Sanctuary Manager)

May 15, 2022-July 29, 2022

RESPONSIBILITIES: 70% Wildlife Care – Intern will gain husbandry experience in waterfowl, upland gamebirds, and birds of prey. These duties may include but are not limited to:

• Animal Husbandry
• Feed and monitor flock health and welfare
• Raptor husbandry/training & glove handling animal ambassadors
• Exhibit maintenance & renovation, maintenance of nesting structures
• Enrichment evaluation
• Proper capture and handling techniques
• Veterinary procedures and health exams
• Bird surveys and citizen science projects (monitoring nest boxes)
• Working with and supervising volunteers
• 15% Education and Interpretation Responsibilities – example duties include:
• Leading educational tours and assisting in delivering public programs
• Production of educational and promotional materials
• Assisting with web page, blog, and social media posts
• Representing Sanctuary at schools, festivals, and events
• 15% Avian Care Project – A project focusing on the needs of the resident birds will be completed by the end of the summer. This project will be presented with a poster at the Summer Symposium (required attendance).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in animal care preferred (volunteer, vet assistant, lab work, intern, etc.)
• Strong work ethic and good communication skills
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and ability to distinguish colors and sounds
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Computer skills desirable
• Ability to work both independently as well as part of a team

Must enroll in one KBS summer course

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Forestry Internship – W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest

Mentors: K.J. Kettler (Forester & Manager) & Mickey Trimner (Forest Technician)

May 22, 2022-July 29, 2022

Kellogg Biological Station in collaboration with the Department of Forestry is pleased to offer a 2022 forestry internship opportunity at W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest. The intern will obtain experience facilitating forestry related research and land management at Kellogg Forest and other MSU outlying properties including, but not limited to, Fred Russ Forest and MacCready Reserve.

Specific areas of focus typically include:

• Conduct and/or assist with inventory of standing timber, seedling regeneration, herbaceous flora, and invasive species
• Assist with timber sale set up and contract administration
• Research plot/plantation setup, maintenance, and data collection
• Assist with general maintenance of grounds/facilities and equipment as needed/directed
• Operate power tools (drills, chainsaws, etc.)
• Operate equipment (lawnmowers, skid steer, tractors)
• Interaction with public visitors in an outreach capacity
• Opportunity to lead assessment and development of unit management plan
• Opportunity to obtain hands on learning/knowledge related to prescribed fire

For more information about this opportunity please contact K.J. Kettler at Kettleri@msu.edu or 269-731-4597.

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Visitor Experience Internship – Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

Mentors: Lisa Duke (Sanctuary Manager) & Misty Klotz (Outreach Coordinator)

May 15, 2022-July 29, 2022

RESPONSIBILITIES: Intern will gain experience in providing excellent experiences for visitors. Some examples of responsibilities are:

• Run Wild Wednesday interpretive stations for visitors
• Help with on-grounds educational programs like guided tours and hikes
• Greet and assist visitors regarding their visit to the Bird Sanctuary.
• Assist callers and visitors with general Sanctuary, Biological Station and wildlife related questions.
• Perform cash register operations and complete daily deposits
• Social media posts and marketing
• Completion of agreed upon intern project focused on on-site self-guided experiences for visitors.

QUALIFICATIONS: Current Michigan State University student studying education, wildlife biology, ecology, biology, zoology, animal science, natural sciences or related field.

• Strong work ethic
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Computer skills desirable
• Ability to work both independently as well as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record
• At least one KBS Summer Course must be taken
• Strong organizational skills
• Weekend hours required

 

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SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY!

See below for special internship opportunities at KBS with MSUE (Michigan State University Extension).  MSUE sponsored internships are FULL TIME (40 hrs/week), and you must apply using the position number through MSU’s Handshake.  If you would like to take a field course at KBS in conjunction with your MSUE internship, please visit our courses page to fill out an online course application!

 

TBA

Applications for Summer 2022 Internships are open now!

Apply here!

What will you need?

• Ability to participate the entire program.
• A PDF of your current resume
• A PDF of your transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
• A list of all college-level courses you have completed relevant to the internship you are applying for
• Contact information for at least one reference
• A statement of interest that highlights how this experience will enhance your learning and career goals
• Please DO NOT apply separately for KBS courses unless you intend to take courses at KBS even if your are not selected for the internship program.
• For non-MSU students: A personal identification number (PID) is required to complete this application. To obtain a PID, please visit: https://reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/EnrReg/LifelongEducation.aspx to become a Lifelong Learning Student, and a PID will be assigned to you.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting February 15 until March 15. However, we encourage students to apply as early as possible!

Applicants must be enrolled as college students during Spring/Summer 2022.  Preference for internship positions is given to MSU students, non-MSU students may be considered and can take their course requirement as a MSU LifeLong Learner.  Speak with your advisor about transferring course credits to your home institution.

Please contact the KBS Academic Programs Coordinator (KBSsummer@msu.edu) if you have a specific question about internships for Summer 2022. They can provide you with the most up to date information as things continue to change.