Description: The CEI intern will work with the Great Lakes Research and Education Center (GLREC) staff at Indiana Dunes National Park to develop and deliver research learning experiences for visitors related to Indiana Dunes and Great Lakes natural resources. This work is part of the GLREC’s goal to develop programs that highlight the science of stewardship and how science informs resource management decisions. The programs will be part of the park’s Back to the Beach strategy where we aim to bring content to visitors at the busiest places of our park – the beach.

The intern will work with park staff (GLREC, RM, Interpretation/Outreach) to (1) design fun and creative approaches to engage visitors in park science (2) implement programs, (3) improve science communication and outreach and (4) assess the visitor response. The science communication piece may consist of delivering pop-up programs to visitors, assisting and directing citizen science programs, and generating digital and print media. Specific topics that could be included are: the Dragonfly Mercury Project, threatened and endangered species, social trail monitoring and restoration, water quality, aquatic invasive species, plastic pollution, and the nearshore environment. Special focus will be on fostering an appreciation for the park’s natural resources while working to reduce visitor impact.

Specific tasks and responsibilities include: 

• Undertaking basic research and information gathering to develop programs.
• Developing outreach materials (e.g. pop-ups, print, digital) and social media content focused on communicating science, engaging visitors in science, and promoting resource stewardship.
• Assessing visitor reaction and response to educational/outreach materials, approaches, and experiences.

Qualifications: 

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability and interest to communicate and engage with visitors of all ages and backgrounds
• Knowledge or strong interest in natural resources, resource management, Indiana Dunes, the Great Lakes, environmental science, environmental education, science communication
• Experience and interest in science communication, including social media (Facebook, Instagram, media Reels)
• Desire to work outside/comfortable working in the outdoors in all weather conditions, including activities in the water like swimming and kayaking
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is helpful. The main language of materials will be English; however, being able to produce materials and/or communicate with visitors in Spanish would be welcomed.
• Reliable personal transportation is required.to get to, and move about, the park. Indiana Dunes has many individual beaches and units. The intern must be able to use their own transportation to move around the park as needed.

Location: In-person and on-site at the Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter, Indiana, at least 4-days per week. Remote work may be permitted one-day per week and must be coordinated and scheduled with supervising staff. Some weekend work will be required to participate in citizen science and outreach activities.

Salary: All interns in the IISG program will be paid $17.00 per hour and minimum of 37.5 hours per week and up to 40 hours for 10 weeks, starting no later than June 2, 2025, and end no earlier than August 8, 2025. All interns will temporarily employed through Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.

Mission Statement

The National Park Service is dedicated to conserving unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Service is also responsible for managing a great variety of national and international programs designed to help extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.