Department: Museum Programs
Location: Mackinac Island State Park
Start Date/End Date: early June through mid-August
Pay Rate: $2,000 stipend upon successful completion of the internship; Free Housing
Accepting applications for the 2026 season.
Scope of Duties:
The Natural Resources Intern will assist in protecting and preserving the natural resources of Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP). Working in conjunction with MSHP staff and conservation partners, duties include invasive species inventory and removal, trail maintenance, and public interpretation of our natural resources.
Responsibilities:
-Assist with identifying and removal of invasive species threats in Mackinac Island State Park under the direction of the MSHP Park Naturalist and the Chippewa/Luce/Mackinac Conservation District invasive species control team.
– Develop and implement public interpretation opportunities regarding natural history (including invasive species threats) on Mackinac Island. Examples include public programs at British Landing Nature Center.
– Assist with ongoing trail maintenance, natural history programs, and additional duties, as assigned.
Position Requirements:
– Applicants working towards a degree in natural resources management; biological, earth, or environmental science; education; interpretation or related field preferred.
– Applicants with a practical knowledge of forest ecology and able to identify common plants and animals found in northern Michigan are preferred.
– Must be outgoing, enthusiastic, and have strong public contact and speaking skills. Must be able to work well independently and as part of a unified team.
Work Location and Schedule:
The workstation for this position is Mackinac Island State Park, on Mackinac Island. Dates for this internship experience are June 1 through August 15. The work schedule for this position is 32 hours/week for 11 weeks. Specific hours may vary, depending on program needs, weather conditions, and other factors. This position may be required to work evenings, holidays, and/or weekends as park needs dictate.
Physical Requirements:
Stretching and bending are moves commonly made throughout the day by interns in this position. The intern must have the ability to do the following activities, with or without reasonable accommodation: frequent lifting, carrying, transporting, loading and unloading of up to 35 pounds, walking long distances and up steep inclines in all weather conditions, frequent twisting, bending, stooping, reaching and grasping, sitting and/or standing for long periods of time, and the ability to utilize ferry boat transportation to and from Mackinac Island. This position also requires the individual to walk over uneven terrain and up steep inclines.
Dress Code:
The park maintains a dress and appearance code for employees in public service. The Natural Resources Intern will be required to wear a park-provided uniform, name tag, and safety equipment while on duty.
Supervision:
Natural Resources Interns are supervised by the Park Naturalist. This position does not supervise any other positions.
Housing and Stipend:
MSHP will offer free housing to the selected individual in return for 32 hours per week of internship duties. Housing is dormitory-style with kitchen facilities available. A $2,000 stipend will be awarded upon successful completion of the internship.
General Position Information:
This is a temporary seasonal at-will position which serves at the will of the employer and does not include recall rights or benefits (other than those mandated by governmental laws). This position will expire at the time employment is ended for the season and the employee does not have recall rights to this or any other MSHP position in the future. Specifically, the park is under no obligation to hire the individual in subsequent seasons. The number of weeks and hours worked may vary as park needs dictate. Additional information will be provided upon employment.
Due to the high volume of applications, only those applicants invited to interview will be contacted.
Click here to fill out an application online.
Questions?
Please contact:
Employment
P.O. Box 873
Mackinaw City, MI 49701
231-436-4100 x111
