Stephen F. Austin State University

Wildlife Internship: Live the Wild, Love the Bears!

Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary – North Woods, Minnesota

Dreaming of working with bears in their natural habitat? If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, educating others, and don’t mind long, challenging days outdoors, this internship is for you! By the end of each day, you’ll be dirty, tired, and proud—knowing you’ve made a difference for black bears while experiencing moments most wildlife enthusiasts only dream about.

Why Intern With Us? One-of-a-Kind Opportunity: Observe and educate others about wild black bears in their natural habitat. Hands-On Experience: Contribute to conservation, research, and public outreach. Rustic Adventure: Live in the woods, surrounded by wildlife, with meals and housing provided.

Morning/Afternoon Duties:

Heavy lifting (50 lb bags of feed), habitat upkeep, and food prep. Tracking bear behaviors, photographing individual bears, and contributing to research. Writing articles, creating social media content, and supporting educational outreach. Contributing to MN state studies (berry surveys, bird counts). Evening/Visitor Hours:

Lead talks and field questions to educate the public about bears and conservation. Assist in visitor operations, gift shop sales, and membership promotion. What to Expect Workload: 7–9 hours daily, with varying tasks depending on the season. Stipend: $50–$75/week for internships of 10+ weeks. Living Conditions: Rustic dorms with no water or electricity in cabins, shared facilities nearby, and minimal access to amenities. Who Should Apply? We’re seeking passionate, hardworking individuals aged 18+ who:

Can commit to at least one month between May–October (longer stays preferred). Thrive in outdoor environments and can handle physical labor in all weather. Are comfortable around wildlife and communicating with the public. Apply Today!

Email your completed application, resume, letter of recommendation, and one reference.

Requirements

The primary requirement is a sincere desire to help promote the welfare of bears and other natural resources through a personal contribution of long hours and hard work. Preference will be given to candidates who are enrolled in or have recently completed post-secondary education in programs such as wildlife management, wildlife biology, environmental education, natural resources, and business administration. However, other applicants with a sincere desire to intern with us will be given serious consideration as well. All interns must read the ABA Volunteer Handbook and be willing to complete a liability waiver form. An applicant must be conscientious, have a good work ethic, and be a team player and self-starter. In addition he or she must be able to follow directions and have good social skills in dealing with the public. We are looking for individuals that can stay for at LEAST a month between May 1st and October 1st. Since space is limited, those able to stay longer will be given preference. We are looking for applicants who are:

Flexible regarding changes in schedule and work tasks Comfortable being in close proximity to large wild animals such as bears Able to work closely and cooperatively with other interns, staff, and volunteers Able to work outside in temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 90s and in all weather conditions Willing to endure the many biting insects that inhabit Northern Minnesota during the summer Comfortable talking with the public about the untraditional nature of the VSWS. As a supplemental feeding site, with a 50-year history of feeding wild black bears, we often are controversial YOU MUST BE OVER 18 YRS OLD TO HOLD AN INTERN POSITION WITH ABA