Frequently Asked Questions - Student Intern Residency Program

Preference is given to Illinois residents.

When the positions and application period is posted and on the website, an invitation/announcement to participate is also sent to Illinois universities with known plant, animal, and related environmental science graduate programs. Some out-of-state universities will also be contacted due to prior interest. Check with the Chair of your college program or your graduate advisor to see if they have received this announcement and if they would like their university to participate in the program.

If the university agrees to participate, only 6 students may be recommended for the program. The student is responsible for getting approval from the College Chair and creating their own application packet. An Application Packet must contain: a Cover letter, a Resume or CV, Grade transcripts from all graduate and undergraduate institutions attended, a completed State of Illinois CMS-100 Employment Application and a favorable letter from your major advisor/College Chair supporting your application to the DNR Program. See the website for further information.

The application packet should be sent to Carrie Rapp, Office of Resource Conservation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271.

The title of the position is Graduate Student Worker (Natural Heritage Resident).

This is entirely up to you. Some students may only want to apply for one county and others may want to apply for two. Individuals will prioritize the counties based upon expenses and will try to remain close to existing living quarters, some want to be where their graduate work will directly benefit, and others want a new experience altogether.

Only enrollment in an approved graduate program in plant, animal, or related environmental science graduate program is required. Students close to graduation in their final year are best prepared for the program. Students often delay graduation to become an Resident for 12 months but they must remain enrolled.

In order to be qualified under the State of Illinois job title for this program, the Resident must remain enrolled in graduate school throughout the term of employment.

Experience has shown that students nearing the end of their graduate program are best suited for the residency program, although this is not an IL DNR requirement. If you have your advisor's approval to participate in the 12-month program, we will consider your application equally with all others regardless of where you are in your graduate career.

For purposes of using a state vehicle, State of Illinois policy requires all such staff to live within a 30 mile radius of their office location.

While a Resident can expect to spend the vast majority of their time with the Division of Natural Heritage and/or Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, there will be opportunities to learn about and interact with other DNR divisions and staff. These opportunities are varied by position location as well as currently ongoing projects.

Honestly, there is no "typical day". If you are an individual who thrives on diversity, loves new challenges, and is looking for the widest possible set of experiences, you will not be disappointed by your tenure.

The Natural Heritage Graduate Student Residency is a 12-month, full-time position. You may work on your graduate research, thesis, or other college/university project while a Resident, but you must do so on your own time or your paid time off.

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