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Student Opportunities

Launch Your Career at the EIC

We are proud to champion the professional growth of all University of Michigan-Dearborn students, welcoming talent from education, the sciences, engineering, business, and beyond. Our programs bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact, offering a multidisciplinary space where every major can contribute to regional sustainability and innovation. The Center serves as a premier "living laboratory" where students turn classroom theory into community impact. Whether you are looking to gain hands-on teaching experience or dive into long-term environmental research, we offer several distinct pathways to get involved:

Mary Fastiggi points off to distance as engaged student observe nature.
Mary Fastiggi

I believe that I got into graduate school and got my scholarship because of all the experience and projects I could reference from my work at the EIC.

Student Positions at the EIC

UM-Dearborn student leading educational programs outside to younger children

Student Naturalists

  • Focus: Environmental Interpretation and Inquiry-Based Education
  • The Experience: As a paid member of the EIC’s instructional team, Student Naturalists serve as the primary ambassadors for our 120-acre outdoor classroom. You will receive specialized training in interpretive techniques, learning how to translate complex ecological concepts into engaging, sensory stories for K-12 students and the public. This role is a premier opportunity to master group leadership, public speaking, and hands-on science pedagogy while guiding Seasonal Nature Explorations and community workshops. 
Griffin Bray
Griffin Bray

My childhood experiences at the EIC, like participating in the Young Naturalist program, helped spark and nurture my love of the outdoors. It also introduced me to the joy of environmental interpretation. Not only did my time at the Center give me the skills of the profession, but it also showed me that this could be (and later would be) my life's work.

The Holland Family Internship

  • Focus: Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordination
  • The Experience: This versatile, year-long opportunity is designed for students passionate about expanding the EIC’s regional footprint. Working directly with EIC leadership, the Holland Intern bridges the gap between scientific stewardship and public engagement by managing volunteer networks, developing interpretive materials, and enriching partnerships with community organizations. 
Jacob Yesh-Brochstein
Jacob Yesh-Brochstein

All of the mentors I had in my educational, and later professional, career stemmed from work I did, and skills I developed, at the EIC. I would not be where I am today without the EIC.

The Cooper Internship

  • Focus: Organic and Native Gardening
  • The Experience: Ideal for students seeking hands-on environmental management skills, this role focuses on the essential maintenance of our Rain Gardens and the Community Organic Garden (COG). Interns master techniques in habitat restoration and resource management while developing the communication skills necessary to lead and educate community gardeners.

The Kenneth and Marion Parkhurst Natural Areas Fellowship

  • Focus: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action
  • The Experience: Supported by the Parkhurst Fund, this prestigious fellowship connects an ambitious student with the EIC Director to spearhead high-level sustainability projects. It is designed for students at the intersection of natural science and advocacy who want to apply technical knowledge to real-world challenges, directly helping to shape and implement sustainability goals across the UM-Dearborn campus. 

How to Apply

You can find employment opportunities on M-Careers website. Available job openings in August and December.

Do we want any photos or testaments to previous interns / fellows? Please reach out to email [email protected].