College Student Internships

Semester and summer part-time positions are available as one of the following:

  • work-study job – current starting rate of $14.50 per hour
  • paid by stipend
  • course credit
  • volunteer/unpaid

Check with the listed supervisor for which options apply to a particular position and the commitment of hours per week. Internships for course credit must be approved by the student’s school or department.

Other benefits:

  • A WonderLab membership at the Dual Level for the student “+ guest” that provides free admission to WonderLab and reciprocal free admission to more than 350 science centers worldwide for a year
  • A 20% discount in the museum gift store
  • Substantive work that can build your portfolio in your field
  • A “home away from home” friendly atmosphere off campus in Bloomington

WonderLab is an equal opportunity employer committed to actively seeking, hiring and amplifying diverse voices in science education.  WonderLab considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.

Animal Care

Position: Animal Care Intern

Position Purpose: Support WonderLab’s live animal exhibits through hands-on animal husbandry and practices grounded in current animal welfare while communicating hard science to the general public and making science education accessible to all.

Reports To: Animal Exhibits Manager

Status: Open

Term and Hours: 2022 Summer

  • May 16, 2022 – August 12, 2022
  • 3 general animal exhibits position available
  • 14-17 hours per week
  • Application Deadline: April 1, 2022

Term and Hours: 2022-2023 Academic Year Internship

  • August 15, 2022 – May 5, 2023
  • 6 general Animal exhibits positions available
  • 7-10 hours per week
  • Application Deadline: July 1, 2022

Start Dates:

  • 2022 Summer – May 16, 2022
  • 2022-2023 Academic Year Internship – August 15, 2022

Compensation:

  • Volunteer/unpaid or
  • work-study if eligible or
  • class credit

Benefits: Free WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level; 20% discount in gift store

Specific Duties:

  • Daily Animal husbandry including feeding, bathing, morphometric measurements etc
  • Maintenance of display habitats including lighting and heating elements, cleaning hides and climbers, changing out substrate etc
  • Monitoring habitats for ideal conditions
  • Basic Medicine administration and health assessments
  • Facilitate one on one interactions between animal ambassadors and the public
  • Facilitate educational outreach for classrooms, patron groups or programs related to evolution and animal science
  • Upkeep and organization of animal resources and care logs
  • Completion of 1-2 animal specific projects (Class Credit Interns only)
  • Participate in weekly, independent readings with associated quizzes *not graded for assigning grades but used for benchmarking educational milestones*

Join the Animal Care Team and get hands-on experience in the many aspects of WonderLab’s animal exhibits such as habitat maintenance, direct animal care and observation, as well as exhibit improvement and creation. The exhibits department at WonderLab works diligently to provide and maintain the large variety of exhibits enjoyed by approximately 80,000 visitors per year. WonderLab’s live animal collection consists of reptiles, amphibians, a 300-gallon salt water aquarium, and arthropods ranging from honeybees to cockroaches to tarantulas.

Animal Exhibits Interns receive hands-on experience in the many aspects of husbandry including habitat maintenance and repair, medicine distribution, medical and behavioral observation, food preparation as well as exhibit improvement and creation. Animal Exhibits Interns will also do educational outreach through the facilitation of hands-on interactions with museum guests doing live animal demonstrations.

Qualifications:

  • Interest in biology/animals
  • Reliable with a strong work ethic
  • Self-motivated
  • Excellent communication skills, especially written
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Experience working with vertebrates and invertebrates is a plus
  • Weekend availability: all AY students are required to work our Bugfest event in the Fall
  • Enjoys researching and creating educational materials

Deadlines: 

  • 2022 Summer Application Deadline: April 1, 2022
  • 2022-2023 Academic Year Internship Application Deadline: July 1, 2022

Questions: Sam Couch, animalexhibits@wonderlab.org (email only)

WonderLab is an equal opportunity employer committed to actively seeking, hiring and amplifying diverse voices in science education.  WonderLab considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request. All WonderLab employees and volunteers are subject to a background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

To apply:

Position: Coral Reef Intern

Position Purpose: Support WonderLab’s live animal exhibits through hands-on animal husbandry and practices grounded in current animal welfare while communicating hard science to the general public and making science education accessible to all.

Reports To: Animal Exhibits Manager

Status: Open

Term and Hours:  2022 Summer

  • May 16, 2022 – August 12, 2022
  • 1 position available
  • 14-17 hours per week
  • Application Deadline: April 1, 2022

Term and Hours: 2022-2023 Academic Year Internship

  • August 15, 2022 – May 5, 2023
  • 1 position available
  • 7-10 hours per week
  • Application Deadline: July 1, 2022

Start Dates:

  • 2022 Summer – May 16, 2022
  • 2022-2023 Academic Year Internship – August 15, 2022

Compensation: Stipend of $500 for the full summer or $500 per academic year semester

Benefits: Free WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level; 20% discount in gift store

Specific Duties:

  • Maintain the hardware of the aquarium including but not limited to doser cleaning, media reactor change out, gyre, pumps, algae turf scrubber etc
  • Conduct water changes and water quality tests
  • Identify disease and injury in a variety of animals including fish, coral and marine invertebrates
  • Monitor the behaviors and relationships within the aquarium and adjust accordingly
  • Facilitate one on one interactions between animal ambassadors and the public
  • Facilitate educational outreach for classrooms, patron groups or programs related to evolution and animal science
  • Upkeep and organization of animal resources and care logs
  • Completion of 1-2 animal specific projects (Class Credit Interns only)
  • Participate in weekly, independent readings with associated quizzes *not graded for assigning grades but used for benchmarking educational milestones*

Join the Animal Care Team and get hands-on experience in the many aspects of WonderLab’s animal exhibits such as habitat maintenance, direct animal care and observation, as well as exhibit improvement and creation. The exhibits department at WonderLab works diligently to provide and maintain the large variety of exhibits enjoyed by approximately 80,000 visitors per year. WonderLab’s live animal collection consists of reptiles, amphibians, a 300-gallon salt water aquarium, and arthropods ranging from honeybees to cockroaches to tarantulas.

Animal Exhibits Interns receive hands-on experience in the many aspects of husbandry including habitat maintenance and repair, medicine distribution, medical and behavioral observation, food preparation as well as exhibit improvement and creation. Animal Exhibits Interns will also do educational outreach through the facilitation of hands-on interactions with museum guests doing live animal demonstrations.

Qualifications:

  • Interest in biology/animals
  • Interest in Marine Science and conservation
  • Reliable with a strong work ethic
  • Self-motivated
  • Excellent communication skills, especially written
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Experience working with vertebrates and invertebrates is a plus
  • Weekend availability: it will be expected to work specific evening and weekend programs occasionally through the semester.
  • Enjoys researching and creating educational materials

Deadlines: 

  • 2022 Summer Application Deadline: April 1, 2022
  • 2022-2023 Academic Year Internship Application Deadline: July 1, 2022

Questions: Sam Couch, animalexhibits@wonderlab.org (email only)

WonderLab is an equal opportunity employer committed to actively seeking, hiring and amplifying diverse voices in science education.  WonderLab considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request. All WonderLab employees and volunteers are subject to a background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

To apply:

Development and Membership

Position: Development Intern

Position Purpose: Support Museum fundraising efforts and event planning for WonderLab’s annual gala.

Reports To: Donor Relations Director

Status: Open

Hours: 10-20 hours/week

Term:

  • Summer 2023
  • Full academic year 2023 – 2024

Start Date: Immediately

Compensation:

  • volunteer/unpaid

Benefits: Free WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level; 20% discount in gift store

Specific Duties:
Depending on the number of hours available and individual skills, work with Development team to:

  • Maintain donor data and interactions
  • Identify grant opportunities
  • Create fundraising event promotional materials, such as invitations, postcards, programs, poster
  • Brainstorm creative solutions to fundraising challenges!

The Development Intern provides high-quality donation and event assistance, relationship-building, and administrative support to the WonderLab Development Department in a timely, accurate, and professional manner. This position supports and engages in a multitude of fundraising activities including individual and household annual giving, special events, and corporate sponsorships, to meet the Department’s goals and objectives. The Development Intern helps ensure that all appeal, solicitation, and stewardship messaging conveys WonderLab’s mission of providing opportunities to experience the wonder and excitement of science.

Qualifications:

  • Reliable with strong work ethic
  • Creativity
  • Appreciation for the VALUE of science in our society
  • Friendly, positive and professional attitude; ability to work effectively with a variety of people
  • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Adobe Creative Suite a plus
  • If local, photography skills a plus.

Position is open until filled. All WonderLab employees and volunteers are subject to a background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

Questions: Amy Osajima, giving@wonderlab.org (email only)

WonderLab is an equal opportunity employer committed to actively seeking, hiring and amplifying diverse voices in science education.  WonderLab considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.

To apply: Fill out the WonderLab intern application on this website.

Education

Position: Science Education Intern

Position Purpose: Support WonderLab’s educational philosophies through hands-on informal educational programs and activities, rooted in real science and meeting people where they are at.

Reports To: Education Manager

Status: Open

Hours: Flexible

Terms:

  • Summer Internship: May 15 – August 15 
  • 2023-2024 Academic Year Internship: August 28th – April 22nd

Compensation:

  • Volunteer/unpaid or
  • Work-study if eligible or
  • Class credit

Benefits: Free WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level; 20% discount in gift store

Specific Duties:

  • A weekly gallery shift to engage with WonderLab guests, clean exhibits, and ensure safety.
  • Support at least ten weekly programs through planning, material preparation, and/or co-leading programs.
  • Support special programming through planning, material preparation, and/or co-leading programs.
  • Support at least two educational outreaches planning, material preparation, and/or co-leading programs.
  • Lead a capstone project which pairs intern’s interests with WonderLab’s mission and educational philosophies.

The WonderLab Science Education Assistant Internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in museum work and informal science education. Interns will receive regular training by expert museum staff, and will then have the opportunity to immediately apply what they have learned through their own projects. Interns will support workshops and presentations, staff weekly activities, and aid the education team with program preparation. In addition, all interns will work on a self-created project throughout their internship that allows them to further WonderLab’s mission and educational philosophies.

Choose your focus to be early childhood education, outreach education, technology education, or adult education.

Qualifications:

  • Interest in informal education
  • Reliable with a strong work ethic
  • Comfortable with varied responsibilities
  • Some weekend and evening availability
  • Experience with children
  • Experience with public speaking preferred
  • Students in education or STEM fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

Deadlines:

  • Summer 2023 Application Deadline: May 1st
  • 2023-2024 Academic Year Application Deadline: August 1st, 2022

Questions: Jessica McKinney, museumeducator@wonderlab.org (email only)

WonderLab is an equal opportunity employer committed to actively seeking, hiring and amplifying diverse voices in science education.  WonderLab considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request. All WonderLab employees and volunteers are subject to a background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

To apply: 

Marketing

Position: Marketing Intern

Position Purpose: Support Museum marketing and communication efforts to drive visitation and engagement

Reports to: Marketing Manager

Status: Open

Hours: 10 – 15 hours per week with mandatory attendance at weekly marketing team meetings

Term: Full academic year. No summer positions.

Compensation:

  • $1000 stipend per semester, paid at the end of each semester 0r
  • Work-study funding if eligible

Benefits: Free WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level; 20% discount in gift store.

Specific Duties:
Depending on the number of hours available and individual skills, work with marketing team to:

  • Maintain and update recurring WonderLab information on public channels/calendars etc.
  • Draft publicity copy for news outlets, social media, blogs, and other tactics.
  • Brainstorm campaigns for visitor engagement, publicity, and sales.
  • Create promotional materials such as short video, social media visuals, posters, and rack cards.
  • Some weekend and evening hours are required for events.

WonderLab Marketing Interns are creatives with excellent communication skills regarding writing, visual, and graphics. Ideal candidates will possess curiosity, flair for the descriptive, a high level of accuracy and a sense of fun. Applicants should be comfortable working quickly on multiple assignments with tight deadlines.

Qualifications:

  • Reliable and able to meet deadlines
  • Creativity
  • Appreciation for the value of science in our society
  • Friendly, positive, and professional attitude
  • Ability to work effectively with a variety of people
  • Quick thinking and comfortable sharing ideas within a collaborative workspace
  • Proficient with common computer software, cloud-based applications, and social media
  • Adobe Creative Suite a plus
  • Graphic/visual design experience a plus
  • WordPress Experience a plus
  • Photography skills a plus

All WonderLab employees, interns, and volunteers are subject to a background check. Proof of COVID Vaccine is required. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

Questions: Contact Sam Reidenbach, sam_reidenbach@wonderlab.org  email only.

WonderLab is an equal opportunity employer committed to actively seeking, hiring and amplifying diverse voices in science education.  WonderLab considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.

To apply: Fill out the WonderLab intern application on this website

Museum Experience: Gallery Operations and Volunteers

Position: Events Intern

Position Purpose:  Events interns will help to broaden the WonderLab experience for guests through birthday parties and special events. Learning to lead and create science demonstrations and supporting large events like after hours.

Reports To: Museum Experience Manager: Gallery & Birthdays

Status: Open

Hours: 8-12 hours/week

Terms and Start Dates:

  • 2023 Fall – Start Date: August 2023

Compensation:

  • work-study if eligible or
  • stipend

Benefits: Free WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level; 20% discount in gift store

Specific Duties:

  • Host birthday parties during regular museum hours.
  • Lead science demonstrations and activities
  • Set up & post party clean up
  • Work with the Birthday Manager to develop new and improve current educational activities and demonstrations.
  • Serve one shift a week as Floor Manager and assist visitors at exhibits, encouraging playful experimentation with hands-on science. Supervise daily team of gallery volunteers, present science demonstrations and activities, and address facility maintenance and safety issues.
  • Assist with evening events such as After Hours and private rentals

Qualifications:

  • Interest and enjoyment in interacting with the public in an informal education setting
  • Comfortable working and instructing majority elementary aged children
  • Attentive to detail and accuracy
  • Friendly and positive attitude; able to work effectively with a variety of people
  • Able to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and to multitask and meet deadlines
  • Must be available on weekends and some evenings
  • Preference will be given to candidates 21 and over
  • Background in science not required, will be trained on all topics and activities

Position is open until filled. All WonderLab employees and volunteers are subject to a background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

Questions: Kate Seader, kate@wonderlab.org, (812) 337-1337 ext. 226

WonderLab is an equal opportunity employer committed to actively seeking, hiring and amplifying diverse voices in science education.  WonderLab considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.

To apply: Fill out the WonderLab intern application on this website.

Position: Museum Experience Intern

Position Purpose: Museum Experience Interns will have a fun and exciting experience guiding visitors of all ages through a non-traditional science education in a hands-on museum environment and foster a broad understanding of nonprofit organizations, program coordination and volunteer management.

Reports To:  Director of Museum Experience

Status: Open

Hours: 8-12 hours/week

Term and Start Dates:

  • Now accepting applications for Spring 2024

Compensation:

  • work-study if eligible or
  • stipend

Benefits: Free WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level; 20% discount in gift store

Specific Duties:

  • Assist Gallery and Volunteer departments with core visitor-oriented services.
  • Serve as Floor Manager and assist visitors at exhibits, encouraging playful experimentation with hands-on science. Supervise daily team of gallery volunteers, present science demonstrations and activities, and address facility maintenance and safety issues.
  • Maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Ensure that all health and safety measures are being continuously met.
  • Assist with indoor and outdoor programming as needed.
  • Work with Museum Experience Director to research, develop, and implement “Science on the Spot” activities that provide enjoyable learning experiences.

Qualifications:

  • Reliable with strong work ethic
  • Attentive to detail and accuracy
  • Friendly and positive attitude; able to work effectively with a variety of people
  • Able to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • Availability on weekends a plus
  • Volunteer experience a plus
  • Must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster upon request

Multiple positions available. Positions are open until filled. All WonderLab employees and volunteers are subject to a background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

Questions: Ian Carrico, ian@wonderlab.org, (812) 337-1337 ext. 220

WonderLab is an equal opportunity employer committed to actively seeking, hiring and amplifying diverse voices in science education.  WonderLab considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.

To apply: Fill out the WonderLab intern application on this website.

Position: Volunteer Department Intern

Position Purpose: Volunteer interns provide a fun and welcoming environment for all volunteers. They assist the Volunteer Department with volunteer orientations, maintenance of the volunteer database and bulletin board, support the volunteer department in recognizing its volunteers and work scheduled shifts in the museum gallery.

Reports To: Volunteer Manager

Status: Open

Hours: 8-10 hours/week

Term and Start Dates:

  • 2023-2024 Academic Year Internship – Start Date: August 2023

Compensation:

  • work-study if eligible or
  • stipend

Benefits: Free WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level; 20% discount in gift store

Specific Duties:

  • Assist with volunteer orientations
  • Support volunteer recognition efforts including the volunteer bulletin board
  • Communicate updates to volunteers and support retention efforts
  • Attend volunteer fairs and other recruitment events
  • Maintain records in volunteer database
  • Serve scheduled shifts as Floor Manager. Assist visitors at exhibits and encourage playful experimentation with hands-on science. Supervise daily team of gallery volunteers, present science demonstrations and activities, and address facility maintenance and safety issues.

Experience Gained Through this Internship:

  • Database management
  • Volunteer recognition and retention
  • Volunteer Department operation

Qualifications:

  • Reliable with strong work ethic
  • Attentive to detail and accuracy
  • Friendly and positive attitude; able to work effectively with a variety of people
  • Able to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • Availability on weekends a plus
  • Volunteer experience a plus
  • Must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster upon request

Position is open until filled. All WonderLab employees and volunteers are subject to a background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

Questions: Luke Anderson, lucas@wonderlab.org, (812) 337-1337 ext. 221

WonderLab is an equal opportunity employer committed to actively seeking, hiring and amplifying diverse voices in science education.  WonderLab considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.

To apply: Fill out the WonderLab intern application on this website.

Position: Environmental Sustainability Intern

Position Purpose: The Environmental Sustainability Intern will be the primary person responsible for WonderLab’s day-to-day environmental sustainability efforts. Daily tasks will involve maintenance of WonderLab’s worm composting unit, managing recycling, and the emplacement and design of environmental signage for visitors and staff alike.

Additionally, the Environmental Sustainability Intern will guide visitors of all ages through a non-traditional science education in a hands-on museum environment and foster a broad understanding of nonprofit organizations, program coordination, and volunteer management.

Reports To: Museum Experience Manager

Status: Open

Hours: 8-10 hours/week

Term and Start Dates:

  • Now accepting applications for Spring 2024

Compensation:

  • work-study if eligible or
  • stipend

Benefits: Free WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level; 20% discount in gift store

Specific Duties:

  • Assist Gallery and Volunteer departments with core visitor-oriented services.
  • Serve as Floor Manager and assist visitors at exhibits, encouraging playful experimentation with hands-on science. Supervise daily team of gallery volunteers, present science demonstrations and activities, and address facility maintenance and safety issues.
  • Weekly maintenance of WonderLab’s worm composting system.
  • Support Museum Experience Manager with developing signage and educational messaging for WonderLab recycling and composting.
  • Maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Ensure that all health and safety measures are being continuously met.
  • Assist with indoor and outdoor programming as needed.
  • Work with Museum Experience Manager to design educational resources and activities related to environmental sustainability at WonderLab.

Qualifications:

  • Reliable with strong work ethic
  • Attentive to detail and accuracy
  • Friendly and positive attitude; able to work effectively with a variety of people
  • Able to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • Physical capability to sit, stand, walk, and function in high-energy environment throughout the day – Interns may be asked to climb through the museum climbing structure, reach high shelving, and lift 30lbs.
  • Availability on weekends a plus
  • Volunteer experience a plus

Positions are open until filled. All WonderLab employees and volunteers are subject to a background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

Questions: Ian Carrico, ian@wonderlab.org, (812) 337-1337 ext. 220

WonderLab is an equal opportunity employer committed to actively seeking, hiring and amplifying diverse voices in science education.  WonderLab considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.

To apply: Fill out the WonderLab intern application on this website.

If you have been awarded work-study funding and have been hired for such a position at WonderLab, you may contact Mary Sommer with questions regarding required documents and procedures for getting paid.

Seasonal Hourly Positions Perfect for Students

None at this time.