Internship: Volunteer Engagement & Recruitment 
Department: Human Resources
Status: Temporary, non-exempt
Pay Rate: $17.00/hr
Location: Hybrid
Season: Summer 2026 (6/1/26-8/21/26 or 6/15/26-9/4/26)
Application Deadline: March 16 at 5pm CST
 
Shedd Internship Program
Shedd Aquarium's Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits, animal care, conservation, research, and beyond.  We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for.

These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge, but not necessarily the real-world application.

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships.

Department Overview: 
For more than 50 years, volunteers have played a critical role in supporting and expanding Shedd’s mission.  Spanning multiple departments and assignments, the volunteer program engages individuals from throughout Chicagoland, and beyond, inviting them to lend their time an talent. 

Working closely with the Assistant Director of Volunteer & Intern Programs and additional Human Resources Staff, interns will gain experience in operations of a large and long-standing volunteer program as it evolves within Shedd’s larger Centennial Commitment.  This internship will have a special focus on volunteer recruitment, with additional chances to explore volunteer and intern engagement, recognition, and day to day operations.  Interns will gain experience with a Volunteer Management System (Volgistics) and cross team collaborations with areas that engage volunteers. 

Environment:
This internship is based in Shedd’s Human Resources office suite.  Most tasks will be desk/computer based.  There is consistent traffic from volunteers, interns, and staff.  Expect daily interactions with a diverse group of individuals.  

Learning Goals: 

• Understand, and track volunteers through, a recruitment cycle from first outreach to first shifts 
• Refine communication skills by distilling information into engaging and informative written and oral formats 
• Gain experience utilizing a volunteer management system (Volgistics) 

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 
• Act as a friendly and engaging representative to all volunteers and interns entering the Volunteer Office  
• Assist staff in preparing and updating recruitment related materials, including assignment descriptions, website listings, and communication templates 
• Partner with staff to create new volunteer guides and onboarding surveys 
• Participate in all aspects of volunteer recruitment, including virtual information sessions, interviews, orientations, and sending related communications, with an eye towards streamlining processes.   
• Assist with communications of policies, procedures, and news to all volunteers 
• Help gather information and program metrics as directed 
• Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: Volunteer Management, Community Engagement, Human Resources, Non Profit Management 
 
Skills/Characteristics: 

• Enjoys interacting with individuals of all ages and backgrounds 
• Works well in a collaborative, team-based environment 
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications 
• Comfortable interacting with groups of up to 15. 
• Ability to multi-task and balance priorities 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality 
• Proactive in seeking tasks and solution oriented 
• Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
• Have a high school diploma or GED at time of application. 

Schedule: 

• This internship will run from 6/1/26-8/21/26 or 6/15/26-9/4/26.
  • The first day of the internship will be a full day orientation from 9am-5pm. This is required, even if you will not normally be scheduled on Mondays.
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 24 hours per week during this time period, pending business needs and individual performance.
  • Preferred schedule: Flexible Monday-Friday between 9am and 5pm.  Potential for some early evenings or weekends based on recruitment activities, but this will be rare.
  • Set schedule based on intern availability and host department needs. 

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at internship@sheddaquarium.org.
 
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.