Experiential Learning Opportunities in Environmental Studies
Experiential learning opportunities are key when investigating careers in environmental studies, whether internships, job shadows, or informational interviews. Below is a list of locations where St. Olaf students have completed environmental experiential learning activities since 2000. Use this list to get started and to spark your creativity – there are numerous organizations not mentioned here that may also offer opportunities!
Organizations where Oles have interned in the past
Categories of organizations include:
- Community-based Organizations
- International Environmental Organizations
- Nature Centers & Zoos
- State & Federal Agencies
Want to download a Word version of this list? Click here.
Organizations where Oles have interned in the past
- Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University – Located in Tempe, AZ.
- Cannon River Watershed Partnership – Local environmental program.
- Cemstone – Environmentally sustainable concrete company in Mendota Heights, MN.
- Clean Wisconsin – Environmental advocacy group located in Madison, WI.
- Eastvold Custom Woodworks – Independent company in St. Paul, MN.
- Foresight Design Initiative – Organization in Chicago, IL that takes action and fosters dialog on sustainable innovation.
- Leaders for Social Change Summer Internship Program – Civic engagement program located in Northfield, MN.
- Northfield Center for Sustainable Living (CSL) – Non-profit organization.
- Ocean Mammal Institute – Non-profit research organization in Pennsylvania.
- Organically Grown Company – Organic agriculture organization on West coast.
- ReNew Northfield – Ecologically-friendly construction company.
- Steele County Environmental Services – Environmental office in Owatonna, MN.
- STOGROW – Student run community initiative at St. Olaf.
- Theater of the Sea – Marine animal park located in Islamorada, Florida.
- Transit for Livable Communities – Non-profit transportation organization in St. Paul, MN.
- Washington Environmental Council – Activist organization in Seattle, WA.
International Environmental Organizations
- Asian Rural Institute Training center for rural community leaders in Northern Japan.
- Earth & Oceanic Sciences Research Institute (AUT) – Located in New Zealand.
- Free The Planet – Environmental internships located across the nation.
- Fundacion Brethren y Unida (FBU) – Non-profit Ecuadorian NGO.
- La Anita Rainforest Ranch – Educational eco-tourist resort located in Costa Rica.
- Peace Coffee – Organic coffee company based in Minneapolis, MN.
- Planet Drum Foundation – Internships located in San Fransisco, CA and Ecuador.
- Roots and Shoots – Global environmental program with programs in hundreds of countries.
- Dodge Nature Center – Located in West Saint Paul, MN.
- Minnesota Zoo – Zoological internships in Apple Valley, MN.
- River Bend Nature Center – Educational & leisure nature center located in Faribault, MN.
- St. Olaf Natural Lands – 700 acres of campus natural lands.
- Three Rivers Park District – Natural resources park system in suburban Minneapolis, including Lowry Nature Center and Gale Woods Farm.
- Wildlife Science Center – Includes both wildlife management and education programs in Forest Lake, MN.
- Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center – Located in Finland, MN.
- Department of Natural Resources – Variety of internships in each state's department.
- Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance – Pollution control issues in St. Paul, MN.
- National Institute of Environmental Health Studies – Health Institute in North Carolina.
- National Park Service – Choose from dozens of National Parks across the U.S.
- University of Minnesota Extension Service – Locations across MN on environment topics.
- U.S. Forest Service – Manages public lands in national forests and grasslands.
General Search Resources
INTERNSHIP POSTINGS
Where To Look- Piper Center Internship Search Resources
SPECIFIC INTERNSHIP POSTINGS
Environmental Careers Opportunities
GreenJobs
SustainableBusiness.com
Treehugger.com
iSeek Green
Green Energy Jobs
Ecological Society of America
National Council for Science and the Environment
Idealist.org internships
General Directories
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
These organizations provide information, networking, and additional training opportunities and may offer student memberships at a discount.
Association for Environmental Health and Sciences
American Water Resources Association
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
Solar Energy International
American Wind Energy Association
Society of Environmental Journalists
Tips from Alumni in Environmental Careers
LINKS which provide additional information beyond internships in the following areas.
Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications
Architecture
Construction Science
Environmental Studies / Science
Food and Agricultural Business
Food Science
Forestry
Geology
Plant Biology
Plant Biology
