North American Bear Center Internship Program
Our internship programs are like no other!
We offer two unique experiences: Bear Educator and Northwoods Ecology Intern.
Our internship program is ideal for undergraduate students exploring careers in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental sciences, ecology, wildlife management, animal behavior, or related fields. We are happy to work with a college advisor so interns can receive credit for this program.
Bear Educator
Bear internships are available in both summer and fall. Bear interns will educate our guests about bears by leading programs and answering questions. They are also responsible for all aspects of bear care and enclosure maintenance.
Northwoods Ecology Internship
Ecology internships are available in the summer and fall. Ecology interns will educate our guests about native small animals and northwoods ecology by leading programs and answering questions. They are also responsible for all aspects of small animal care and terrarium/aquarium maintenance.
Goal of the Internship Program: The goal of the North American Bear Center’s internship program is to give pre-professionals a strong background in black bear biology, ecology, behavior, and animal husbandry. We also strive to help you gain confidence in public speaking and communication.
Who can apply: This internship is ideal for undergraduate and recent graduate students exploring careers in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental sciences, ecology, wildlife management, natural resources, animal behavior, or related fields. These fields of study will be given preference in the selection process. NOTE: Unfortunately at this time, positions are available to U.S. citizens only.
Benefits: Summer and Fall internships include free housing and a stipend!
Not only will you learn about our center and work with some amazing animals, but you will also build new friendships, meet people from around the country, and work in a fun environment.
The center is located in Ely, Minnesota right on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Superior National Forest. The BWCAW encompasses over one million acres of pristine wilderness and is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the entire nation. This area is not only rich in flora and fauna, but also supports endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. There is no shortage of hiking, camping, biking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, climbing, boating, fishing, and much more.
Application Deadlines
| Position Dates | Application Deadline |
| Bear Educator Intern-Summer May 2026 through August 2026 |
February 27th, 2026 @ 3pm CT (or until filled) |
| Northwoods Ecology Intern May 2026 through August 2026 |
February 27th, 2026 @ 3pm CT (or until filled) |
| Bear Educator Intern-Fall August 2026 through October 2026 |
March 31st, 2026 @ 3pm CT (or until filled) |
(some flexibility with start & end dates, to accommodate academic and personal needs)
Application Requirements
If you would like to apply to our internship program, please submit the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Copy of your school transcript
- Application form- signed
Your application is not complete until all items are received. Please click the button below if you would like to apply:
Send all required materials via email to:
Macy Bernard
Biologist/Intern Program Director
macy@bear.org
218-365-7879
Please make sure all application materials are up to date before submitting. Updated information is usually posted in November for the following season.
Here is what some of our interns had to say about their experiences at the North American Bear Center:
“The opportunity to work at the NABC was genuinely the opportunity of a lifetime. It is something that I will cherish forever. I got to work closely with my favorite animals and teach people about them. What could be better than that? The staff is amazing. They care so much about what they do and for the people who work there. It felt like home. I was able to make awesome memories and friendships that will last me the rest of my life. I cannot thank the NABC enough for the amazing opportunity.”
-Ben from Georgia, 2025 intern
“…I had an amazing time as an ecology intern. Every day was an adventure! I developed so many different skills across a large array of scientific fields and I am going out into the world feeling much more confident in my abilities to relay science to the public and my ecology skills. The Northwoods Ecology Hall animals are fantastic, have their own unique personalities and are great to work with to present programs. The staff are incredible, encouraging and supportive. I walked away from this internship with a community of interns, staff, and volunteers that have become my friends. If you have an opportunity to be at the bear center, take it. It is wholeheartedly worth it.”
-Aislinn from Minnesota, 2025 intern
“My time as an Ecology Educator at the North American Bear Center was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Working one-on-one with the public and being able to teach people of all ages something new about black bears and all of the critters as well as their home in the Minnesota Northwoods was a very rewarding experience and I’m very grateful to have been able to do so. I learned so much about a place I had never been before while surrounded by such kind and supportive staff and interns who were able to make my internship an invaluable tool for my future career in ecology by allowing me to ask questions and get as much out of the experience as possible.”
– Jennifer from New Mexico, 2023 Intern
“The NABC is such a great facility and getting the opportunity to work so closely with the bears and staff was something unforgettable. I gained tons of knowledge and skills, when it came to caring for the bears but also educating the public. The facility is amazing but the staff is even better. They were willing to help me with anything, and enjoyed sharing their knowledge with all of the interns. Places like this are hard to find, especially when it comes to working in biological fields. I got to meet people from around the country, and we all were able to connect over our love for animals. So in the end, I walked away with more than just animal care experience, I walked away with friends and endless amounts of good stories and skills.”
-Tiffany from Minnesota, 2023 Intern.
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