North American Bear Center Internship 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.

2027 Bear Position Description NEW

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.

2027 Northwoods Ecology Position Description NEW

“I loved working at the North American Bear Center! My internship gave me so much good experience in the wildlife field. I learned about caring for captive wildlife, education, public speaking, and I even had the opportunity to conduct some research of my own – not to mention getting to hang out with bears all day! Being able to work with the public and educate them about things we are taught to fear our whole lives is such a privilege and if you get the chance you should take it. Working at the NABC is something I will never forget!”

– Sam from Illinois, 2026 intern

“Interning at the NABC has been the coolest experience of my life. There aren’t many internships that offer you the opportunity to do both animal care and education, but this internship is a masterclass in combining the two. …I gained confidence in both captive black bear care and leading educational programming, and had so much fun doing it. The staff are some of the most welcoming and caring people I’ve ever met, always willing to help, no matter the task. If you love bears, don’t mind getting dirty, and like having fun, this truly is the internship for you, HIGHLY recommend :)”

– Jord from Minnesota, 2026 intern

“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