What are the responsibilities and job description for the STEAM Summer Internship Program position at City of Elgin?
Are you interested in science, technology, engineering, arts or math?
The city of Elgin's new STEAM Summer Internship Program is an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors with a proven interest in STEM and arts fields, to help with projects that make Elgin a better place to work and live.
STEAM jobs in the city of Elgin range from working outside testing water, hands-on fixes to computers, checking the health of our public trees to working in a lab testing the city’s water.
| Information Technology Services (ITS) Department | Gain hands-on experience with the technology that powers city operations. Interns will learn about municipal software and hardware systems, perform computer maintenance and troubleshooting, assist with software upgrades, and support IT staff with various technical projects. Perfect for students interested in IT careers, computer science, or information systems. |
| Water & Engineering Department | Dive into the world of civil engineering and water management. Interns will collect and analyze water samples, gather data on service line replacements, assist utility locators in finding underground infrastructure, and review plans for water system projects. This position offers a balance of fieldwork and office experience, providing comprehensive exposure to municipal engineering practices. |
| Parks Department - Hawthorne Hills Nature Center | Work alongside the Nature Center Naturalist in this environmentally focused role. Interns will assist with ecological restoration projects, develop and deliver educational programming, conduct tours for visitors, and help maintain the center's natural exhibits. Ideal for students studying environmental science, education, or conservation. |
| Lords Park Zoo | Experience animal care and zoological operations firsthand. Interns will help feed and care for both domesticated and wild animals, assist with habitat maintenance, ensure animal safety and welfare, and potentially support educational programming for zoo visitors. This position is perfect for students interested in animal science, zoology, or wildlife management. |
| Department of Cultural Arts and Special Events | Get involved in creating memorable community experiences. Interns will assist with planning and executing city events, develop marketing materials, contribute to design work, and help coordinate logistics. This position offers excellent experience for students studying event management, marketing, communications, or public relations. |
| City Manager's Office - Sustainability | Be part of Elgin's sustainability efforts. Interns will collaborate with city staff on environmental initiatives, assist with community education and outreach, help raise awareness about sustainability-related city services, and contribute to planning efforts. This position is ideal for students passionate about environmental studies, public policy, or sustainable development. |
The City of Elgin's STEAM Summer Internship Program invites creative problem-solvers to join real projects that make the community better. As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience while making a real difference in Elgin.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Be entering junior or senior year of high school
· Reside in Elgin
What Will I Do?
STEAM internships at the City of Elgin offer diverse experiences across the organization. From implementing sustainability initiatives and providing IT support to caring for animals at Lords Park Zoo, conducting ecological restoration at Hawthorne Hills Nature Center, and testing water quality in our labs—each position provides valuable career exposure and professional development.
Program Details
Dates: June 9 - August 8, 2025
Hours: Approximately 30 hours per week
Compensation: $15.00 per hour
Requirements: All candidates must successfully pass a background investigation, criminal history record check, and drug test prior to employment
Academic Credit: This program may provide elective credit for some high schools
Questions?
Contact Human Resources at 847-931-6076
Salary : $15
