About This Role
This internship for the Keller Science Action Center involves using artwork and graphic design to communicate the ecological and cultural significance of species in Chicagoland rivers. The Scientific Illustrator will create a set of scientific illustrations highlighting these species and use them to communicate conservation needs. This is a hybrid position, working 28 hours per week for 16 weeks.
Responsibilities
- Produce scientific illustrations of species dependent on Chicagoland rivers, such as fish, birds, and bivalves
- Create additional pieces for engaging a popular audience, such as stickers, postcards, a graphic novel, a comic book, or a poster series
- Work closely with scientists and the Artist-in-Residence to ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency across illustration and design outputs
- Present and exhibit completed illustrations and campaign materials at a Keller Science Action Center event
- Participate in occasional field work in Chicago and the broader Calumet and Kankakee Regions to deepen ecological understanding and inform illustration choices
Requirements
- Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in scientific illustration, fine arts, graphic design, or similar, or equivalent experience
- Ability to portray subjects in a scientific manner in one or more mediums
- Experience creating artwork from life and from photo references
- Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
- Ability to work in a hybrid in-person/virtual work environment
- Strong time and project management skills
- Interest in ecology, conservation, and science communication
- Ability to research subjects of the illustrations
- Passion to develop skills in scientific illustration
- Commitment to continued learning in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion competencies
- Portfolio of 5-10 illustration samples that demonstrate skill and experience in illustration of natural subjects (upload one PDF of all samples)
- Cover letter describing how you fulfill the qualifications listed above
Important Details
- Schedule: 28 hours per week for 16 weeks
- Application deadline: November 23, 2026
Application Process
- Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by November 30, 2026
About the Company
Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, the organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history. This position is represented by Field Museum Workers’ United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.
