The McCleery Lab with the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida is seeking 2 highly motivated field technicians for research in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. The technicians will assist on a project studying management techniques for invasive Burmese pythons and developing a real-time notification system for python detection. The technician will NOT be handling pythons–this project focuses on using new technological tools to efficiently manage invasive species, so a strong interest in invasive species management and ecology is preferred. This is a temporary, full-time position that will run from mid-June through mid-October 2025. Technicians will be responsible for deploying and maintaining sensory lures and using camera traps and AI species detection models to monitor python activity. Additional duties will include photo processing, data entry, and miscellaneous tasks as needed. Applicants must be comfortable working long days in hot and humid conditions with snakes, biting insects, and alligators. Field housing will be provided as well as a state vehicle for work-related travel.  

Qualifications:

Application: To apply, please send the following in a single PDF document to Maggie Jones at jones.m@ufl.edu: 1) cover letter with qualifications and reasons why this job would be a good fit for you, 2) resume, and 3) names and contact information for 2 references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the positions are filled. The salary for this position is $16/hr, and housing will be provided. More information about the McCleery Lab can be found at http://www.themccleerylab.org/.

The Alabama Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit at Auburn University is seeking Mammal Sampling Technicians (8) for a multi-species inventory and conservation project on selected state-owned lands within Alabama. Primary responsibilities will include conducting small mammal live trapping using Sherman traps and deployment/pick up of camera traps and Anabat detectors. Other duties will include field gear organization, data management, and maintenance of field equipment and vehicles. Candidates must be prepared and able to work under challenging environmental conditions, which include exposure to elements such as heat, humidity, and the presence of wildlife and insects.  

Qualifications: Ideal candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a biology-related field, display high motivation, and have experience in conducting field surveys. Proficiency in GPS navigation, possession of a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work in challenging environmental conditions are essential. Candidates should be comfortable carrying light-medium weighted field equipment for extended periods. Candidates with a positive attitude, effective communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are desired.  

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Desired Skills: 

• Previous experience in southeastern small mammal identification, specifically mice, rats, shrews, moles, voles, chipmunks, and squirrels.  
• Previous experience with small mammal handling and collecting physical measurements 
• Previous experience in deployment and management of Reconyx camera traps. 
• Previous experience in deployment and management of Anabat detectors.  

The Mammal Sampling Technician positions are 3-month appointments starting on July 17^th and ending on Oct 17^th. 

Benefits: 

• $18/hour for 40 hour/week (if overtime is worked, it will be paid) 
• Work vehicle provided to and from field sites 
• Housing provided (Airbnb) during the training period and entire field season.  

To Apply: Send a (1) cover letter highlighting relevant experience and your specific interests in the project, (2) resume, and (3) names and contact information for at least 3 relevant references by e-mail jfh0044@auburn.edu. Applications must be received by June 14^th, 2024; however, applications will be reviewed as they are received and continue until the open positions are filled. 

Contact: Justin F. Hall, email: jfh0044@auburn.edu, 804-366-2222 

Two exciting conservation forestry positions are open at the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society in the Southern Appalachians! These Forest Wildlife Specialists will focus on science-based active forest management to improve ecosystem health and habitat diversity for imperiled wildlife species in upstate South Carolina and southeastern Kentucky.

Both positions require a bachelor’s degree or higher in forestry or a closely related field. Additional education and/or experience are preferred. Job responsibilities include quantitative forest inventories, inventory data analysis, management plan preparation, project administration, landowner outreach, and more, with a roughly 3:1 ratio of field work to office work. The positions are salaried, full-time, and year-round, with multi-year terms and a high likelihood of extension.

The links below contain additional details and instructions for applicants. These are great positions for early-career foresters and silviculturists who love the outdoors and want to be on the front lines of forest conservation in the Appalachians!

SC: focuses on forest conservation planning for private landowners, in collaboration with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and other partners. https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RGSAWS_ForestWildlifeSpecialist_SC_2025_FINAL_4.4.pdf

KY: an all-lands position working alongside state, federal, and NGO partners, as well as private landowners. https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RGSAWS_KY_WildlifeForester_Final_2025.pdf

I am currently accepting applications for two paid internship positions for a project exploring how microbial communities and disease pressure vary from forest floor to canopy (aka the “Death from Above” project). Utilizing STRI’s canopy access crane in the seasonally dry forest of Parque Natural Metropolitano, this multifaceted and multi-year project: (a) assesses whether adult trees are reservoirs of disease for understory juveniles (a key assumption of the Janzen Connell Hypothesis); (b) explores the vertical turnover of microbial communities across abiotic gradients from forest floor to canopy; (c) investigates the role of abiotic factors in microbial turnover; (d) determines whether a disease gradient is correlated with vertical abiotic gradients; and (e) captures interannual changes in microbial community composition and disease levels. Interns will contribute to the fourth year of data collection. To learn more about my lab, please visit: striresearch.si.edu/death-lab/ & instagram.com/deathlabpanama/

Internship Duration: Three months (August 13-November 13, 2025)

Locations: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) facilities in the town of Gamboa, Panamá (primary) and Parque Natural Metropolitano, Panamá (occasionally)

Stipend Support: These paid internships include a monthly stipend of $1,250 to cover living expenses while at STRI, as well as a travel allowance.

Eligibility: Open to recent graduates (post-bachelor’s and -master’s) of all nationalities who meet some or all listed qualifications. Interns will be selected based on merit and potential for achievement, including alignment between the project and the candidate’s interests and experience, potential for career advancement, and the completeness of the application.

Desired Qualifications: foundational knowledge of ecology, mycology, and botany; strong work ethic, including proactivity and efficiency; ability to quickly learn new protocols and procedures; team-oriented mindset with adaptability, professionalism, and responsible behavior; excellent attention to detail and commitment to collecting high-quality data; and experience with: accurate and effective data entry, processing, and documentation, aseptic techniques for culturing microorganisms and/or extracting and amplifying DNA, and fieldwork in hot, humid conditions and environments with insects. The following are beneficial but not required: comfort working at heights, basic Spanish, and the ability to drive a manual vehicle with a clean driving record.

Interns’ Role & Expected Products: This is a full-time, 3-month appointment that requires residence in Gamboa, Panama. Interns are expected to dedicate 40 hours per week to research activities, with the following estimated time allocation: 10% fieldwork (Parque Natural Metropolitano), 75% laboratory work (in Dr. Spear’s lab in Gamboa), and 15% computer-based tasks (e.g., data entry, use of ImageJ). The project involves collecting diseased leaf tissue in the understory and canopy, using STRI’s canopy access crane, as well as conducting lab-based work according to established protocols. Tasks include observing and documenting the external condition of leaves, culturing and molecular identification of fungi, downloading and labeling images following standardized naming conventions, and uploading files to OneDrive. All interns are expected to contribute to written reports documenting methodology, results, and outcomes; and consider the broader impacts of the research project and engage in science communication by developing relevant outreach materials (e.g., social media content, a short article for the STRI newsletter, etc.) and participating in in-person outreach activities with visiting students and donors.

Mentorship Goals: Interns will gain hands-on experience and develop practical skills in both field and lab settings. Research and career guidance will be provided by Dr. Spear and other team members through one-on-one mentorship and regular group meetings. A central goal is for each intern’s active participation and unique contributions to lead to inclusion as a co-author on at least one scientific publication. At STRI, interns join a vibrant scientific community and build a network of mentors and potential collaborators across various career stages. Interns are encouraged to attend STRI’s weekly seminars, which offer exposure to a wide range of research topics and provide opportunities to engage with the broader scientific community.

Application deadline for full consideration: May 19, 2025. Applications submitted after this date may be considered until the positions are filled.

Required Application Materials: (1) a professional résumé or CV detailing relevant education and experience; (2) a 1–2 page statement describing: your motivation for applying, academic training and experiences that have prepared you for the project, and what you hope to accomplish during the internship, including how it aligns with your career goals; (3) unofficial transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions; (4) one letter of reference from an individual familiar with your academic and/or research performance. Please compile and send materials 1-3 to: Dr. Erin Spear, STRI Staff Scientist and Principal Investigator of the DEATH Lab (SpearER@si.edu). Please give your reference my email address (SpearER@si.edu) and ask them to send me their letter of reference directly.

Erin R. Spear, PhD, Staff Scientist, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Research Associate (Technician) Position in Ecology:

I am searching for a detail-oriented, responsible research technician, with experience and/or interests in the field of ecology. The technician’s primary duties will be to work on two NSF-funded projects investigating plant and/or microbial responses to biotic and abiotic environmental changes. Daily work will include the following activities:

1. General lab management (ordering and purchasing supplies, maintaining equipment, and keeping the lab clean, organized, and meeting environmental health and safety guidelines).
2. Conducting greenhouse and field experiments, including planting and maintaining treatments (e.g., setting up field plots, installing treatments in the field, sampling soil microbial communities, and applying microbial inoculations in the greenhouse) and measuring response variables (e.g., plant growth, plant traits, plant community composition).
3. Entering data, writing experimental protocols and methods summaries, and maintaining databases.
4. Mentoring and training undergraduate student researchers.

Applicants must have a B.S. in Biology or a related field, and would ideally have experience with greenhouse, field, and/or lab experiments. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply—this would be a good opportunity to obtain research experience for recent graduates interested in eventually pursuing graduate degrees or permanent research jobs. One year of funding is available, but may be extended dependent on the technician’s performance and the availability of funding. Salary will be $39,000 plus benefits. The position is available immediately, although the start date is flexible. Interested parties should apply at: https://hrms.iu.edu/psc/PH1PRD_PUB/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U. Applicants are welcome to discuss the position with PI Lau before applying (jenlau@iu.edu) and can find out more information about the Lau lab at: https://www.laulab.com/. Evaluation of applications will begin 20 May 2025 and continue until the position has been filled.

Are you interested in working with Ospreys this field season?  I am looking for two sincere, versatile, highly motivated individuals who have a strong work ethic to conduct field work on a state-listed species: Osprey in Illinois.  Our project is to promote population growth of Osprey in Illinois via hacking.  “Hacking” is the process of raising and releasing juvenile raptors at the intended sites for establishing local breeding populations down the road. 

Successful field technicians are capable of paying attention to detail and following instructions closely.  They have to be effective in monitoring and data collection.  Field technicians are required to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and able to ensure data quality and accuracy.  Successful candidates need to have good interpersonal skills for working effectively with different stakeholders and partners.

Duties and responsibilities include: 

1. Daily Observations – conduct daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure their well-being.  Make notes of presence of potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking site.
2. Daily Tracking – conduct daily searching and re-sighting of ospreys once they fledge and note their locations before migration.
3. Food Preparation and Feeding – conduct daily preparation of fish and feeding to the hacked ospreys.
4. Planning and Coordination – conduct regular fish pick-ups from the project partners.
5. Daily Reports – submit daily reports regarding the behaviors, locations, and fish consumption by ospreys.  Record any other notable events related to the birds.
6. Maintenance – assist with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking box/tower after the season, as well as the clean-up and inventory of the field gear and equipment.

Requirements: Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in wildlife, environmental science, conservation biology, zoology, or a related field.  Experiences in working with raptors in the field are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Earth, and GPS is highly desirable.  Willingness to travel and flexibility with work schedule are required.  Successful candidates must be team-players, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Candidates also are expected to have strong swimming and kayaking skills.  Individuals must have a personal vehicle, maintain a valid driver’s license, and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours.

Application: Review of applications will start immediately, until the positions are filled.

Starting date: July 1, 2025.

Anticipated ending date: October 7, 2025.

Salary: $688 per WEEK, with free lodging provided (utilities included) and mileage reimbursement when approved.

To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu:

• 1)  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications;
• 2)  Resume, including contact information for three references; and
• 3)  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).

Two available seasonal jobs through NCASI: https://www.ncasi.org/about-ncasi/careers

• Aquatic Research Technician I (2 positions) , Corvallis OR
• July – mid September 2025 (2.5 months)  
•  $18-$20 per hour, no housing provided
• Send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to: Laurie Clark at lclark@ncasi.org, specifying “Aquatic Research Technician” in the subject line. Applicant review will begin April 15, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. 
• Detailed Job description: https://www.ncasi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Aquatic-Research-Technician-Forest-Watershed-Composition-Summer-2025.pdf

• Aquatic Biologist I (2 positions), Corvallis OR
• July through September 2025 (3 months) 
•  $19-$22 per hour, no housing provided
• Send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to: Laurie Clark at lclark@ncasi.org, specifying “Aquatic Biologist I, 3-month Position” in the subject line. Applicant review will begin April 15, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. 
• Detailed Job description: https://www.ncasi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Aquatic-Biologist-I-Forest-Watershed-Composition-Summer-2025.pdf

The Conservation GIS Lab (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/conservation-ecology-center) at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is seeking Remote Sensing/Spatial Ecology Interns to start immediately. The internship project will focus on exploring a combination of remote sensing space-borne lidar data (GEDI) and optical data (e.g., Sentinel or Landsat series) to classify and map vegetation types, specifically targeting understory bamboo and woody invasive plants.

Objectives: 

• Pre-processing forest survey data and spatial datasets at a local or regional level
• Extracting GEDI metrics using Google Earth Engine and Python or R
• Extracting optical data metrics using Google Earth Engine and Python or R.
• Building predictive spatial models for vegetation type classification using statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms.
• Gain experience with the analysis of a wide range of remote sensing data, spatial data analysis, creating maps with various remote sensing data, and scientific communication.

 Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Commitment to a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week.
• Strong background in programming (Google Earth Engine (required) and Python (preferred) or R).
• Knowledge of GIS (preferably ArcGIS or QGIS) and remote sensing analysis is desirable.
• Strong writing skills (required)
• Ability to conduct research independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment.

Benefits:

• A competitive stipend up to $1,600 monthly, based on education and experience.
• Optional $9/day dormitory-style housing on the SCBI campus.
• Interns will have access to a computer and reliable high-speed internet.

Location & terms of appointment:

• On-campus internship in Front Royal, VA
• Minimum commitment of six months, beginning as soon as possible, with priority to longer-term candidates.
• Engaging with a cohort of fellow interns and researchers through regular meetings and communications.

How to apply:

• Applications are open until the position is filled.
• Apply via the Smithsonian SOLAA system (https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/#/public). Search for “Internship” under “National Zoological Park”. The program name is “Conservation GIS Internship Program”.
• Submit a CV and a cover letter detailing:

1. Statement of Interest
2. Potential start date and the duration of time you are available for the internship.
3. Contact information for three references.
4. Elaborate on your programming experience and skill as much as possible.
5. Please combine ALL following information in one pdf document and upload it as cover letter in the system.

Notes:

• Successful candidates may need a background check, which might include fingerprinting at a Smithsonian or police facility.
• Due to a high volume of applications received, we are unable to contact each applicant individually regarding the application status. The SOLAA application system will provide the most updated status regarding individual applications and the position.

About SCBI:

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is located at the north entrance of the Shenandoah National Park in Front Royal, VA, about 60 miles west of Washington, D.C. Dedicated to promoting the conservation of biological diversity, SCBI not only furthers the Smithsonian Institution’s broader objectives but also enriches our understanding by studying endangered species, habitats, and communities. Beyond research, SCBI plays an important role in sharing these insights through advanced studies, professional training programs, and public outreach.

Analyst, Geographical Information Systems, Alabama Natural Heritage Program / Auburn University Museum of Natural History

The Alabama Natural Heritage Program (ALNHP) of the Auburn University Museum of Natural History (AUMNH) is seeking an expert in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) as they apply to natural history surveys and collections. The successful candidate will have experience in building and using habitat suitability models, the use of GIS to develop maps in the development and successful outcome of ALNHP and AUMNH projects, and have experience in conservation, ecology, or a related discipline on plants, animals, or other organisms related to the mission of ALNHP. The candidate will be responsible for the upkeep and addition of species records to the ALNHP monitored species list in the program Biotics (https://www.natureserve.org/products/biotics-5), serve as the ALNHP point of contact with NatureServe, and to interact with students on GIS-related projects. The candidate will be expected to contribute to AUMNH outreach and education efforts.  The successful candidate may have the opportunity to contribute to classes or workshops in using GIS in Natural History. A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related environmental field with a specialization in GIS is required, but a master’s or Ph.D. in these fields is preferred.  For more information on the AUMNH, please visit: http://www.aumnh.auburn.edu.

Evaluation of applications will begin 11 April 2025. Submit a CV, a cover letter describing relevant experience (GIS experience including habitat suitability modeling, natural history experience, and experience with the Natural Heritage Program Network or similar organizations), and names and contact information of three references. For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan W. Armbruster, Director AUMNH, Department of Biological Sciences, 101 Life Sciences, Auburn University, AL 36849, Armbrjw@auburn.edu. See aumnh.auburn.edu for more information on the museum and natural heritage program. Auburn University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and actively seeks applications from qualified women and minority candidates.

Minimum Qualifications: Level I – Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, or closely related field with no relevant experience. Level II – Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, or closely related field with 2 years of experience with GIS. Level III – Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, or closely related field with 4 years of experience in GIS.

Desired Qualifications: A Master’s or PhD in Biology, Environmental Sciences, or closely related field with 2 or more years experience in GIS.

Salary Range: $43,600 – $81,160

To apply: Visit https://www.auemployment.com/postings/51671

This unique internship is a collaborative effort between the Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS), Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), and Hubbard Brook Research Foundation. Each organization contributes to public understanding of the weather, climate, and ecology of the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. The focus of this internship will be on creating a yearly almanac that effectively communicates changes to the climatology and biology of the White Mountains to a general audience. 

Information about Research Internships at Archbold Biological Station, Venus, Florida.  These are generally 9-months or more, and designed for post-baccs considering graduate school in an ecological focus.

Careers page with current internship openings.

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is dedicated to understanding how ecosystems work. Our scientists are global experts in the ecology of: freshwater, forests, disease, and cities. Through collaborative efforts, we apply our science to policy and management that protects the environment and improves human well-being. The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies campus is in Millbrook, NY.

The Chicago Botanic Garden sponsors many internships and jobs in various aspects of ecological research, all over the US. 

• Internships at Chicago Botanic
• Employment at Chicago Botanic

The Wetlands Institute is a non-profit organization in southern New Jersey whose mission is to promote appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of wetlands and coastal ecosystems through our programs in research, education, and conservation. 

• Internships at Wetlands Institute  
• Employment at Wetlands Institute

The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) employs many seasonal field technicians through their Ecological Mapping, Monitoring, and Analysis (EMMA) program, which supports informed management of public lands in the West. EMMA’s cadre of trained ecologists and biologists collect data in upland, wetland, and aquatic habitats, using protocols developed by our own team and by partner agencies. Our GIS and data specialists map wetlands and riparian areas and assist EMMA scientists with the analysis of spatial and tabular data sets.

Northwoods Stewardship Center has various seasonal internship and job opportunities.

Several organizations sponsor and organize Seeds of Success (SOS) crews throughout the US west during the field season:

• Institute for Applied Ecology
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• Chicago Botanic Garden (search for “technician” or “seeds”): Our Conservation and Land Management Program (CLM) offers real-world experience to recent college graduates and early-career professionals interested in land management, applied ecology, botany, and native seed collection.  We hire folks to work with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Forest Service (USFS), and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).  SOS positions include Field Technicians and Botanists.  These positions will start between February and early June, and end between August and late October, depending on the location.

Please direct questions to Chris Woolridge at: cwoolridge@chicagobotanic.org. 

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental-scale observation facility funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle. The NEON program is designed to collect long-term, open-access ecological data to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing, from freshwater systems such as streams, rivers, and lakes to terrestrial systems spanning tropical forests to deserts to tundra.  

See Work Opportunities at NEON

The Great Basin Institute is an interdisciplinary field studies organization that promotes environmental research, education, and service through the west. GBI recruits Field Technicians to work with GBI and BLM staff for the field season. https://thegreatbasininstitute.org/employment/

The Jones Center at Ichauway hires various seasonal technicians throughout the year. On-site housing is provided on a limited basis but is optional. 

Woodwell Climate Research Center seeks applicants for multiple field assistant positions:  Careers – Woodwell

The Walker Basin Conservancy leads the effort to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental and recreational interests in the Walker Basin. The Conservancy acquires water rights and ranches to increase freshwater flows to Walker Lake, re-establishes native plant communities on former agricultural fields, increases public access and recreation opportunities, and develops practical solutions to save Walker Lake. 

National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI) hires multiple field biologists for the field season, including Post-fire Riparian Vegetation, Aquatic Ecology, Pollinators, birds & bats, and red tree voles. The research projects take place in Oregon and Northern California. Position lengths and start/end dates vary. Careers – NCASI.

Conservation Corps throughout the US host crews and interns for research, conservation, education, and interpretation.

Internships of various lengths with varied foci – botany, ecology, trails, resources, history, etc.  There are group internship programs where you’d be one of many, and also designated “individual placement” internships.

General Benefits: Living Stipend, Housing or housing allowance, training; AmeriCorps Education Award, and often a certificate that allows for competitive hiring for US government jobs.

• American Association for the Advancement of Science
• American Institute of Biological Sciences
• Association of Zoos & Aquariums
• Conservation Job Board
• Dynamic Ecology
• Ecological Society of America
• EcoJobs
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
• Ornithological Council
• Society for Conservation Biology
• Society for the Study of Evolution
• Texas A&M Natural Resources Job Board
• The Wildlife Society