These biology jobs and internships are paid opportunities that also typically compensate participants with some combination of housing, food, and travel stipends. They are mostly field-based, do not involve an individual research project, and are a great way to gain experience in field work and data collection. They are listed in chronological order by posting date.
Winter/Spring 2026
12/2 – Field Technician – Riparian Bird Monitoring – OR
Base Salary: $20.17 per hour
Location: Applegate and Rogue Valleys, southwestern Oregon
Duration: April 13 – July 17, 2026
Application: Send a cover letter, résumé, and contacts for 3 professional references to smr@klamathbird.org. Please include your dates of availability, vehicle type (use of a personal vehicle for work purposes may be necessary), and where you saw this job ad in your letter. Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin Dec 29; positions will remain open until filled.
Position Description:
The Field Technician will contribute to KBO’s growing riparian bird monitoring program. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure to an array of avian field research techniques while working in a beautiful part of the world. Our office is located in Ashland, OR, and field work takes place at riparian restoration sites in the Applegate and Rogue Valleys of southwestern Oregon, from April 13 – July 17, 2026. The Field Technician should be prepared to start work by dawn and work outdoors 8-10 hrs/day, 5 days/week. Primary duties are spot-map surveys and nest-monitoring for a suite of riparian songbird focal species, insect counts, vegetation surveys, and data entry. The Field Technician will also provide some oversight for three interns. Training in specific field protocols will be provided. Shared housing for the four-person field crew will be provided. Initial transportation to Oregon is the responsibility of the applicant. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and be able to provide their driving record. The Field Technician will be reimbursed for per-mile transportation costs at the federal rate for any work travel done in a personal vehicle.
Job Status: This is a Non-exempt position. Non-exempt employees are subject to minimum wage and overtime requirements and are generally paid on an hourly basis. Field Technicians may only work overtime (>40 hours in a given week) upon approval; if so, the overtime rate will be paid at time and a half (1.5 x base pay).
About KBO: Klamath Bird Observatory advances bird and habitat conservation through science, education, and partnerships. We use birds as indicators of the healthy and resilient ecosystems on which we all depend. Our program areas reflect the highest conservation priorities for reversing the decline of western bird populations and the habitats on which they depend. Our current applied ecology programs focus on improving management and restoration of conifer forests, oak woodlands, riparian habitats, and alpine meadows. Our theoretical research improves our understanding of historic, current, and future population trends of birds in those same ecosystems, and studies birds throughout their full annual life cycles to identify the limiting factors that birds face during breeding and non-breeding seasons. We bring our results to bear through science delivery involving partnership-driven engagement in conservation planning, informing the critical decisions being made today that will have lasting influences on the health of our natural resources well into the future.
Job Duties
Primary duties include:
1. Conducting field work –
• Spot-map surveys to measure territory density for a suite of riparian birds
• Nest-searching and monitoring to measure productivity and nest success
• Measuring nestling growth rates
• Insect counts
• Vegetation surveys
• Data entry into digital databases
2. Providing some oversight for three interns –
• Ensure all data are being collected and filed properly
• Assist with managing daily field crew schedules
• Ensure field protocol and other questions from the crew are brought to your supervisor in a timely manner
Minimum Qualifications
• Minimum education includes at least one year of college. High school graduates may be considered if they have sufficient relevant job experience.
• One season of experience on an avian field research project, or experience in one or more of the field methods listed above (those with less experience should consider applying at the Intern level).
• Strong interest in avian biology, ecology, and/or conservation.
• Ability to hike in rough terrain, off-trail for 1-3 miles per day.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and enthusiasm starting work early (by dawn), and working full days in the field in all weather.
• Ability to carefully follow protocols and meticulously record data.
• Good communication skills with crew members and supervisors.
• Must enjoy the outdoors and be willing to work in areas with poison oak, blackberry thorns, and biting insects.
• Must be comfortable with the potential to encounter rattlesnakes, black bears, and cougars in the field.
• Must be capable of working both independently and with others, interacting with the public, and respectfully sharing housing.
• Comfort around flowing water is also necessary; some field sites may need waders to cross streams.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• At least one season of previous experience spot-mapping, nest-searching, and/or nestling handling.
• Ability to identify common Western riparian birds by sight and sound.
• Experience navigating with GPS, Avenza, and/or compass.
• Field crew supervisory experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, conservation, or related sciences.
• Ability to use your own vehicle for work purposes may be required, depending on how many crew members have cars.
Please refer to KBO’s careers and opportunities webpage (https://klamathbird.org/about-kbo/careers-and-opportunities/) for any updated versions of this job announcement.
12/2 – Klamath Bird Observatory Point Count Technicians – OR
Klamath Bird Observatory is hiring point count technicians for the 2026 field season. See the job announcement on our website here: https://klamathbird.org/callnote/point-count-positions-open-for-2026/
Job Title: Point Count Technician – Point Count Program
Base Salary/Hourly Range: $20.17 per hour
Location: Ashland, Oregon
Application: Send a PDF document including a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to Tom McLaren; thm@klamathbird.org
Application Deadline: Review of application will begin November 24th, position will remain open until filled.
Position Description: Klamath Bird Observatory (www.KlamathBird.org) is seeking seasonal field technicians for the 2026 breeding season to complete avian point count surveys from April 27th through July 17th, throughout the ecologically diverse and beautiful regions of southern Oregon, eastern Oregon, and/or northern California. Technicians will conduct work related to multiple projects including monitoring effects of oak and conifer forest restoration on species distributions and long-term monitoring on both private and public lands. Surveyors will work in conifer forests, oak woodlands, eastern Oregon sagebrush habitat, Lava Beds National Monument and/or Redwoods National and State Parks. Applicants should be able to identify a wide variety of western bird species as they may be working in a range of habitats including coniferous forests, subalpine, oak woodlands, and shrub-steppe. Primary responsibilities will include conducting multispecies avian point count surveys and vegetation sampling along off-road transects following standard protocols, and associated data entry. Other tasks may be assigned if time permits. Field training on protocol methodology and distance estimation will be provided at the onset of the season. Camping independently, often at undeveloped or dispersed sites, will be required for most work. A small number of sites may also require overnight backcountry camping. Experience and comfort with backpacking to sites will be discussed and agreed upon prior to the field season and is not required for every position. Several field vehicles are available for use, but it may be necessary for surveyors to use a personal vehicle to travel to work sites. If technicians are required to drive their personal vehicle, mileage reimbursement will be provided. An additional completion bonus of $1000 will be provided at the end of the term of employment if a full season of surveys and data entry has been completed.
Job Status: This is a Non-exempt position. Non-exempt employees are subject to minimum wage and overtime requirements and are generally paid on an hourly basis.
Job Duties:
Conduct multispecies avian point count surveys
• Identify western birds by sight and sound
Conduct vegetation surveys
• Identify common tree and shrub species of the western US
Data entry and data management
• Manage physical copies of survey data, following data management guidelines
• Enter survey data into digital databases
Minimum Qualifications:
• The ability to identify western birds by sight and sound is required.
• Applicants should have a full range of hearing, be in excellent physical condition, and be comfortable working and camping independently.
• Able to hike in steep and rugged off-trail conditions.
• Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and insurance.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Comfort working independently in remote areas and working in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to tolerate working in areas containing poison oak.
• Ability to follow standardized field protocols and collect meticulous data.
• Map reading, GPS, and orientation skills.
• The ability to communicate with coworkers and supervisors effectively.
• Well-qualified applicants should have at least one full season of avian point count field experience.
12/2 – Woodrat Field Technician – CA
The University of Nevada, Reno is seeking 2-3 field technicians to assist in collecting data to estimate movement, densities, and site occupancy of two woodrat species along a secondary contact zone near San Miguel, CA. The technicians will primarily be trapping and collaring woodrats and entering data, working both independently and directly with other technicians and the PhD student directing the project.
Weather permitting, traps will be opened at dusk and checked approximately six hours later with the moving of traps occurring during the early morning. Technicians must be flexible to last minute schedule changes and exhibit a positive attitude. This is not a Monday-Friday, 9-5 job. Work will largely occur at night and hours will vary day to day – whatever is required to finish the work accurately. Technicians should generally expect to work a 6 days on/1 day off schedule, though off days may not occur on the same day each week.
Technicians will be required to carry traps, navigate and geolocate through dense brush, handle woodrats, collar and track animals, take morphometric measurements, take non-invasive genetic samples, collect fecal samples, collect fleas and ticks, and take accurate notes while processing animals. Finally, the technician must be observant and must be able to identify woodrats and distinguish their middens or be able to pick up these skills quickly. Excellent verbal communication skills are required, as is a positive attitude towards supporting the team to achieve project outcomes.
Project will run from early April through late-July/early-August 2026. Salary: $3,000/month.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and ideally their own vehicle for personal use.
Technician will ideally:
- Have small mammal trapping experience (woodrat experience is a plus)
- Possess knowledge and ability to identify small mammals
- Experience maintaining clear communication with off-site supervisors
- Experience using GPS and contact collars on wild populations
- Be able to maintain detailed, organized notes
- Be able to maintain communication to support team morale and shared achievements
- Be able to navigate dense vegetation and mark waypoints with a GPS unit
- Be physically fit enough to walk multiple miles a day, sometimes with heavy bags of traps and other supplies, and the ability to remain on their feet for most the day
- Be observant, a quick learner, and have an interest in small mammals/wildlife
- Be able to deal with temperature extremes (both hot and cold)
- Adaptable to an extremely varied sleep schedule
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references (phone and email) by email to Anita Pilar Montero (amontero@unr.edu) and Marjorie Matocq (mmatocq@unr.edu). We will begin reviewing applications on January 5th and continue until the positions are filled.
NEON (National Ecological Observatory Network)
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. We depend on our people to collect observational data and samples, to monitor automated instrumented systems that collect terrestrial and aquatic data, and to operate our airborne observation platform that captures remote sensing data of regional landscapes and vegetation.
Within NEON, we have several different job opportunities that range from temporary to full-time positions.
You can reach out to Bryce Duchesne, Duchesne@Battelle.org, with any questions!
Summer 2026
12/11 – Forest-Fire Ecology field assistant – NV
Undergraduate field assistant opportunity in Reno, NV. Beth Leger (University of Nevada, Reno) and Stephanie Yelenik (US Forest Service) are seeking multiple field assistants for the summer field season. Our research investigates post-fire regeneration, understory development, and restoration in the Jeffrey pine dominated forests of the Eastern Sierra. This information will be used to better predict where forests will regenerate on their own, where planting is likely to be successful, and determine the best strategies for planting trees after fire. There may also be the opportunity to work on other field projects, including one looking at the impacts of sheep grazing on fuels and sagebrush plant communities. If you are interested in applying, please send a resume and contact information for three references as a single document to Stephanie Yelenik (stephanie.yelenik@usda.gov) and Beth Leger (lelizabeth@unr.edu) by January 15, 2026.
Field and office duties:
- Forest surveys including measuring DBH, height, canopy cover, understory cover, and seedling counts
- Planting trees and monitoring survival
- Hiking to field sites using handheld GPS units and compass
- Data entry
- Driving 4 x 4 vehicles on unpaved roads
Job details:
- Full time (40 hours/week) during the summer, part time during the semester
- Overnight camping in remote locations without cell service
- Hiking over difficult terrain with a 40-lb backpack
- Duty Station is Reno, NV
- Pay: $19/hour
- Start date: mid-May 2026
Desired Qualifications:
- Some prior plant ecology field experience
- Ability to identify plants/use a dichotomous key
- Ability to drive 4 x 4 vehicles on unpaved roads
- Desire to learn new protocols and field techniques
- Ability to work well on a team
- Comfort working in adverse field conditions in post-fire areas, inclement weather, steep slopes
What you will learn:
- New plants, probably!
- All about fire ecology and forestry and range techniques
| Stephanie Yelenik, PhD Research Rangeland Scientist, US Forest Service 805-451-5910 stephanie.yelenik@usda.gov |
12/11 – Forest remote sensing field, drone, and data science positions – CA
The Forest Change Analysis Lab (FOCAL) at the University of California Davis is hiring for several spring/summer 2026 field ecology positions, with the potential for extension into roles that include data science and/or field logistics management. These positions will primarily support two new data science projects in conifer forests across California:
- Automating forest inventory by combining over-canopy drone-based reconstructions with under-canopy 360-degree (e.g. GoPro) imagery to better capture understory trees, shrubs, and logs.
- Quantifying forest recovery 10-40 years post-wildfire using drone and NAIP imagery combined with computer vision models.
Forest Ecology Drone Pilot & Field Crew Leader
The Drone Pilot & Field Crew Leader will pilot a quadcopter drone and lead a 2- to 3-member ground-based field crew in collecting data across California forests
Forest Ecology Field Crew Member
The Field Crew Member will collect vegetation data and ground-based imagery from forests in central and northern California
Position Extension: Field Logistics & Data Manager
This position serves as an optional extension to the Drone Pilot & Field Crew Leader position or the Field Crew Member position. The position will provide field logistics support prior to and during the field season, aid in developing data collection protocols, and assist with management of existing and new lab data, including standardization of forest inventory data for inclusion in the Open Forest Observatory database
Position Extension: Data Scientist
This position serves as an optional extension to the Drone Pilot & Field Crew Leader position or the Field Crew Member position. This position will perform software development and/or data science experiments to support development of automated forest inventory and monitoring methods using multi-source remote sensing data
Application review will begin December 22, 2025. Full position descriptions and application instructions: https://focal-lab.org/position-listing/
12/11 – Trip Leaders: Girls on Outdoor Adventure for Leadership and Science (GALS) – MI
We are looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team as Trip Leaders for the Girls on outdoor Adventure for Leadership and Science (GALS) summer program. As a Trip Leader, you will guide a group of high school students on a transformative 14-day backpacking trip in Michigan. You’ll lead lessons and activities focused on ecology, earth science, and other environmental topics while collaborating with local scientists to offer hands-on learning experiences in the outdoors.
About GALS: GALS is a free summer science program that provides hands-on learning opportunities for students who identify as female or gender nonconforming, students of color, those from low-income backgrounds, and other groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields. All are welcome to apply. Founded in 2016 by four women in science, GALS works to bridge the opportunity gap by offering immersive outdoor experiences. Participants engage in scientific inquiry and experimentation while exploring topics such as environmentalism, sustainability, social justice, and inequality. Learn more about GALS at http://galsmi.weebly.com or read about the first year of our program at: kbs.msu.edu/2025/10/gals-program-first-year/
Key Responsibilities: As a GALS Trip Leader, you will:
- Lead ~10 high school students on a 14-day backpacking trip through Michigan.
- Facilitate curriculum-based lessons and lead outdoor activities related to ecology, earth science, and more.
- Foster a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
- Work closely with the program director and coordinator to ensure a successful, safe trip.
- Participate in a weekend training session in May to familiarize yourself with the curriculum and program structure.
- Maintain current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications (provided by the employer).
Desired Qualifications: Ability to engage in physical activities required for wilderness trips, such as lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying outdoor gear, and hiking over varied terrain. Strong organizational and time management skills. Valid driver’s license with the ability to operate 10-passenger vans (no more than 2 moving violations in the last 3 years and no serious driving convictions in the last 5 years). Passion for science, outdoor adventure, and working with youth. Ability to mentor and engage students from diverse backgrounds. Strong interpersonal skills and experience with networking and relationship-building. Enthusiasm for continuous learning and developing new skills. Attention to detail and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Work Hours: This is a full-time position during the two-week summer program. Prior to the trip, mandatory attendance at two weekend training sessions is required.
Physical Demands: This is an active, outdoor position. Trip leaders must be able to hike long distances, carry heavy backpacks, and participate in physically demanding activities in various weather conditions.
Application Requirements: To apply, please submit the following:
- Fill out the GALS Michigan Trip Leader Questionnaire (https://form.jotform.com/240855182250150 )
- Submit your resume and cover letter through the MSU Careers website (https://careers.msu.edu/jobs/professional-aide-project-pay-in-state-michigan-united-states-6efac59a-7c76-4a26-a972-f8b52d3fff2f )
Application Deadline: January 25, 2026
For more information or to apply, please email us at GALS@kbs.msu.edu . We look forward to receiving your application!
12/11 – Grassland Technician Positions – SD
Biological Science Technician (Plants) Crew Member
This position focuses on collecting field measurements for a drought and grazing study on Buffalo Gap National Grassland in the Northern Great Plains as part of a five-person crew for the 2026 field season. The research study is designed to give land managers and scientists a better understanding of northern mixed-grass prairie plant responses to and recovery from different grazing practices in various types of drought. In support of this mission, the successful applicant will work as a team to collect plant species composition, demography, and biomass data, as well as maintain treatments. Funding is available for up to 24 weeks for each of these seasonal positions; 2 positions starting March 2, 2026 and 2 positions starting May 15, 2026. This position is located in Rapid City, SD at the US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station.
Primary Responsibilities:
· Identifies grassland plants to the species level.
· Uses various sources (including botanical keys and field guides) to identify plants encountered during fieldwork.
· Collects plant community (cover, density), population (tiller development), and physiological (growth rate) data.
· Clips and sorts biomass to measure grassland productivity
· May monitor and maintain field site infrastructure, including weather and soil moisture data loggers.
· Collects below ground plant specimens from the field and prepares them for laboratory dissection.
· Records data electronically and on paper data forms.
· Enters field data into electronic format and checks data for quality control.
· Reports accomplishments and provides recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects.
Related Responsibilities:
· Participates in trainings provided by USFS staff and partners.
· Meets with Host Site (RMRS) Supervisor on a regular basis.
· Reads background literature and protocols to assist with research projects.
· Helps maintain and organize field and lab equipment.
Considerations
Field work requires driving to semi-remote locations coupled with standing, sitting, or kneeling on uneven terrain for most of the day. Weather extremes will vary from cold winds or rain in the spring and fall to temperatures over 100F in the summer, with little to no shade. Work weeks consist of four-10 hour days.
The use of computers, digital cameras, and 4wd vehicles are essential parts of the job. There will be limited overnight travel (up to 4 weeks). Overnight accommodations while in the field will likely be sharing a camper with other crew members. Incumbents must be willing to spend days at a time working at a computer during periods of data entry and analysis. Incumbents should be able to do the following activities:
· Lift up to 30 pounds of material or equipment
· Bend, lift, pull, and push
· Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time
· Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending upon the season)
· Work for 8-10 hours while in the field
Incumbent must have a valid driver’s license and pass a USFS driving test (to be administered during onboarding).
Seasonal housing is available.
To respond to this outreach: We are currently gauging interest in these positions ahead of the formal application process. If you are interested in this position, please send a brief email introducing yourself, your dates of availability for the position, and a resume to Troy Ocheltree (troy.ocheltree@colostate.edu) AND Jacqueline Ott (jacqueline.ott@usda.gov) by December 19, 2025. Responses after December 19, 2025 are welcome but the formal application process may have begun at that time.