Biological Science

Seasonal Job Opportunities

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.

Summer 2025

5/28 – Seasonal Invasive Hornet Survey Specialist – SC

Join our team to protect South Carolina from invasive pests! We are looking for a Seasonal Invasive Hornet Survey Specialist to support early detection and rapid response efforts for the Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH). You’ll conduct independent and team-based surveys, respond to public reports, and enforce plant pest and honeybee regulations. The role involves a mix of fieldwork, outreach, and regulatory enforcement in various environments including apiaries, farms, forests, and residential areas. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Conduct surveys and field inspections for invasive species 
  • Trap and monitor for Yellow-legged hornet (YLH) presence 
  • Assist in eradication and containment efforts 
  • Respond to public reports and educate stakeholders 
  • Maintain and responsibly operate state equipment 
  • Work throughout assigned region and other required areas 
  • Carry out additional duties as needed 

DETAILS:

  • Location: Beaufort, SC Area 
  • Application Deadline: 6/9/25 
  • Minimum Requirement: HS diploma or BS 
  • Preferred: BS or MS 
  • Hours: 37.5–40 per week (Seasonal, 9 months) 
  • Salary: $25/hr 
  • Job Title: Investigator IV 

Apply here: clemson.edu/careers, job ID #: 109710. Questions: honeybeeprotection@clemson.edu. 

4/30 – Forest and Fire Ecology tech – AL

Dr. Heather Alexander is hiring field and lab research technicians to work in the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab at Auburn University for spring/summer 2025, starting May 2025. Must be able to commit 40 hours per week through the end of August, and travel for overnight, multi-day trips (up to a week) outside of Auburn. The positions will include a combination of fieldwork and lab work. No prior experience necessary, but applicants must possess an interest in forest ecology, a willingness to learn, and be capable of (and excited about) working long hours outdoors exposed to heat, cold, biting insects, and thorny vegetation. Pay ranges from $12-$16/hour depending on education and experience.  

Research technicians will gain experience collecting experimental and observational field data. Other tasks will include vegetation sampling, measuring plant traits, plant identification, data entry, and vegetation and soil sample processing in the lab.

If interested, please e-mail a brief description of your interest/experience and a résumé to Tamara Milton (tfm0010@auburn.edu).

4/16 – Water Quality Technician – Salt Lake City, UT

The State of Utah Department of Environmental Quality is recruiting Water Quality Technicians for the 2025 field season. The position is being offered at $16-20, and the description is included below. The Department of Environmental Quality is seeking to fill multiple intern positions in the Division of Water Quality. These are Term-Limited (TL), full time (40 hours per week), seasonal positions.

Principal Duties

  • Assist with field monitoring activities with Monitoring Section Staff
  • Collects, organizes, and review water quality data and samples
  • Delivers field samples to appropriate labs
  • Follows quality assurance procedures including standard operating procedures and field manuals  

Ideal Candidate

  • Work experience or educational background related to watershed sciences
  • Skills include knowledge in physical, chemical, and biological dynamics of water quality monitoring
  • Experience with operating scientific monitoring equipment
  • Experience with operating 4WD vehicles, boats, and towing trailers
  • Ability to get along with a diversity of personalities and maintain a positive attitude under stressful situations
  • Flexible schedule and able to travel overnight frequently
  • Knowledge with handling, collecting and identifying fish

Preferences: An associate degree or higher in a field related to watershed sciences is preferred. But, candidates who are still pursuing their degree will be considered. This includes environmental studies, natural resources, wildlife biology, environmental chemistry, geology, etc.
Certification is unnecessary.

Additional Information:

  • This is a term-limited (temporary), non-benefited position anticipated to last May through October 2025. The schedule is 40 hours per week.
  • This is a field-based position where working in inclement weather and physically demanding work conditions is common. Candidates must be familiar with working in a variety of conditions including: rain, snow, heat, wind, uneven and slippery surfaces, and strenuous situations. Additionally, given the nature of the position, candidates must be comfortable working in and around water. This includes wading streams, working in wetlands, and being on lakes/reservoirs.
  • Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
  • Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.

State of Utah Job Portal: APPLY HERE.

3/21 – Field Technician to survey Lakes and Reservoirs – OR

The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs at Portland State University is hiring field technicians this summer to survey lakes and reservoirs in the Pacific Northwest for the early detection of aquatic invasive mussels (particularly Dreissena spp.), snails, crayfish, and invasive plants. This position will include field surveys at lakes and rivers, specimen collection, specimen ID training, lab analysis (involving the handling of hazardous chemicals), and field work involving eDNA sampling for invasive mussels, and water chemistry sampling. There will be lots of time spent both driving a truck with a trailer, and piloting a boat at waterbodies. This position is excellent for gaining experience in field sampling, lab analysis, and research in aquatic systems.

Pay rate: starts at $19.86 / hr

Minimum qualifications:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • A degree in biological or physical science (or enrollment in a college-level degree program)
  • Ability to follow dichotomous keys
  • Attention to detail and note taking during meetings and in the field
  • Basic computer skills (word processing, simple spreadsheets, navigation apps…)
  • Comfortable around water and dirty conditions
  • Ability to solve unforeseen problems in areas with little/no cell or wifi coverage
  • Ability to get along with crew members during extended time in the field

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience conducting field surveys
  • Experience using GPS and navigation programs
  • Field data collection and management using Survey123 or similar program
  • Practice and experience hauling trailers and backing them up
  • Practice and experience operating small boats with combustion engines
  • Familiarity identifying aquatic plants
  • Familiarity with freshwater invertebrate identification
  • Experience working in remote settings
3/3 – Trail Conference Conservation Corps – NY

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team as Trail Crew Members, Invasives Strike Force Members, and Trail Stewards. These AmeriCorps positions offer hands-on experience in conservation, trail work, and environmental stewardship across the Hudson Valley, New York area.

  • Season Dates: April/May – August/September/October/November (depending on positions)
  • Benefits:
    • Living stipend & education award upon completion
    • Free, rustic, lakeside cabin-based housing within Harriman State Park
    • Certifications in Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, and CPR/AED
      • Pesticide training for Invasives Strike Force Members
    • Training in conservation skills and leadership
    • Field experience working with a dedicated team in beautiful locations
    • Networking opportunities with professionals in the field
    • Whether you’re looking to start a career in conservation, build new skills, or spend a season making a tangible impact outdoors, this is an incredible opportunity!

Here are the full job descriptions:

Learn more & apply here: www.nynjtc.org/corpsapplication  

2/22 – 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!

Fall 2025

4/30 – YMCA Earth Service Corps (10 mos) – WA

YMCA Earth Service Corps in Seattle is hiring. A brief overview is below and a full position description is available at this link: https://www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org/earth-service-corps-1

Want to work over the school year with some amazing teenagers in the greater Seattle area? Want to inspire and support the next generation as they develop leadership skills to address the environmental challenges of our time? Want to develop your own professional skills? Check out the YMCA Earth Service Corps (YESC) Program Instructor position!

  • Position Description is here and application link is here.
  • This is an AmeriCorps position from Sept. 2, 2025 -July 15, 2026.
  • Benefits include a living stipend of $2,438.10 – 2,548 per month, a $7,395 Education Award, student loan forbearance and payment of interest that accrues, health insurance, and more!
  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until July 1st.
  • Applicants must be 21 and US Citizens to qualify for this AmeriCorps position. Learn more about AmeriCorps here.
  • Want to learn more? Contact YESC Director Chelsey Wheeler at cwheeler@seattleymca.org or 206-466-1048.
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