These volunteer job and internship opportunities in the biological sciences are unpaid opportunities that compensate participants with some combination of housing, food, and travel stipends. They typically are field-based, and do not involve an individual research project.

Summer 2025

3/26 – Internship at Project Northwoods Nature Center – WI

Project Northwoods Nature Center, located in Northern Wisconsin, United States, is now accepting applications for our summer internship program. Although this program is geared towards college students seeking experience, you do not need to be in an academic program to participate.

More information can be found by visiting: https://projectnorthwoodswi.weebly.com/get-involved.html

Project Northwoods aims to conserve the ecology and culture of the Wisconsin Northwoods through education, research and global outreach. Our programs educate people of all ages, including early learners, K-12, college students and adults. Our research projects utilize the knowledge of locals and long-time seasonal visitors, and benefit the many threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna that are found in the Northwoods, some of which have geographic ranges no larger than the boundaries of these specific forests. Our outreach programs educate people from around the world, especially focusing on tourists to the area, about the importance of these forests, the native species and the rich cultures found throughout the area. Any opportunity to get people outside and to appreciate the out-of-doors is utilized to teach about our local environment and its role in the global ecological community.

Some projects that are a focus of Project Northwoods include:

  • Research on native and exotic species, especially focusing on species of concern, threatened and endangered species of all taxa. We especially focus on snakes and turtles, but have other projects underway as well.
  • Educating children, local residents and tourists about the importance of the unique Northwoods environment through workshops, citizen science projects, a nature center and outdoor activity opportunities.
  • Encouraging people of all ages to get outside and enjoy the natural world around them, thus promoting good health and an appreciation for stewardship of the Northwoods.
  • Developing an appreciation for the rich culture of the Northwoods, especially as it pertains to the natural world.

Project Northwoods facilities include:

  • A variety of museum exhibits (taxidermy, seashells, rocks, mammalian skulls, etc.).
  • A collection of live animals, many with special needs. We focus on reptiles but also have small mammals, invertebrates, birds and fishes.
  • A large kids’ discovery play area with STEM books, toys, games and activities.
  • A building just waiting to be turned into our classroom center.
  • 160-acre lakefront forested property for hiking, workshops and natural play.

This position is unpaid. College credit can be arranged through your university or college.

Please check out our website listed above and email projectnorthwoodswi@gmail.com with any questions or to send your resume and a letter of interest.

Year-round

Ecology & Conservation Internships – Costa Rica

Osa Conservation offers both short- and long-term internships at our biological station in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Ocean.

At Osa Conservation, we reconnect the rainforest, monitor and protect biodiversity, and work hand-in-hand with the local community to build climate resilient ecosystems for people and wildlife. Our team works across southern Costa Rica, connecting and protecting landscapes and biodiversity from the ridges of the Talamanca mountains to the coral reefs of the Golfo Dulce and the Pacific Ocean.  Be part of our conservation successes and come get your boots dirty in one of Earth’s greatest wildernesses.

Browse Internships

Visit Osa on Facebook

Microbiology / Sustainability Internship – VT

Microbiology Intern (Job ID: 21-09) – GSR Solutions, Burlington VT

We are inviting dependable and highly driven interns with good microbiology and/or biology-related skills as well as experience with lab practices and record-keeping that are creative, independent, motivated by challenges, and passionate about making a sustainable impact in communities.  The interns will be responsible for providing scientific support to our team in an intellectually challenging environment while following essential workplace safety guidelines.

Job requirements: Interns will be required to assist with experiments, taking measurements, reporting, etc., and maintain both equipment and work areas in a clean, organized manner in accordance with the current safety and quality standards.

Qualifications: BS or MS student pursuing a degree in Microbiology, Medical, Biology, Biochemistry, or a major related to the position of interest.  Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Hours: flexible, from 5 to 20 weekly

Number of positions available: 2

**Position is unpaid, but can be set up for internship credit through UVM.

To Apply: email your resume with complete contact information along with three references to info@gensysresearch.com

About GSR Solutions: We provide sustainable solutions for addressing the challenges of food, water, and energy markets.  Our mission is to create value from waste streams and help communities address environmental, economic, and social challenges to build a sustainable future for all. 


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