Summer Wildlife Internships: Opportunities for Aspiring Conservationists

For students passionate about wildlife and conservation, summer internships offer invaluable hands-on experience and a chance to contribute to real-world projects. These opportunities provide a bridge between academic knowledge and practical application, preparing aspiring professionals for careers in natural resources.

Diverse Internship Opportunities

A wide array of internships provide students with opportunities to apply principles learned in their coursework, explore career options, and make links with potential employers.

Education and Outreach

The Education Internship provides aspiring outdoor educators and teachers with a unique chance to work closely alongside an Education and Outreach Coordinator, actively participating in developing and implementing experiential education programming. From exploring the salt marsh with elementary school children, to teaching basic ACE Basin ecology to teachers and interested adults, the Education intern plays a pivotal role in crafting compelling educational initiatives and materials.

Land Stewardship

The Land Stewardship Internship provides a robust professional development opportunity for current undergraduates and recent graduates in a field-based setting. This program offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary learning experiences working alongside a skilled land stewardship team to gain hands-on training in habitat management restoration, infrastructure construction and repairs, silvopasture techniques, prescribed fire application, and property maintenance.

Research and Monitoring

Henslow’s Sparrow Research: The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission sought to assess the status of the Henslow’s Sparrow in the state. There were no data available to assess the viability of these populations, prompting the state to seek foundational information on the Henslow’s Sparrow’s demography, distribution, habitat use, and genetic structure in North Carolina. These components are essential to quantitatively gauge the vulnerability and status of the Henslow’s Sparrow, and if needed, formulate conservation measures to ensure its viability and persistence.
Striped Bass Recruitment: Understanding Striped Bass Recruitment Limitations in North Carolina Coastal Rivers.
Deer Density Studies: The overall aim of this study was to estimate deer densities and how deer density changes across an urban-rural gradient around a metropolitan area in Durham County, North Carolina.
Coastal Herpetology Monitoring: Duties include assisting Wildlife Diversity Biologists with field surveys for reptile and amphibian Species of Greatest Conservation Need and with management of related data. The intern will work with several Eastern Wildlife Diversity biologists to survey and monitor reptile and amphibian populations across a variety of coastal environments. Species will include loggerhead sea turtle, diamondback terrapin, gopher frog, spotted turtle, and other species as time allows. The intern will also contribute to management of the Terrapin Tally data set as well as summaries and maps of project results.
Non-Game Aquatic Surveys: The intern will work directly with the Aquatic Wildlife Diversity (AWD) staff conducting field surveys for freshwater non-game fishes, mollusks, and crayfishes.
Mammal and Bee Surveys: Assist with surveys of bees, bats, small mammals, salamanders, and other taxa, if the opportunity arises, for several projects throughout the Piedmont. The intern will primarily assist with lab and fieldwork for the Multi-Taxa Study at Stinking Quarter Mitigation Project in Guilford County. For the SQ Project, the intern will be responsible for bee surveys and preparing bee specimens in a lab. Other duties may include small mammal trapping, leaf litter cage sampling, equipment maintenance, data entry, and data analysis. A portion of the internship will be conducting a variety of bat surveys, including mist-net surveys (nighttime work).

Habitat Conservation

GIS Dataset Development: Intern will select one of two projects to create a new GIS dataset for Wildlife Conservation Areas (WCAs) or Wildlife Viewing Areas (WVAs). Both projects will support the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) and will require identifying and analyzing existing GIS datasets relevant to the WCAs or WVAs then populating a new GIS dataset with appropriate and relevant information.
Landscape Conservation: This position will include both office and field work. The intern will rotate between multiple projects according to work needs and schedule coordination. Projects will include (1) assisting the Aquatic Species Passage Coordinator in performing field site surveys to assess aquatic organism passage (AOP) at road crossings and culverts in the North Carolina coastal plain; (2) assisting with native plant greenhouse care, vegetation surveys on game lands, and GIS mapping data for pollinator habitat restoration; (3) supporting the Green Growth Toolbox, a science-based technical assistance program to support local governments in developing conservation-based land use plans and policies; and (4) reviewing wildlife camera trap image data associated with road crossing use.

Specialized Programs

NC Birding Trail: Wildlife Diversity is seeking an intern, ideally with interest in NC birds, to (1) gather information about accessibility to NC Birding Trail sites across the state using Birdability guidance, (2) generally assess the site for birding, and (3) gather images for social media posts to promote NC Birding Trail.
Non-game Aquaculture: This intern will work directly with Conservation Aquaculture staff conducting propagation, animal care, and research for non-game mollusks, amphibians, and fish. This position will involve both lab and field components and will work with animals across North Carolina.

Example: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Internships

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is offering summer internship opportunities. Interns will work closely with NCWRC staff, gaining valuable experience in applied management and conservation as well as hands-on skills critical for future employment in the field of natural resources.

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General Requirements for NCWRC Internships

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university.
Applicants must carry a 2.5 or greater overall grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Applicants must be able to provide legal proof of identity and work authorization within three working days of employment.

How to Apply for NCWRC Internships

Applicants should apply by using the provided link. Please include a one-page cover letter, resume with two to three references, and unofficial transcript with application. Applicants may apply for two internships and will be asked to rank preferred positions.

Specific NCWRC Internship Examples

Amphibian Monitoring: Duties include helping with seasonal dipnet surveys for larval amphibians and nighttime acoustic surveys for anurans. The intern will also use a YSI meter to conduct water quality testing of wetlands on Sandhills Game Land. This position will be based out of the Sandhills Depot in Hoffman (Richmond County) with limited telework available. Amphibian field work (1-2 days/week) will primarily occur in Richmond and Scotland Counties but could extend outside these areas at times. Animal husbandry work will take place at the NC Zoo in Asheboro (2 days/week).
- Academic Majors Desired: Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Natural Resource Conservation, or similar.
- Skills and Qualifications Desired: General knowledge of fish and wildlife species and habitats, current driver’s license, knowledge of MS Excel, general familiarity with database concepts.
Coastal Herpetology Monitoring: Duties include assisting Wildlife Diversity Biologists with field surveys for reptile and amphibian Species of Greatest Conservation Need and with management of related data. The intern will work with several Eastern Wildlife Diversity biologists to survey and monitor reptile and amphibian populations across a variety of coastal environments. Species will include loggerhead sea turtle, diamondback terrapin, gopher frog, spotted turtle, and other species as time allows. The intern will also contribute to management of the Terrapin Tally data set as well as summaries and maps of project results. This position will work out of a home office in District 2 in one of the following counties: New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, Jones, or Craven. Work will be a combination of field and office work, with much of the work occurring in remote field locations and the office work being primarily telework.
- Academic Majors Desired: Wildlife & Fisheries Science, Natural Resource Conservation, or similar.
- Skills and Qualifications Desired: General knowledge of coastal wildlife species and habitats; knowledge of GIS and database principles; experience with ArcGIS and MS Excel; current driver’s license.
NC Birding Trail: Duties include cold-calling site partners, traveling to birding trail sites to gather images and information (initially with and eventually without supervisor as comfort and familiarity improves), completing the Birdability form for each site, reporting to the NC Birding Trail Coordinator, and attending meetings (in-person or over Teams) twice a week to discuss experiences and next steps. This position is field-based and remote with the possibility of overnight stays (front-country camping, cabin, or state-rate hotel) when visiting distant locations. In-person meetings will be held either in Mebane or Raleigh (NCWRC headquarters).
- Academic Majors Desired: Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation, Parks and Recreation, Communications, Outdoor Recreation, or similar.
- Skills Desired: Birding interest; some birdwatching experience desired; capable of traversing trails with variable terrain and access; capability to drive a pick-up truck; valid driver’s license, significant capacity for independent decision-making and problem-solving; high degree of self-direction, accountability and follow-through; ability to assess a field site for accessibility as well as birder enjoyment; creativity and flexibility; strong communication skills; ability to cold call partners.
Fisheries Internships - Non-Game Aquatic Surveys: Duties include assisting AWD staff with aquatic surveys and lab work. Skills learned include survey techniques for fishes, mussels, and crayfishes, data recording, taxa identification, data management skills, and laboratory techniques. There will be opportunities to work with NCWRC sportfish biologists conducting surveys for Largemouth Bass and other species and to work with the NCWRC habitat coordinator propagating native plant species for habitat enhancement projects throughout the Piedmont. Other opportunities include working with Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center staff to learn about mussel propagation and husbandry techniques, working with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and working with researchers at local universities. This position is located out of the Sykes Depot, 2430 Turner Rd, Mebane, NC.
Fisheries Internships - Non-game Aquaculture: Duties include assisting hatchery staff with daily tasks such as animal care, propagation system construction and maintenance, laboratory work, and pond care. Other tasks include field work such as host fish collection, broodstock collection for freshwater mussels, and augmentation site surveys. Skills learned include survey techniques for fishes and mollusks, data recording, taxa identification, and basics of mussel and snail propagation. The intern will also learn data management skills and laboratory techniques. The intern will become familiar with conservation and management practices of aquatic species within North Carolina. There will be opportunities to work with NCWRC nongame aquatic biologists conducting surveys for SGCN. This position is located out of the Marion State Fish Hatchery, 645 Fish Hatchery Rd, Marion, NC.
Habitat Conservation Internships - GIS dataset development for Conservation: The intern will work closely with NCWRC GIS specialists and other staff as needed to complete the project. Location: NCWRC headquarters building on NCSU Centennial Campus, 1751 Varsity Dr. Raleigh, NC.
- Academic Majors Desired: Spatial Data Science, Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis, GIS, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Conservation
- Skills Desired: Knowledge of GIS and database principles, experience with ArcGIS (required), MS Excel, and some familiarity with land conservation concepts, landscape ecosystems, and wildlife taxonomy.
Habitat Conservation Internships - Mammal and Bee Surveys: The intern will primarily assist with lab and fieldwork for the Multi-Taxa Study at Stinking Quarter Mitigation Project in Guilford County. For the SQ Project, the intern will be responsible for bee surveys and preparing bee specimens in a lab. Other duties may include small mammal trapping, leaf litter cage sampling, equipment maintenance, data entry, and data analysis. A portion of the internship will be conducting a variety of bat surveys, including mist-net surveys (nighttime work). This position can work out of Rogers Depot in Creedmoor or the Greensboro Science Center (Guilford Co). Field work will primarily occur in Guilford County, Triangle/Triad, and surrounding counties, but could extend outside of these counties.
- Academic Majors Desired: Wildlife & Fisheries Science, Natural Resource Conservation, or similar.
- Skills Desired: General knowledge of fish and wildlife species and habitats, experience in entomology preferred but not required, current driver’s license.
Habitat Conservation Internships - Landscape Conservation: Specific duties will include literature reviews, interviews with government officials, field work, and data recording. Some overnight travel will occur. The position will be based and supervised from Rogers Depot in Creedmoor, Granville County, NC but will get to work in a variety of locations.

Additional Internship Resources

Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC): GLIFWC internships consist of working 40 hours per week for 10 weeks (total of 400 hours), scheduled to begin in early June and extend into early August (actual start and end dates will be determined by internship supervisors and intern schedules/availability). All internships will be hosted at the GLIFWC Main Office, located on the Bad River Reservation in Odanah, Wisconsin.
Student Conservation Association (SCA): SCA offers internships and other opportunities in conservation.
GeoCorps America: A program of the Geological Society of America (GSA), operated in partnership with various public lands organizations.
Missouri Botanical Garden: Offers various internships related to botany and conservation.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW): Provides internship opportunities in wildlife management and conservation.
Federal Pathways Program: Offers federal internship, fellowship and employment opportunities found on USAJobs.gov.

Federal Internship Opportunities

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): Offers federal internships and fellowships through the Pathways Program and partnerships with nongovernmental organizations.

Pathways Program Components

The Internship Program: Targets current students enrolled in high school, college or technical school at least half time.
The Recent Graduates Program: Targets individuals who apply within two years of graduation (longer for veterans).
The Presidential Management Fellowship Program (PMF): Is for students and recent graduates with an advanced degree (e.g., a master's, Ph.D. or J.D.).

Other Opportunities

Wildlife Care and Conservation Science Internships: These unique opportunities provide hands-on experience in wildlife care and conservation. As an intern, you'll work alongside experienced wildlife care specialists contributing to the well-being of the diverse wildlife we care for, while learning about wildlife behaviors, habitats, and conservation needs.
WEC Internship Program: The WEC Internship Program places students with conservation and management agencies throughout Florida.
Field Studies Abroad: By participating in field studies abroad, many WEC students gain first hand experience with unique ecosystems, international conservation issues, and local cultures in diverse systems such as the tropical forests of Costa Rica, savannas of Africa, and coral reefs of Australia.

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