Bird Conservation Program Intern

Natural Lands, a vibrant, regional, non-profit organization and leader in land conservation, natural resource stewardship, and public engagement, seeks an Intern to join our Bird Conservation Program. Since the early 1950s, Natural Lands has saved open space, cared for nature, and connected people to the outdoors in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Today, the organization is one of the nation’s largest regional land conservancies and is widely respected for its record of success, technical expertise, respectful and creative approach to partnerships, fiscal strength, and integrity.

About the role

The Bird Conservation Program Intern is an 8-week seasonal internship running from October through November that supports the operation of Natural Lands' Northern Saw-whet Owl (NSWO) banding station at ChesLen Preserve in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This position provides hands-on training in the field in NSWO monitoring, mist-net operation, bird handling, banding techniques, data collection, volunteer engagement, and conservation/migration research. The Intern will work closely with the Bird Conservation Program Manager and volunteers to conduct nightly monitoring and banding activities, maintain station equipment, process captured owls, collect data, and ensure accurate reporting to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory, Project Owlnet and other partners. This position is recommended for an individual pursuing a career in ornithology, wildlife biology, conservation science, or natural resource management.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the daily setup, operation, and breakdown of the NSWO Banding Station.
• Operate and monitor mist nets and audio lure systems in accordance with established protocols.
• Assist with the extraction, handling, identification, measurement, aging, sexing, banding, and release of NSWO occasional incidental owl species.
• Collect, enter, organize, and verify field data related to bird captures, banding, weather conditions, and station effort.
• Submit and maintain records for federal and internal databases, and partner organizations.
• Assist with equipment maintenance, inventory management, and station organization.
• Support volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement efforts.
• Help conduct annual volunteer orientations and communicate monitoring procedures, safety guidelines, and best practices.
• Serve as a positive representative of Natural Lands when interacting with volunteers and visitors.
• Maintain compliance with all bird banding permit requirements, safety procedures, and organizational policies.

Schedule

• Full-time internship (37.5 hours per week).
• Work hours are primarily in the evening and overnight, during owl migration season.
• Typical shifts begin between 4:00pm and 5:30pm and conclude when station operations end, which may be as late as 2:00am or later during periods of high migration activity.
• Some weekend work may be required.

Requirements

• Experience with mist-netting, bird handling, and bird banding.
• Previous experience volunteering or working at a bird banding station.
• Strong interest in ornithology, migration ecology, bird conservation, or wildlife research.
• Demonstrated ability to identify birds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Highly motivated, dependable, organized, and detail oriented.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow established protocols.
• Willingness to work evenings, overnights, weekends, and in challenging weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Conservation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, or a related field, or current enrollment in a degree program.
• Familiarity with data collection and data management practices.
• Experience working with volunteers and/or the public.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Perform a wide array of physically demanding tasks, and work weekends, evenings, and holidays as requested.
• Hike in darkness and walk on uneven terrain.
• Reach, lift, carry, push, and pull for placement and setup of items up to 20-35 pounds.
• Walk, stand, bend, and squat on uneven terrain; lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Work primarily outdoors, in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and exposure to poison ivy, biting and stinging insects, etc.
• Regular and consistent attendance is required.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license in good standing.