Intern – Bird Conservation Program

About the Organization

Natural Lands is a vibrant, regional, nonprofit organization and leader in land conservation, natural resource stewardship, and public engagement. 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, preserving more than 135,000 acres, including a network of over 40 nature preserves and one public garden across two states and 13 counties. These properties total 23,000 acres and are enjoyed by more than 300,000 visitors annually.

Natural Lands seeks to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, aiming to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to be their full, authentic selves.

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 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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Natural Lands is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.