Bird Conservation Program Intern

Natural Lands; Coatesville (Chester County); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural Lands is seeking a Bird Conservation Program Intern for an 8-week, October–November seasonal role at ChesLen Preserve in Chester County, PA. The position trains in NSWO monitoring, mist-net operation, bird handling, banding techniques, data collection, and reporting to partners including the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory.

The intern works closely with the Bird Conservation Program Manager and volunteers to conduct nightly monitoring, process owls, and maintain equipment.

Qualifications

• Experience with mist-netting, bird handling, and bird banding.
• 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.

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 extraction, handling, identification, measurement, aging, sexing, banding, and release of NSWO and 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.

Skills

Mist-netting

Bird handling

Bird banding

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Conservation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, or related field

Current enrollment in a degree program

Job description

Brief Description

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.

Over the course of its nearly 70-year history, Natural Lands has helped preserve 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 include many of the most spectacular and diverse properties in the region, which are enjoyed by more than 300,000 visitors annually.

Natural Lands seeks to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our organization stronger. We aim to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to be their full, authentic selves. We welcome you to explore a career at Natural Lands.

Job Summary

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.

Primary 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.


• Please note the evening/nighttime 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

• 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

The Bird Conservation Program Intern will be required to perform a wide array of physically demanding tasks, and work weekends, evenings, and holidays as requested to fulfill their responsibilities. This includes hiking in darkness and walking in uneven terrain in addition to reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling for placement and setup of items up to 20-35 pounds. Must be able to walk, stand, bend and squat on uneven terrain; must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Work is primarily outdoors, in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and with 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.

Summary

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. We aim to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.