Environmental Wildlife Field Intern – Renewables

Westwood Professional Services; Minnetonka (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. seeks an Environmental Wildlife Intern to support pre- and post-construction wildlife studies for renewable energy projects. You will apply agency survey protocols and assist senior biologists with data collection and reporting.

The role involves fieldwork across remote sites, early mornings, evenings, and occasional overnight hours, with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in wildlife ecology and environmental permitting.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, agency representatives, and project team members.
• Willingness to learn in a flexible, cross-disciplinary work environment.
• Willingness to perform physically demanding fieldwork in varied outdoor conditions, including early morning, evening, and inclement weather surveys.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field wildlife surveys, including avian point counts, raptor nest surveys, and incidental wildlife observations.
• Assist with bat acoustic monitoring, including equipment deployment, maintenance, and data downloads.
• Record and organize field survey data using GPS units, mobile data collection applications, and standardized datasheets.
• Support the preparation of survey reports, habitat assessments, and biological opinions submitted to state and federal agencies.
• Help identify wildlife species, sign, and habitat features in the field under the guidance of Senior Biologists.
• Travel to project sites, often in remote locations and during early morning, evening, or overnight hours, to support field data collection.

Skills

Communication skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Microsoft Office

GPS/GIS tools

Kaleidoscope

SonoBat

ArcGIS Field Maps

Trimble

Education

Wildlife Biology / Ecology / Environmental Science degree (or enrolled in)

Tools

GPS/GIS field tools

ArcGIS Field Maps

Trimble

Kaleidoscope

SonoBat

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. seeks an Environmental Wildlife Intern to support pre- and post-construction wildlife studies for renewable energy projects. You will apply agency survey protocols and assist senior biologists with data collection and reporting.

The role involves fieldwork across remote sites, early mornings, evenings, and occasional overnight hours, with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in wildlife ecology and environmental permitting.