Evening Bird Conservation Field Intern

Theuniversityunion; Embreeville (PA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural Lands announces a Bird Conservation Program Intern position for an 8-week seasonal internship in Chester County, PA, running October–November, supporting the NSWO banding station at ChesLen Preserve. The role provides hands-on training in NSWO monitoring, mist-net operation, bird handling, banding, data collection, and reporting to partners.

The Intern works with the Bird Conservation Program Manager and volunteers to conduct nightly monitoring, maintain gear, process owls, and ensure

Qualifications

• Experience with mist-netting, bird handling, and bird banding.
• Previous 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 evenings, overnights, weekends, and in challenging weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

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.

Skills

Mist-netting

Bird handling

Bird banding

Record keeping

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Conservation

Tools

Data management

Job description

Natural Lands announces a Bird Conservation Program Intern position for an 8-week seasonal internship in Chester County, PA, running October–November, supporting the NSWO banding station at ChesLen Preserve. The role provides hands-on training in NSWO monitoring, mist-net operation, bird handling, banding, data collection, and reporting to partners.

The Intern works with the Bird Conservation Program Manager and volunteers to conduct nightly monitoring, maintain gear, process owls, and ensure