Intern – Bird Conservation Program

WeConservePA; Coatesville, Northern (Chester County, KY); Hybrid; USD 2,066,000 - 2,755,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural Lands in Coatesville, PA, invites applications for an 8-week Bird Conservation Program Intern, running October–November at ChesLen Preserve. The role provides field training in NSWO monitoring, mist-net operation, bird handling, and data collection, under supervision of the Bird Conservation Program Manager.

The internship focuses on ornithology, migration ecology, and conservation research, with evening and overnight shifts during peak migration, typically 4:00pm to late night.

Qualifications

• Experience with mist-netting, bird handling, and bird banding.
• Volunteer or work at a bird banding station is preferred.
• Interest in ornithology, migration ecology, or wildlife research.
• Ability to identify birds and to work independently or in a team.
• Willingness to work evenings, overnights, weekends, and in challenging weather.

Responsibilities

• Support NSWO banding station operations and nightly monitoring.
• Assist with data collection, process captured owls, and report findings to partners.
• Maintain station equipment and coordinate with volunteers and supervisor.

Skills

Mist-netting

Bird handling

Bird banding

Ornithology interest

Record keeping

Evenings & nights

Teamwork

Education

Pursuing wildlife biology/ornithology

Driver's license

Job description

Natural Lands, a vibrant, regional, nonprofit organization and leader in land conservation, natural resource stewardship, and public engagement, seeks a Bird Conservation Program Intern to join our team at our ChesLen Preserve in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

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 Landsseeksto hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, notonlybecauseit’sthe right thing to do, but because it makes our organization stronger.We aimto build aworkplacewhere employees feel empowered tobetheir full, authentic selves.We welcome you to explore a career atNatural 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.

***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.

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.