Owl Banding & Field Conservation 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

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.