Biology Individual Placement at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
Position Type : Biological Intern but they will be involved in all refuge events and other activities on Big Oaks and on Muscatatuck NWRs
Internship dates: May 26, 2025 - August 23, 2025 = 13 weeks
About us:
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.
Position Description
The primary goal would be to introduce the student to the National Wildlife Refuge System and conservation. This will also provide the intern with certifications and experience in a wide variety of biological monitoring, visitor services and other work that occurs on the refuge. Teamwork, communication, learning how to change a tire, and development of general work skills will help the intern on their path to discover a variety of career paths.
Member Key Duties and Responsibilities
Biological intern would help with monitoring of birds, bats, a state listed frog species (crawfish frog), invasive species and pollinator species. The intern would also participate in special events (Take a Kid Fishing Day, Butterfly Survey) and other public use activities (tours, safety briefings, environmental education and interpretation). They also participate in partner monitoring (water quality, fish, and invertebrate surveys. We have worked with over 160 interns over the years.
Member Marginal Duties
Minor maintenance, recycling, general office duties (cleaning, answering the phone and visitor inquiries)
Member Required Qualifications
Have drivers license, introductory biology classes and interest in conservation.
Member Preferred Qualifications
Identification skills for flora and fauna.
Will the member operate a vehicle?
Yes. The size of the refuge and the work requires that the intern be able to drive.
Likely Working Conditions applicable to the member. Select or add any that apply.
The intern will need to be able to be reasonably physically fit to be able to walk in rough/wet terrain for biological surveys. Interns will sometimes need to use weed eaters to prepare areas for events and be able to get up early (bird surveys) and stay out late (bat surveys). Weather can be hot and muggy.
Any additional physical requirements and working conditions of the member position.
It is best to have several interns at a time to provide a cohort of similarly aged students that provide a social-peer group. Madison is a nice small town with a tourist feel, and there are several state parks, National Forests and National Parks relatively close to the refuge. We also have 3 large metropolitan areas (Louisville, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis) within a 1.5-hour drive. We try to be safe and welcoming, and we have had a wide array of interns that seem to enjoy their time at the refuge. They will also spend some time at Muscatatuck NWR to assist in their work.
Member benefits:
- Weekly Living Allowance $620.00 per week
- Week-long orientation, expenses paid
- Assigned U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mentor
- Travel allowance to and from internship site $1000.00
- Intern rental housing managed by SCA
Nearby house that has been rented by CDIP interns in the past (. Has full kitchen, full bath upstairs, half bath downstairs, and another shower in the basement. Internet available (paid by residents). Same house rented last year.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.