Forest Conservation Intern

Location: Sharon

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet.

Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more ubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Sharon Audubon Center and Miles Audubon Sanctuary comprise nearly 2,000 acres, managed primarily as habitat for forest birds. The Forest Conservation Intern will assist the full-time staff as needed in any or all activities related to bird habitat and conservation during and after the nesting season. The intern will also spend significant time becoming familiar with training materials and with the conservation activities of Audubon in CT/NY and across the hemisphere.

An independent project is optional but encouraged. This internship will work within a 30-to 35-hour work week and a 4- or 5-day schedule, M-F.

The intern reports to Sharon Audubon's Center Director and is supervised by SAC's full-time staff. Start and end dates are negotiable but are expected to fall between May 28th and August 10th.

This position is classified as onsite at Sharon Audubon Center in Sharon, CT.

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Additional

Job Description

Essential Functions

Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:

During the internship, you will work under the direction of the SAC full-time

* Assist Center staff and CT-NY Forest staff in activities related to assessing or enhancing habitat for forest birds, with emphasis on Wood Thrush

* Assist as needed in tagging or tracking Wood Thrush

* Train and participate in field surveys for breeding birds, especially in forest / young forest habitat

* Assist in planning/implementing non-chemical control of invasive plants

* Assist in nest box maintenance, monitoring, and banding of American Kestrel and Purple Martin

* Assist as needed with assembling biological material for the Bird Genoscape Project

* Become familiar with relevant training materials and regional/hemispheric bird conservation projects

* Participate in discussions and planning sessions with staff and other interns

Internship Benefits:

Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

* Field identification of forest bird species and proficiency with Merlin and eBird apps

* Technical expertise in evaluating forest bird habitat

* Familiarity with migratory bird research techniques

* Potential to learn GPS technology

Intern

Schedule:

The intern's schedule will vary according to the needs and opportunities of each week, but the expectation is that overall, the intern will spend approximately 30% of the time on the activities above; about 20% of the time learning about or participating in other Audubon projects such as the coastal bird conservation program, the shrubland habitat management program, the Healthy Forest Initiative, Audubon Americas, songbird banding, and the Motus tracking system;

and up to 50% of the time planning and carrying out an independent project related to bird habitat, evaluating habitat restoration, or a similar topic to be determined.

Projected Start Date/End Date:

6/1/26 to 8/15/26

Qualifications and Experience

Required:

* College coursework in relevant areas of conservation, bird biology, natural resources, forestry or related fields; or equivalent hands-on experience

* Strong interest in conservation, biology, and related areas

* Ability to organize your own time effectively

* Ability to follow instructions accurately and work as part of a team or independently

* Positive, problem-solving approach to a variety of situations

* Ability to do physical work outdoors for prolonged periods in varied terrain and weather conditions

* Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred:

* Proficiency in bird and/or plant identification

* Experience operating cameras (beyond smart phone)

* Prior experience handling wild birds

* Experience using hand tools for land management

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

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