Monarch SkillBridge Internship; Transitioning Service Members

Dates

Dates available from March to November 2026

• Fort Hood in Killeen, TX
• Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis in San Antonio, TX
• Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, TX
• Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX
• Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA
• Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc, CA
• Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO and surrounding installations

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is encouraged.

• MUST BE A TRANSITIONING MILITARY SERVICE MEMBER WITH SKILLBRIDGE ELIGIBILITY
• Access to a personal vehicle and a valid driver's license

Environment for the Americas (EFTA) partners with the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Defense to monitor and conserve monarch butterflies on military installations. The program reflects a shared commitment to understanding and protecting the monarch’s breeding and migratory habitats.

EFTA works closely with the Monarch Joint Venture, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, university researchers, and Department of Defense Natural Resource Managers across the monarch’s range.

EFTA is a registered Skill Bridge provider. Service members must apply for Skill Bridge at their installation.

Learn more about the program here: https://environmentamericas.org/migratory-monarch-conservation/

The Monarch Research and Education Skill Bridge Internship offers hands‑on experience in monarch monitoring, habitat assessments, conservation, and community outreach. Interns conduct field research using standardized protocols and work directly with biologists and Natural Resource Managers on military lands.

This is a field‑focused position. Interns typically spend four days each week outdoors and one day completing data entry, writing, and administrative tasks. Fieldwork involves documenting milkweed presence, identifying blooming plants, and recording monarch eggs, larvae, and adults. Interns also support outreach activities designed to inspire interest in monarchs, pollinators, and migration among military families and school‑aged children. All interns write biweekly blogs and attend virtual team meetings and webinars.

Interns who continue into the fall season assist with capturing, tagging, and measuring monarchs during migration.

• Conduct monarch and habitat surveys during peak breeding periods
• Collect data on milkweed, nectar plants, and monarch life stages
• Navigate and work safely on military installations

• Maintain regular communication with Natural Resource Managers and partner organizations
• Submit consistent updates to the EFTA Monarch Program Manager
• Participate in weekly team meetings, data reviews, and educational webinars
• Write biweekly blogs that highlight fieldwork and personal experiences

• Develop and lead educational programs for military communities, such as school visits, scout activities, citizen science events, and nature walks
• Promote awareness of monarch conservation and pollinator ecology

Required

• Strong communication skills, including clear and consistent written and verbal communication
• Interest in conservation with demonstrated enthusiasm for wildlife, ecology, or environmental science
• Ability to work independently in the field, manage time effectively, and travel between sites
• Familiarity with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office for data entry and reporting

Preferred

• Experience in fieldwork, species monitoring, outdoor labor, or data collection
• Willingness to learn basic botany

Skill Bridge Interns will receive training in:

• Conducting monarch habitat surveys using IMMP and other standardized…