Wildlife Biology Intern
Terracon · Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States · onsite
Terracon Consultants, Inc. is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Biological Intern to join our Harrisburg office and support the implementation and execution of our bat studies program. This position is ideal for an individual with a passion for wildlife biology, strong organizational skills, and an interest in conducting fieldwork in a variety of environments. The position is anticipated to start in May and extend through early fall. Start and end dates are flexible for the right applicant.
The successful candidate will assist bat biologists and field leaders with data collection in accordance with applicable environmental regulations, field schedule coordination, and technical report preparation. Additional responsibilities include managing field equipment and supplies, maintaining project files, and supporting general project coordination. As scheduling and project needs allow, the intern may also have opportunities to work alongside other natural resources professionals on wetland and watercourse studies, environmental permitting, and surveys for other threatened and endangered species.
Candidates should be currently pursuing or have recently completed a bachelor's or master's degree in Wildlife Sciences, Zoology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related field. Previous field survey experience is preferred but not required. This position requires significant schedule flexibility. Depending on project needs, work may involve non-standard hours, extended field days, nighttime surveys, overtime, and overnight travel. The intern will work in field, office, and remote settings, with scheduled attendance at the Harrisburg office as needed.
- Assist biologists with field studies, habitat assessments, and presence/absence surveys for threatened and endangered species. Depending on project needs, surveys may include forested habitat assessments, bridge and culvert bat assessments, bat emergence surveys, and acoustic surveys.
- Assist with the preparation of technical reports and study plans documenting survey methods, findings, and results.
- Coordinate and maintain field survey schedules, organize project files, and assist with client communication and coordination.
- Maintain, organize, and manage field equipment and supplies.
- Support Endangered Species Act compliance efforts, including coordination with state and federal regulatory agencies and assistance with required reviews and documentation.
- Use topographic maps, aerial imagery, GPS units, tablets, and mobile data collection applications, including Field Maps and Survey123, to collect, document, and interpret field data.
- Follow established safety policies, procedures, and standards. Participate in pre-task planning and promptly report safety concerns to management.
- Complete required training related to Terracon's safety standards, field procedures, and position-specific responsibilities.
Required Qualifications
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's or master's degree in Wildlife Sciences, Zoology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related field.
- Possess a valid driver's license.
- Willingness and ability to travel overnight for projects outside the local area.
- Ability to work flexible, nonstandard schedules, including extended field days (typically 10–14 hours), nighttime surveys, and occasional overtime exceeding 40 hours per week.
- Ability to carry up to 50 pounds and navigate a variety of terrain and field conditions, including uneven ground, confined spaces, wetlands, streams, and open fields.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, direct sunlight, rain, and high humidity.
- Ability and willingness to work in field, office, and remote settings, including reporting to the Harrisburg office at designated times.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current rabies vaccination or willingness to obtain vaccination as appropriate for the position.
- Experience operating, or willingness to learn to operate, watercraft used for fieldwork, including canoes, kayaks, and powered boats such as Jon boats.
- Previous experience conducting biological field surveys or working with wildlife is a plus.