Ecology Apprenticeship at The Wilds - 2027

The Columbus Zoological Park Association • Cumberland, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wilds offers ecology apprenticeships for early-career professionals interested in conservation science. Apprentices choose a focus in restoration or wildlife research and gain hands-on experience and field training across The Wilds’ nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mineland and remnant forest. Projects may involve habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, or other approved focal projects. Ecology facilities include a Hellbender Conservation Center, an American Burying Beetle breeding center, and a Conservation Science Training Center with a population genetics laboratory. Restoration work and research may cover prairie, wetland, stream, lake, forest, and forest-understory management.

Apprentices conduct an independent scientific research project from an approved list and present their findings to Wilds and Columbus Zoo employees at the end of the apprenticeship. They may also participate in other projects when time allows and complete multiple learning activities or project components with guidance on prioritization. Potential training includes field methods, species identification, survey protocols, research methodology, laboratory methods such as genetic techniques and microscope work, GPS and GIS applications and mapmaking, biological monitoring, wildlife research techniques, and land management and restoration techniques. Apprentices receive structured training, close supervision, guidance, and feedback. The program is intended to support professional development and prepare participants for graduate school or conservation work; school credit opportunities are available. Apprentices do not receive monetary compensation.

For 2027, The Wilds is offering three six-month apprenticeships from May through October and three summer apprenticeships from May through July. Applicants must state their preferred focus (wildlife or restoration) and timeline in their cover letter. Applications are accepted October 1 through January 31 and reviewed February through March. Applicants should submit a resume with references and a cover letter describing their interest, goals, relevant experience, preferred focus, and preferred apprenticeship duration.

On-site shared housing is available for $250 per month, including utilities, internet, and laundry facilities. Students must provide their own transportation, health insurance, and driving insurance and are responsible for all expenses. Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 for qualifying hands-on experiences; applicants must be Ohio residents or attend an Ohio college or university and meet other eligibility requirements.

Requirements

• Be a second-year college student or a recent graduate (within two years) in ecology, biology, natural resource management, restoration, wildlife management, or a related field.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Have strong time-management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple learning activities.
• Be eager to learn, open to practicing new skills, and comfortable working in a dynamic field environment.
• Be able to hike and perform physically demanding outdoor work throughout the seasons, including in hot, buggy, cold, or otherwise challenging conditions.
• Be able to lift and move up to 10 pounds constantly, 30 pounds frequently, and 50 pounds occasionally.
• Possess a valid current state-issued motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record.
• Provide reliable transportation to and from The Wilds; personal vehicle use on the property may be required.
• Provide appropriate field gear and footwear.
• Successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Provide own transportation, health insurance, and driving insurance; students are responsible for all expenses.

Responsibilities

• Choose a restoration or wildlife research focus from the available focal projects.
• Conduct an independent scientific research project selected from an approved list.
• Communicate research findings to Wilds and Columbus Zoo employees at the end of the apprenticeship.
• Participate in fieldwork and training, and potentially contribute to projects beyond the selected research focus when time allows.
• Manage multiple learning activities or project components and prioritize them with guidance.
• Follow organizational safety protocols, program guidelines, and policies related to conduct and a drug-free workplace.

Benefits

• Structured, hands-on training and professional development with close supervision, guidance, and feedback.
• Potential experience in field methods, laboratory methods, GPS and GIS, biological monitoring, wildlife research, and land management and restoration techniques.
• Opportunities to participate in projects beyond the selected research focus when time allows.
• Opportunity to earn school credit.
• On-site shared housing available for $250 per month, including utilities, internet, and laundry facilities.
• Eligible interns may apply for the $5,000 Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, subject to eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed