Pollinator Conservation Biology Intern - ONSITE - USFWS Michigan Field Office Complex

Environment for the Americas • East Lansing, MI

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Pollinator Conservation Biology Intern will assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Michigan Field Office in advancing a variety of conservation, research, and outreach efforts related to native pollinators. This may include fieldwork, lab work, data analysis, GIS-based habitat assessments, environmental DNA sampling, and development of outreach materials. The intern may also support public engagement through educational events and community science initiatives. Due to seasonal and ecological constraints, as well as evolving conservation priorities, the intern’s responsibilities may vary and will be designed to support the most pressing pollinator conservation needs at the time of placement. These may include work focused on a range of taxa or habitat types, aligned with national, regional, or local USFWS objectives. This internship provides practical experience in applied conservation biology, supports the development of professional skills, and contributes to ongoing pollinator conservation efforts.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Be between the ages of 18 and 30, or up to 35 if a veteran
• Have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record
• A two-year college graduate
• Relevant fields of study include: biology, ecology, environmental science, or related disciplines.
• Completion of two years of college-level coursework including several classes related to biology, ecology, and/or environmental studies.
• U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency.
• Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with a variety of investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data to assess the effectiveness of propagation and conservation management efforts for threatened and endangered species and pollinators.
• Develop and maintain biological databases; prepare spreadsheets or relational databases for purposes of data collection, reduction, and manipulation.
• Create and conduct pollinator education programs with the opportunity to assist with USFWS outreach events.
• Assist with outreach at community events by engaging with the public and provide educational materials.
• Develop content for garden signs and design a pollinator seed packet mix for distribution to partners, highlighting important pollinator plants.
• Determine local and regional seed availability of important pollinator plants.
• Collect pollinator environmental DNA (eDNA) in conjunction with USFWS Ecological Services and the Great Lakes Pollinator Task Force for species identification.
• Prepare eDNA samples for processing.
• Develop a draft white paper in coordination with USFWS staff biologists on the methodology and results of pollinator eDNA collections (dependent on when results are received from partners completing the eDNA processing).

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree