Seasonal Waterfowl Internship - Fairbanks, AK

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Ducks Unlimited seeks one (1) highly-motivated seasonal field technician to work on a Common Goldeneye nesting project stationed just outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, and led by the University of California, Davis.  This 13-week position, from April 15-July 15, will provide an opportunity to work on a long-term nest box monitoring program. The selected candidate will work in conjunction with a graduate student to monitor the breeding ecology of Goldeneye in nest boxes.

Typical duties will include using extension ladders to monitor nesting attempts, capturing and banding incubating hens, and deploying web tags on newly-hatched ducklings. The selected candidate will also assist with producing outreach materials to be shared with Ducks Unlimited members and volunteers. 

A strong interest in waterfowl and wetlands ecology, desire to spend long days and early mornings in the field, and determination to get the job done well is required. Inquisitive, detail-oriented, and self-motivated applicants are also preferred. Experience working with waterfowl is preferred, but not required. Successful applicants will be expected to work safely and effectively in a rural setting with minimal supervision. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required.

The applicant can anticipate modest hikes to individual boxes (< 1 mile) while working in a variety of weather conditions in the presence of biting insects. Housing will be provided in Alaska in the form of large personal tents with cots and sleeping bags, along with a shared communal cabin for cooking, cleaning, etc. Transportation among field sites is provided. Compensation for this position is $600/week. Applicant must be able to start at the duty station on April 15, 2026.

Requirements

• A strong interest in waterfowl and wetlands ecology
• Desire to spend long days and early mornings in the field
• Determination to get the job done well
• Expected to work safely and effectively in a rural setting with minimal supervision
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required
• Applicant must be able to start at the duty station on April 15, 2026

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with waterfowl
• Inquisitive
• Detail-oriented
• Self-motivated applicants

Responsibilities

• Using extension ladders to monitor nesting attempts
• Capturing and banding incubating hens
• Deploying web tags on newly-hatched ducklings
• Assist with producing outreach materials to be shared with Ducks Unlimited members and volunteers

Benefits

• Housing will be provided in Alaska in the form of large personal tents with cots and sleeping bags, along with a shared communal cabin for cooking, cleaning, etc.
• Transportation among field sites is provided

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees