Wildlife Biology Intern

Terracon • Harrisburg, PA

5d

About The Position

Terracon Consultants, Inc. is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Biological Intern to support its bat studies program from the Harrisburg office. The position is anticipated to run from May through early fall, with flexible start and end dates for the right applicant. The intern will assist bat biologists and field leaders with regulated data collection, field schedule coordination, and technical report preparation, as well as equipment and supply management, project file maintenance, and general project coordination. Depending on project schedules and needs, the intern may also work with natural resources professionals on wetland and watercourse studies, environmental permitting, and surveys for other threatened and endangered species.

The position involves field, office, and remote work, with attendance at the Harrisburg office as needed. Work schedules may be nonstandard and include extended field days, nighttime surveys, overtime, and overnight travel. Applicants must be pursuing or have recently completed a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and be able to meet the position's travel, schedule, physical, and outdoor work requirements.

Requirements

• 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.
• Willing and able to travel overnight for projects outside the local area.
• Able to work flexible, nonstandard schedules, including extended field days typically lasting 10–14 hours, nighttime surveys, and occasional overtime exceeding 40 hours per week.
• Able to carry up to 50 pounds and navigate varied terrain and field conditions, including uneven ground, confined spaces, wetlands, streams, and open fields.
• Able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather, including heat, direct sunlight, rain, and high humidity.
• Able and willing to work in field, office, and remote settings, including reporting to the Harrisburg office at designated times.

Nice To Haves

• Current rabies vaccination or willingness to obtain vaccination as appropriate for the position.
• Experience operating, or willingness to learn to operate, fieldwork watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, and powered boats such as Jon boats.
• Previous experience conducting biological field surveys or working with wildlife.

Responsibilities

• Assist biologists with field studies, habitat assessments, and presence/absence surveys for threatened and endangered species, including forested habitat assessments, bridge and culvert bat assessments, bat emergence surveys, and acoustic surveys as project needs require.
• Assist with preparing 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, 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 safety standards, field procedures, and position-specific responsibilities.
• As project needs allow, assist with wetland and watercourse studies, environmental permitting, and surveys for other threatened and endangered species.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern