Spend your summer and fall in Maryland, playing a vital role at Naval Air Station Patuxent River as a Rare Species Survey Intern. You would perform crucial tasks in support of our mission.
Location
Patuxent River, MD
Schedule
16 Weeks
August 17, 2026 - December 5, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct and coordinate volunteers for Diamondback Terrapin surveys and nest monitoring, 40%; Conduct surveys for and tag Monarch butterflies, 35%.
Marginal Duties
Conduct acoustic bat surveys, 10%; Conduct Bald Eagle nest/nestling monitoring, 5%; Conduct submerged aquatic vegetation surveys, 5%; Assist with environmental education outreach, 5%.
Required Qualifications
Driver license required. Personal vehicle recommended for commuting. Monday-Friday schedule with an estimated 40 hours a week should be expected. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required when volunteers are unable to cover terrapin shifts.
Preferred Qualifications
Local candidates are preferred due to lack of housing; however, non-local candidates will be considered if they can find their own housing. Ideal candidate can work with minimal supervision in areas with poisonous plants and animals, allergens, temperature extremes, and inclement weather. Training for all projects will be provided in-house. Emergent educational opportunities would be granted as appropriate to the position and as the internship workload allows.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
No housing available.
Compensation
Weekly living allowance: $600
Travel Allowance $1,100 (one time allowance to cover travel expenses to/from the site).
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driving Training
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
