Vermont Center for Ecostudies Summer Internships (2026)

The Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) is one of the preeminent wildlife conservation organizations in New England that strives to advance the conservation of wildlife through research, monitoring, and community engagement. From the migratory ecology of songbirds to the state of biodiversity in Vermont, our biologists investigate the intricate networks of ecological relationships at many scales. 

As a VCE intern from June 16–August 21, 2026, you will be immersed in our organization, working directly alongside scientists in the field and at our office in White River Junction, VT. You will meaningfully contribute to our ongoing long-term research, work in a collaborative environment, and develop your skills for the next stage of your career. Detailed information about our current projects can be found on our website.

Our Commitment to Our Interns

We place a high value on our internship program, and invest significant time and mentorship into making each intern’s experience meaningful, supportive, and professionally beneficial. Our goal is to deepen your abilities as a scientist and conservation practitioner. You will be supported as full members of our science team, with structured training and opportunities for learning and reflection.

Internship pathways and application process

Our interns are supported through three distinct internship pathways, each with a separate applicant pool; each applicant submits to one of these pathways. The pathway you apply through determines the written materials required, but not the work you will be doing this summer. Instead of a cover letter, the following materials are required for the one internship pathway you choose:

• Core Conservation Internship: A 1-2 page statement addressing your interest in joining VCE and how you believe this internship will influence your future career path.
• Future Ecologist Internship: A 1-2 page written statement addressing your interest in joining VCE; how you believe this internship will influence your future as an ecologist; and how you fit this internship's intended audience of early-career scientists who are underrepresented in ecology.
• Alexander Dickey Conservation Internship: A 1-2 page statement describing your interest in joining VCE; why this internship offers a meaningful opportunity to advance your personal and professional growth; and how Alexander Dickey’s described experience resonates with you.  

More detailed descriptions of these pathways are provided on the last pages of this announcement.

Internship focus area

Regardless of the internship pathway you apply through, you will work in one of three different focus areas. You will have a chance to rank your preferred focus area when applying: 

• Spatial Science Focus:You will work with big data from community science platforms, such as iNaturalist, to help answer applied conservation and climate-related questions in Vermont and beyond. You will assist with tasks such as modeling species distributions, identifying priority conservation areas, and engaging in science communication by creating interactive figures and maps. This is not a field-based internship, but you will have the opportunity to join the field team as your schedules allow. This position is advised by VCE Data Scientist Mike Hallworth, who will provide direct mentorship in spatial analysis and applied conservation research.
• Field Ecology Focus:You will primarily contribute to two field-based research projects. The first project investigates how shifts in plant communities and environmental context drive changes in insect biomass and bird diets. This project involves assisting a team with weekly insect sampling and capturing and sampling data from songbirds in the Green Mountains. Secondly, you will also help with collecting data on flowering phenology, pollen and nectar resources, and plant-pollinator interactions in experimental gardens. This internship will be >50% field work that will take place in Vermont and New Hampshire. You will be trained in all necessary field and laboratory techniques, insect pinning and identification, and data entry. VCE Conservation Biologist  Desiree Narango will advise this position. Because of the field-based nature of this position, you will be expected to have your own personal vehicle.
• Interdisciplinary Focus:You will work alongside several VCE scientists, gaining broad experience in applied research, monitoring, and public engagement—essential topics relevant to conservation science. With Conservation Biologist Kent McFarland, you will conduct statewide butterfly surveys as part of Vermont’s second Butterfly Atlas. While working with Conservation Biologist Eric Hanson, you will use a kayak or canoe on remote lakes and ponds to monitor loon activity, search for nests, and deploy and recover floating signs and nesting platforms. The loon work will also necessitate spontaneous conversations with residents and recreationists at loon lakes to both gather their observations and share information and educational materials. Other summer projects may include exploring science-to-policy initiatives with Policy Manager Emily Anderson; monitoring rare sand plain plants around Lake Champlain with Science Director Ryan Rebozo; collecting data in experimental gardens with Conservation Biologist Dr. Desiree Narango; or surveying grassland birds with Staff Biologist Kevin Tolan.

What to expect
Responsibilities vary weekly based on field conditions, weather, and project priorities. Interns should be prepared to travel to multiple research sites and be responsible for keeping detailed, accurate notes when conducting fieldwork. All four interns will have opportunities to work together, assist with overnight bird netting and banding atop Mount Mansfield, participate in team-building experiences, and gain exposure to external partners and collaborators.

Qualifications

We encourage undergraduates and early-career ecologists to apply. Prior experience is welcomed, but not required. More important than past ecological field experience are curiosity, work ethic, and passion for conservation, with interest in specific VCE research programs. Each intern will receive the training necessary to conduct their work safely and effectively, and we seek mature, motivated individuals who will begin the internship ready to learn and contribute. 

Interns should be comfortable working both alone and collaboratively. Attention to detail, good field note-taking skills, and an ability to embrace varied work schedules and field conditions are other important attributes for this position. For focus areas with field work, the ability to work outdoors in various conditions, walk two or more miles on or off trail, and be comfortable paddling a canoe or kayak is expected. Also required is a willingness to work unpredictable hours in demanding field conditions, physically exert oneself, be flexible in scheduling activities, and show an abundance of good-natured humor.

Compensation and housing

Compensation is $16/hour, 40 hours/week. Interns are not eligible for benefits such as retirement contributions or health insurance. Housing is provided in or near White River Junction, VT for the duration of the internship. To encourage a synergistic environment, the four interns are expected to live in this shared housing unless previous arrangements are made with VCE. Free bus service is available in the local area. A field vehicle will be provided for transportation to and from work sites, though interns who desire to work in the Field Ecology Focus are strongly encouraged to also have a personal vehicle. All work-related personal mileage accrued during the internship will be reimbursed at the federal mileage reimbursement rate. VCE can offer financial assistance for necessary field equipment. 

Internship Pathways

Pathway: Applied Conservation Internship

At VCE we recognize that strong mentorship is essential for developing the next generation of conservation professionals. The Core Conservation Internship offers students and early-career scientists an immersive introduction to VCE’s conservation and research programs. Interns contribute to active projects, build new technical and field skills, and receive mentorship from VCE scientists.

To be considered for the Applied Conservation Internship, you will provide a 1-2 page statement that addresses your specific interest in joining VCE and how you believe this internship will influence your future career path.

Pathway: Future Ecologist Internship

As ecologists, we know that both ecological communities and organizations are strongest and most resilient when they are most diverse. However, we have much work to do to create and sustain diversity and equity in the field of ecology itself—one of the least diverse fields of science. As an organization that aims to “unite people and science for conservation,” we recognize that to advance that goal, we must create a culture that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusivity, supports scientists of all backgrounds, and values dissenting opinions and rigorous examination within our own community.

With those goals in mind, the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) is offering our Future Ecologists Internship intended to create opportunities for applicants who are underrepresented in the field of ecology. We encourage all who can demonstrate how they add diversity to the field of ecology to apply.

To be considered for the Future Ecologist Internship, you will provide a 1-2 page written statement that addresses your specific interest in joining VCE; how you believe this internship will influence your future as an ecologist; and how you fit our intended audience of early-career scientists underrepresented in ecology.

Pathway: Alexander Dickey Conservation Internship

Alexander Dickey's deep-rooted passion for the natural world and its conservation inspired all of us at VCE. An annual conservation internship in Alex's memory now honors his legacy in perpetuity. Read more about Alexander here.

In addition to promising aspirations as a conservation biologist, we are looking for someone inspired by nature, moved to preserve it, and/or someone who has some personal experience, awareness, or empathy with the type of struggle Alex experienced. At the internship’s conclusion, we will request a 600-word retrospective essay about the experience’s impact on you, how it has affected your professional aspirations, and how you feel it has honored Alexander’s memory.

To be considered for the Alexander Dickey Conservation Internship, you will provide a 1-2 page statement describing your specific interest in joining VCE; why this internship offers a meaningful opportunity to advance your personal and professional growth, and how Alexander Dickey’s described experience resonates with you (to the extent you feel comfortable sharing).