Blanding’s Turtle Summer Intern 

The Opportunity 

The Wetland Trust, Inc. (TWT) is a 501C(3), not-for-profit organization that uses the best science available to protect and restore wetlands and unique wetland biodiversity. TWT presently owns over 7,700 wetland acres. Some of our sites have Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) populations that are being actively managed. 

TWT seeks eight (8) Summer Interns to assist with annual Blanding’s turtle monitoring and nest protection in Dutchess County NY as part of TWT’s Blanding’s Turtle Conservation team. Interns will learn to set and check baited hoop traps, conduct health checks on Blanding’s and other turtles, collect biometric data, and mark/tag turtles. Interns will also help track female Blanding’s turtles as they scope for nesting sites and protect their nests using predator guards. Interns may assist with tracking juvenile Blanding’s turtles and documentation of their movements and habitat preferences, and perform other relevant stewardship tasks.

Position Requirements

• A deep commitment to conservation and high level of integrity.  
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team.
• Able to work independently with minimal oversight.  
• Must provide your own transportation.
• Must be able to work evening and late night hours.
• Must be able to work outdoors for long stretches of time, in inclement weather if needed.
• Must reside in New York State and work in-person for the duration of the internship.

Preferred Qualifications 

• At least one year of field experience, handling wildlife, collecting data, working with a conservation-oriented organization and/or similar experience. 

Position Details and Logistics

Pay: $16/hr with a maximum of 450 hours. Returning interns are eligible for increased pay, commensurate with experience.

Location: Blanding’s turtle research sites in Dutchess County, NY

Time Frame: approximately - May 07 - July 24 2026. From May 11- May 24, monitoring activities occur daily during typical business hours. From May 25-June 30, tracking and nest watch begins at 5pm each evening and runs into the night as needed. Diurnal work resumes July 1- July 24th. A regular schedule for your internship will be determined in collaboration with the Blanding’s conservation team.