$18.55 per hour, working 25 hours a week.
Internship is from approximately  01/20/2026 - 12/21/2026

Humane World for Animals, a global leader in animal advocacy and protection, is seeking a Prairie Dog Conflict Resolution, Team Field Outreach Intern for the Wildlife Protection department. As an intern, you will learn hands-on techniques and advocacy skills needed to successfully contribute to prairie dog coexistence in the field and management plans. To aid in elevating the positive perception of the prairie dog and the prairie dog ecosystem.

 This internship includes:

• Assistance with outreach, development of publications for coexistence, education and non-lethal prairie dog management including the expansion of the Case Studies for Coexistence in the Prairie Dog Ecosystem and Prairie Dog Management Plan Guidebooks; 
• Response and non-lethal prairie dog management in the field and/ or office; 
• Wildlife advocacy specifically related to the prairie dog ecosystem and their habitat;

Responsibilities:

Participate in the day to day and annual advocacy for the prairie dog ecosystem. Duties may include: 

Literature reviews

• Preparing and submitting local, state or federal comments on behalf of the prairie dog ecosystem

Research, review and implementation of program projects including: 

• Collaborating with external partners to implement Homes on the Range, a GIS mapping and modeling project for the black-tailed prairie dog. 
• Participating in the Great Plains Conservation Network & Prairie Dog Coalition working groups, planning and project execution on communication, outreach, development, outreach events and field work as needed
• Non-lethal model sites on multiple use lands

Assist in the design, outreach and development of outreach tools and publications including the Case Studies for Coexistence and updating our current Guidebooks and publications found at https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/what-do-about-prairie-dogs

1-Participate in site analysis, evaluation and implementation of non-lethal and coexistence strategies including, Population & habitat analysis, Habitat management, Vegetation strategies and, Barriers and buffer zones or other related activities
2-Work with Team to capture site characteristics and analysis into innovative online and outreach documents including the Case Studies for publication 
3-Assist in re-branding of associated Guidebooks and Publications as related to communicating these coexistence techniques and findings as needed

Items 1-3 will encompass the majority of the 2026 internship. Item 4 will be determined based on progress and goals and discussion with intern determined in the 2026 spring or field season (June-Nov).

Respond to prairie dog management request via policy review and potential translocation & training in Colorado New Mexico or other state with key conservation areas for prairie dogs. Participate in a wild-to-wild translocation of prairie dogs from an imperiled site to a protected habitat as needed. Duties and responsibilities include: 

• Handle traps, i.e. setting up, baiting, breaking down, and monitoring traps during active trapping, retrieve prairie dogs in traps, mark and dye fur, and travel to release sites within Colorado & New Mexico and beyond to release prairie dogs. 
• Set up acclimation caps.
• Monitor with a scope or binoculars for trapped prairie dogs or non-target mammals.
• Feed prairie dogs at the release site.
• Haul hay, feed, and equipment on a truck or gator.
• Help with maintenance and equipment prep.
• earn about and implement different disease abatement strategies to protect prairie dogs and their associated species from disease (ie: sylvatic plague vaccines, fipronil flea and tick guard and insecticide application) 
• Use own method of transportation to attend local outreach and field opportunities and join in-person meetings. 
• Maintain a professional demeanor while partnering with agencies and other NGOs.
• Follow guidelines and policies of the Humane World for Animals and Wildlife Protection department, and follow directions given by staff.

Qualifications:

Must be enrolled or a graduate of a college program (graduation must be within two years of application for internship) in wildlife biology, conservation, animal welfare or the environment, conservation communication, natural resources, wildlife or have related experience or education. 

• Able to meet the requirements specified in the Essential Capabilities document with or without reasonable accommodation 
• Able to cope in emotionally-charged environments and work with animals who may be dead, injured, abused, and/or highly stressed 
• Able to remain calm and quiet under stressful conditions
• Able to tolerate and work with a variable and changing schedule based on unpredictable weather, wildlife behavior and variable project needs
• Critical thinking skills
• Strong communication skills 
• Able to work independently and use good judgment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• ARC-GIS skills a plus
• Able to work outside in the heat
• Able to walk long distances over uneven terrain
• Not fearful of handling wildlife
• An interest in wildlife field work, or some basic education on wildlife
• Must have access to a phone and computer with Microsoft Office and access to the Internet
• Tetanus and rabies immunizations recommended
• Must be a good team player and also have the ability to work independently 

This position is located in Colorado – the Boulder FT. Collins Front Range area
 
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status.  EOE