Shoreline Education for Awareness, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Pacific Region National Wildlife Refuge System’s Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Program, is seeking a motivated intern to help deliver evidence-based wildlife conservation across 25 refuges in western Washington and Oregon. The intern will collaborate directly with professional wildlife biologists, data managers, and refuge managers, gaining hands-on experience in ecological monitoring, data management, and reporting to inform critical conservation decisions. This position includes both field work and office-based tasks, giving a good balance of practical and analytical experience. The intern will receive training on various ecological survey protocols, personal safety, and core software tools (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS suite, R, Python). 

Duration: ~November 3, 2025–August 31, 2026 (10 months, flexible start date) 

Duty station: Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Newport, Oregon 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Survey and Protocol Development: Assist in developing survey designs by conducting scientific literature reviews, creating conceptual ecological models, and drafting clear, standardized survey protocols and documentation
• Field Data Collection: Conduct field surveys and collect biological data (e.g., waterbirds, seabirds, vegetation) at various refuges using established procedures, including visual surveys, vegetation quadrats, and GPS mapping
• Data Quality Management: Perform quality assurance and quality control procedures, including data verification, data entry accuracy checks, cross-referencing field notes with digital datasets, and maintaining clear documentation in the field and office
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Conduct ecological data analyses, interpret findings, produce figures and tables, and contribute to reports and presentations
• Metadata and Data Mobilization: Create metadata and ensure data standards compliance and readiness for reuse
• Legacy Data Preservation: Inventory, assess, and prioritize legacy ecological survey records for preservation and sharing
• Collaboration and Logistics: Collaborate with regional and field staff on project planning, logistics, and safety

Qualifications:

• Some undergraduate coursework in biology, natural resources, data management, or related field is required; Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc. or B.A.) preferred
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Valid state driver's license
• Ability to work both independently and on multidisciplinary teams
• Strong observational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel throughout western Washington and Oregon and work variable schedules, including morning/evening shifts
• Familiarity with GIS and statistical software (e.g., ArcGIS and R) preferred

 Benefits:

• $2,000 monthly living stipend
• Free shared, co-ed bunkhouse style lodging in Lincoln City, Oregon with laundry, wi-fi, utilities and more included (sorry, no pets)
• Mentorship from experienced USFWS biologists and data managers
• Professional development, training, and networking opportunities
• Public Land Corps hiring authority eligibility for future employment opportunities with federal agencies
• Work vehicle and equipment provided (Intern is responsible for personal transportation needs)