Details: 

• May 2023 to August 2023 
• Official dates to be discussed with intern based on availability 
• 20-30 hours per week position.  
• A set schedule will be determined with the intern  
• May adjust for college intern credit requirements 
• Compensation will be discussed during the first round of interviews.  

The intern’s primary responsibility will be assisting in vegetation and wildlife monitoring. Tasks include: 

• Using standardized techniques to gather data on vegetation in permanent plots. 
• Deploying and retrieving camera and acoustic monitoring devices, uploading photos and recordings, and conducting preliminary assessments of species composition.  
• Deploying and retrieving various insect sampling traps. Sorting and preparation of resulting samples and recording necessary data. 
• Summarizing findings for social media and informal science outreach. 
• Assisting in outreach events (ex. local festivals, fairs). 
• Help with nature center operation, as needed.  
• Attend provided weekly webinars/presentations on a variety of topics (ex. Conservation, research skills, etc.) 
• Develop a paper outlining the intern experience (can be utilized for internship credit requirements) 

Qualifications and Skills:  

• High School Diploma, or equivalent.  
• Must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States; Must have a legal driver’s license and consent to a criminal history check.  
• Preference will be given to applicants pursuing college degrees in a related field. 
• Strong interest in the natural world. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in plant and/or animal identification.  
• Good attention to detail and ability to stay focused while conducting repetitive tasks.  
• Demonstrated computer abilities in Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint; webpage and social media background a plus. 
• Ability to be on your feet most of the day, withstand summer weather conditions, lift 30 pounds, and hike in rugged, mountainous terrain 
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively, creatively, and effectively with people of all ethnic, socio-economic, lifestyle and cultural backgrounds. 
• Excellent communication skills. 

Compensation: The intern will receive compensation for their time as discussed during the first rounds of interviews. In addition to financial compensation, we hope to give the intern experience working with and for small non-profit nature-based organization. The intern will be invited/encouraged to attend education programs given by nature center staff, board members, and partners.  

Apply HERE for the Research Internship

This Position has been filled for the 2023 Summer Season. Thank you for your interest in our internships. If you have interest, please check out our volunteer opportunities!

The Balsam Mountain Trust is seeking a dependable PAID summer intern that is excited to gain experience working within our Nature Center and with our ambassador animals. The intern’s primary responsibility will be animal care and education with some opportunities to assist in research conducted on the property. 

Details: 

• May 2023 to August 2023
  • Official dates to be discussed with intern based on availability
• 20-30 hours per week position. 
  • A set schedule will be determined with the intern 
  • May adjust for college intern credit requirements 
• Compensation will be discussed during the first round of interviews.  

Responsibilities:  

• Animal care tasks: 
• Preparing diets and feeding animals  
• Cleaning habitats  
• Observing the general health and wellbeing of each animal  
• Providing animal enrichment  

• Field work:  

• • Aid in a monarch monitoring program, one of the Trust’s Citizen Science Programs 
  • Others will be based on interest of intern and priority of the Trust  

• Environmental education opportunities:  

• • Welcome to shadow informal environmental education with the Trust’s staff and AmeriCorps member  
  • Assisting in outreach events (ex. local festivals, fairs). 
  • Assist with nature center operation and interpretation. 

• Attend provided weekly webinars/presentations on a variety of topics (ex. Conservation, research skills, etc.) 
• Develop a paper outlining the intern experience (can be utilized for internship credit requirements) 

Qualifications and Skills:  

• High School Diploma, or equivalent.  
• Must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States; Must have a legal driver’s license and consent to a criminal history check.  
• Preference will be given to applicants pursuing college degrees in a related field. 
• Demonstrated ability to handle and care for a variety of animals.  
• Strong interest in the natural world. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in plant and/or animal identification.  
• Good attention to detail and ability to stay focused while conducting repetitive tasks.  
• Demonstrated computer abilities in Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint; webpage and social media background a plus. 
• Ability to be on your feet most of the day, withstand summer weather conditions, lift 30 pounds, and hike in rugged, mountainous terrain 
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively, creatively, and effectively with people of all ethnic, socio-economic, lifestyle and cultural backgrounds. 
• Excellent communication skills. 

Compensation:

The intern will receive compensation for their time as discussed during the first rounds of interviews. In addition to financial compensation, we hope to give the intern experience working with and for small non-profit nature-based organization. The intern will be invited/encouraged to attend education programs given by nature center staff, board members, and partners. 

Apply HERE for the Animal Care/Education Internship