Raptor Conservation Internship Opportunity

HawkWatch International is seeking 2-3 interns to assist with multiple raptor research programs, including American Kestrel Studies (~85%), Burrowing Owl Nesting Ecology (~10%), and studies of small forest owls (~5%).  The internships will run from 17 March through 1 August and come with a $600/week stipend.  Current undergraduate students who are available for full-time work or recent graduates from a biology, wildlife, or natural resources program qualify for this internship, which is designed to offer field experience to those just beginning careers in conservation.  Interns will work 5-6 days per week, with some weekend work. Most work days will be spent in the field, with an average of ½ - 2 days per week spent performing tasks in an office environment. The internships are based out of Salt Lake City, UT. Shared housing may be available for those who don’t live locally.  

Specific learning/training opportunities include:

• Assisting HWI staff and community scientists with nest box maintenance and /or installation and the monitoring of American Kestrel, Western Screech-owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and other cavity-nesting species nests
• Using high-end spotting scope during efforts to resight colorbanded American Kestrels as part of a long-term movement and survival study
• Installation, upkeep, and retrieval of data from cameras set to document prey deliveries to nests
• Assisting with capture and banding (including colorbanding) of nestling and adult American Kestrels, using both hand-capture, mist-nets, and bal-chatri traps
• Assisting with collection of feather and blood, samples as part of genetic and contaminant studies
• Design and complete (with guidance) own small research effort within larger study system (can be on some aspect of kestrel work, or on other species in study area)
• Exposure to research and outreach efforts at conservation non-profit organizations
• Exposure working with and coordinating a large group of volunteer community scientists
• Data entry, quality assurance/control, equipment care, and curation of field samples

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe that just as in nature, diversity in the workforce fosters adaptability, resilience, and well-being. We strive to build a team that reflects the stakeholders and communities we serve and the places we work. Our goal is to create an environment where each team member feels valued, respected, and empowered in their work.

Questions? Email (ltmcs@hawkwatch.org)