Archbold Biological Station
Start Date: February 2, 2026. Duration : 6-8 months Application Deadline: 10/20/2025 Application portal: https://archbold-station.apscareerportal.com/j/02fad4r Allowances:
Gratis shared lodging (No pets)
Holidays off
$530 Stipend, paid bi-weekly
Description: The Avian Ecology Program at Archbold Biological Station is seeking four interns for at least six months to participate in the long-term demography research on the Federally Threatened Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) . Four interns will start February 2nd, with two running through July 2026 and the other two running through mid-September 2026. Interns will be mentored by Dr. Sahas Barve in a dynamic lab with three research assistants. These intern positions will primarily operate at the main station located in Venus, FL as part of the long-term (56 years) research on the demography, ecology, behavior, and conservation of Florida Scrub-Jays at Archbold Biological Station. A special feature of the internship is the ability to do an independent research project either collecting new data or leveraging the long-term Florida Scrub-Jay dataset. We are especially interested in applicants that are keen on conducting independent research during their internship. Archbold Expeditions is committed to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into our organization. Archbold Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer, and, as ecologists, we know the importance of diversity and encourage individuals belonging to groups under-represented in ecology to apply. Interns contribute to several aspects of this research, but their primary duties include:
Independently searching for and monitoring nests
Conducting monthly censuses of color-banded birds
Daily data entry
Habituating birds for subsequent trapping
Conducting oak acorn surveys
Surveying FLSJ populations at other sites
In addition, interns may assist in collecting blood samples from jays, mapping jay territories, and helping with prescribed fires
Interns will:
Gain experience in the trapping, handling, and bleeding of Florida Scrub-Jays.
Have potential to volunteer with other programs at Archbold (Education, Plant, Herpetology, Predator-Prey, Agroecology etc.)
Participate a minimum of 20 hours per week with field projects, typically Monday – Friday, with flexible weekend work during the peak of the breeding season. Hours will vary and may exceed 20 hours per week depending on the department needs.
Independent avian ecology research project: Outside of the required fieldwork, we encourage interns to design and implement an independent research project that fits within our program. They will train in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice, experimental design, and statistical analysis to oral and written presentations. Creating and completing an independent project will prepare interns for graduate school and/or higher-level report writing required by other agencies. Many previous interns have presented their work at international conferences, and some have even published their projects in peer-reviewed scientific journals. General Qualifications: This position is ideal for students with undergraduate degrees who may be contemplating graduate school in the fields of Ecology, Evolution, Conservation Biology, and Natural Resource Management.
A bachelor’s degree
Respect for others
Field experience outside of coursework; however, we provide all required training for all interns.
A commitment and responsibility towards the integrity of the data
The ability and willingness to work independently in the field, as well as collaborate with a small team to meet project objectives.
Attention to detail with respect to following sampling protocols and entering data
Tolerance for biting insects, early mornings, and high heat/humidity
Motivation and enthusiasm about living and working at a rural field-station
Effective and responsive communication with supervisors, coworkers, and roommates
Experience resighting color-banded birds, finding and monitoring nests, and using a compass or GPS is preferred but not required.
Please note that Archbold Expeditions Inc. is an E-Verify employer. All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States, as we are unable to sponsor work visas for international candidates. To apply, please go to our website and apply through the portal. You'll need to upload just a single pdf titled with your surname : https://archbold-station.apscareerportal.com/j/02fad4r
A one-page cover letter outlining how your previous experiences and interests relate to the job responsibilities and qualifications. Be sure to:
Highlight your research interests.
Explain how this position aligns with your personal experiences and career goals.
A current CV (Curriculum Vitae).
Contact information for three references , including names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
For questions, please contact Tori Bakley (avianecol AT archbold-station.org). We will start reviewing applications after the deadline on October 20, 2025. Archbold is an equal opportunity employer. We take action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected status. Archbold will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and stands proud of its collaborative culture. Archbold's mission is to build and share the scientific knowledge needed to protect the life, lands, and waters of Florida, and beyond. Archbold’s footprint encompasses the ancient scrub habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge; the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape; the vast, open ranchlands of Central Florida; and the many waterways that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and then drain to the coasts, touching the lives of millions of Floridians. Archbold studies and protects these natural wonders as ecosystems: as complex networks shaped by measurable natural processes. Our dozens of research sites encompass the pristine sand dunes of the Lake Wales Ridge; the ranchlands and wetlands that make up much of Central Florida; and the rivers that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and beyond. Today Archbold stewards a rich mosaic of natural habitats, native ecosystems, working lands, and historic buildings at Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch. The Station and the Ranch serve as the place-based crucible for our innovative science, conservation, and education programs. These draw from a long, deep history, dating back from our beginnings, founded by Richard Archbold in 1941. Archbold is an E-Verify Employer
Start Date: February 2, 2026. Duration : 6-8 months Application Deadline: 10/20/2025 Application portal: https://archbold-station.apscareerportal.com/j/02fad4r Allowances:
Gratis shared lodging (No pets)
Holidays off
$530 Stipend, paid bi-weekly
Description: The Avian Ecology Program at Archbold Biological Station is seeking four interns for at least six months to participate in the long-term demography research on the Federally Threatened Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) . Four interns will start February 2nd, with two running through July 2026 and the other two running through mid-September 2026. Interns will be mentored by Dr. Sahas Barve in a dynamic lab with three research assistants. These intern positions will primarily operate at the main station located in Venus, FL as part of the long-term (56 years) research on the demography, ecology, behavior, and conservation of Florida Scrub-Jays at Archbold Biological Station. A special feature of the internship is the ability to do an independent research project either collecting new data or leveraging the long-term Florida Scrub-Jay dataset. We are especially interested in applicants that are keen on conducting independent research during their internship. Archbold Expeditions is committed to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into our organization. Archbold Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer, and, as ecologists, we know the importance of diversity and encourage individuals belonging to groups under-represented in ecology to apply. Interns contribute to several aspects of this research, but their primary duties include:
Independently searching for and monitoring nests
Conducting monthly censuses of color-banded birds
Daily data entry
Habituating birds for subsequent trapping
Conducting oak acorn surveys
Surveying FLSJ populations at other sites
In addition, interns may assist in collecting blood samples from jays, mapping jay territories, and helping with prescribed fires
Interns will:
Gain experience in the trapping, handling, and bleeding of Florida Scrub-Jays.
Have potential to volunteer with other programs at Archbold (Education, Plant, Herpetology, Predator-Prey, Agroecology etc.)
Participate a minimum of 20 hours per week with field projects, typically Monday – Friday, with flexible weekend work during the peak of the breeding season. Hours will vary and may exceed 20 hours per week depending on the department needs.
Independent avian ecology research project: Outside of the required fieldwork, we encourage interns to design and implement an independent research project that fits within our program. They will train in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice, experimental design, and statistical analysis to oral and written presentations. Creating and completing an independent project will prepare interns for graduate school and/or higher-level report writing required by other agencies. Many previous interns have presented their work at international conferences, and some have even published their projects in peer-reviewed scientific journals. General Qualifications: This position is ideal for students with undergraduate degrees who may be contemplating graduate school in the fields of Ecology, Evolution, Conservation Biology, and Natural Resource Management.
A bachelor’s degree
Respect for others
Field experience outside of coursework; however, we provide all required training for all interns.
A commitment and responsibility towards the integrity of the data
The ability and willingness to work independently in the field, as well as collaborate with a small team to meet project objectives.
Attention to detail with respect to following sampling protocols and entering data
Tolerance for biting insects, early mornings, and high heat/humidity
Motivation and enthusiasm about living and working at a rural field-station
Effective and responsive communication with supervisors, coworkers, and roommates
Experience resighting color-banded birds, finding and monitoring nests, and using a compass or GPS is preferred but not required.
Please note that Archbold Expeditions Inc. is an E-Verify employer. All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States, as we are unable to sponsor work visas for international candidates. To apply, please go to our website and apply through the portal. You'll need to upload just a single pdf titled with your surname : https://archbold-station.apscareerportal.com/j/02fad4r
A one-page cover letter outlining how your previous experiences and interests relate to the job responsibilities and qualifications. Be sure to:
Highlight your research interests.
Explain how this position aligns with your personal experiences and career goals.
A current CV (Curriculum Vitae).
Contact information for three references , including names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
For questions, please contact Tori Bakley (avianecol AT archbold-station.org). We will start reviewing applications after the deadline on October 20, 2025. Archbold is an equal opportunity employer. We take action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected status. Archbold will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and stands proud of its collaborative culture. Archbold's mission is to build and share the scientific knowledge needed to protect the life, lands, and waters of Florida, and beyond. Archbold’s footprint encompasses the ancient scrub habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge; the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape; the vast, open ranchlands of Central Florida; and the many waterways that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and then drain to the coasts, touching the lives of millions of Floridians. Archbold studies and protects these natural wonders as ecosystems: as complex networks shaped by measurable natural processes. Our dozens of research sites encompass the pristine sand dunes of the Lake Wales Ridge; the ranchlands and wetlands that make up much of Central Florida; and the rivers that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and beyond. Today Archbold stewards a rich mosaic of natural habitats, native ecosystems, working lands, and historic buildings at Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch. The Station and the Ranch serve as the place-based crucible for our innovative science, conservation, and education programs. These draw from a long, deep history, dating back from our beginnings, founded by Richard Archbold in 1941. Archbold is an E-Verify Employer
Archbold Biological Station
Venus, Florida
Summary/Objective
The Avian Ecology Program at Archbold Biological Station is seeking an entry level biologist, reporting to Dr. Sahas Barve, Program Director, Avian Ecology. Candidate will aid in long-term demography research on the federally threatened Florida Scrub-Jay ( Aphelocoma coerulescens , FLSJ). The ideal candidate will have at least two seasons of field work experience and the ability to work independently and have an interest in birds, ecology and evolution, natural history, and active research. Candidates will also be encouraged to conduct independent research during their tenure.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
July – February – responsible for independently planning, organizing, conducting and reporting FLSJ surveys and banding at sites managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Highlands County.
February – September time will be split between collaborating with other lab members to continue the program’s long-term demography study of FLSJs at Archbold and establishing a similar demography monitoring program at one FWC site.
Field work will include but is not limited to finding and monitoring nests, mapping territories, trapping and banding birds to include nestlings, juveniles and adults, resighting banded birds and conducting annual acorn surveys.
Will coordinate with program staff to ensure all field work is complete
Will conduct monthly censuses of color-banded birds, habituating birds for subsequent trapping, collecting and storing blood samples from adult and nestlings.
Will be responsible for data entry and database management, surveying and mapping FLSJ populations at FWC sites outside of Archbold and writing survey and banding reports.
Will assist will all active program projects
Supervisory Responsibility
Will aid with recruitment and occasional supervision of volunteers and interns.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work/Benefits
This is a full-time position - 40 hours per week – requiring lab and field work
Base pay starting at $18.00 per hour – pay is commensurate with the experience
Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Paid Time-off, Sick Leave and Paid Holidays
Travel/Housing
Station vehicles will be provided for all research activities.
Housing not provided
Work Environment
Will regularly navigate and work alone in the field with a map. Must be able to use compass and GPS when available. GPS is not always available, and the ability to read paper maps is required.
Will require experience safely operating an ATV and 4x4 truck in all terrains including muddy holes, wetlands and loose/soft sand.
Tolerance for biting insects, early mornings, and extreme heat/humidity and rain.
Will work some weekends during FLSJ breeding season.
Physical Demands
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; lift, push and pull items up to 50 pounds; climb stairs; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. Will travel uneven surfaces for long periods of time by foot, ATV or truck. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of scientific experience
Valid driver’s license required
Experience finding nests using behavior, particularly the nests of open cup nesters are a plus
Experience watching, recording, and interpreting bird behavior, managing projects, conducting wildlife surveys and vegetation sampling are all a plus
Mentoring interns and communicating to the public are also key qualities
Competencies and Additional Eligibility Qualifications
An understanding of and commitment to the Archbold mission
Candidate expected for a minimum tenure of 3 years
Acknowledgment
This information is not designed to be a complete inventory of the job duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Rather, it’s designed to give the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee assigned to this job title. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Questions about this role may be directed to Tori Bakley ( tbakley@archbold-station.org )
To apply, please fill out this google form https://forms.gle/WrU9oSZyZg6PKb1v8 by June 23rd, 2024.
You will be asked a few questions before you are prompted to upload the following in a single pdf titled with your name:
Cover letter outlining experience relevant to the job responsibilities listed and describing how this position aligns with your personal goals.
A CV
The names and contact information of three references
Summary/Objective
The Avian Ecology Program at Archbold Biological Station is seeking an entry level biologist, reporting to Dr. Sahas Barve, Program Director, Avian Ecology. Candidate will aid in long-term demography research on the federally threatened Florida Scrub-Jay ( Aphelocoma coerulescens , FLSJ). The ideal candidate will have at least two seasons of field work experience and the ability to work independently and have an interest in birds, ecology and evolution, natural history, and active research. Candidates will also be encouraged to conduct independent research during their tenure.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
July – February – responsible for independently planning, organizing, conducting and reporting FLSJ surveys and banding at sites managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Highlands County.
February – September time will be split between collaborating with other lab members to continue the program’s long-term demography study of FLSJs at Archbold and establishing a similar demography monitoring program at one FWC site.
Field work will include but is not limited to finding and monitoring nests, mapping territories, trapping and banding birds to include nestlings, juveniles and adults, resighting banded birds and conducting annual acorn surveys.
Will coordinate with program staff to ensure all field work is complete
Will conduct monthly censuses of color-banded birds, habituating birds for subsequent trapping, collecting and storing blood samples from adult and nestlings.
Will be responsible for data entry and database management, surveying and mapping FLSJ populations at FWC sites outside of Archbold and writing survey and banding reports.
Will assist will all active program projects
Supervisory Responsibility
Will aid with recruitment and occasional supervision of volunteers and interns.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work/Benefits
This is a full-time position - 40 hours per week – requiring lab and field work
Base pay starting at $18.00 per hour – pay is commensurate with the experience
Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Paid Time-off, Sick Leave and Paid Holidays
Travel/Housing
Station vehicles will be provided for all research activities.
Housing not provided
Work Environment
Will regularly navigate and work alone in the field with a map. Must be able to use compass and GPS when available. GPS is not always available, and the ability to read paper maps is required.
Will require experience safely operating an ATV and 4x4 truck in all terrains including muddy holes, wetlands and loose/soft sand.
Tolerance for biting insects, early mornings, and extreme heat/humidity and rain.
Will work some weekends during FLSJ breeding season.
Physical Demands
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; lift, push and pull items up to 50 pounds; climb stairs; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. Will travel uneven surfaces for long periods of time by foot, ATV or truck. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of scientific experience
Valid driver’s license required
Experience finding nests using behavior, particularly the nests of open cup nesters are a plus
Experience watching, recording, and interpreting bird behavior, managing projects, conducting wildlife surveys and vegetation sampling are all a plus
Mentoring interns and communicating to the public are also key qualities
Competencies and Additional Eligibility Qualifications
An understanding of and commitment to the Archbold mission
Candidate expected for a minimum tenure of 3 years
Acknowledgment
This information is not designed to be a complete inventory of the job duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Rather, it’s designed to give the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee assigned to this job title. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Questions about this role may be directed to Tori Bakley ( tbakley@archbold-station.org )
To apply, please fill out this google form https://forms.gle/WrU9oSZyZg6PKb1v8 by June 23rd, 2024.
You will be asked a few questions before you are prompted to upload the following in a single pdf titled with your name:
Cover letter outlining experience relevant to the job responsibilities listed and describing how this position aligns with your personal goals.
A CV
The names and contact information of three references