2025 Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge 2025 Field Technician/Biology Internship
Application Deadline is
April 11, 2025
Overview: Do you have a passion for conservation, ecological restoration, or land stewardship? The Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge are sponsoring several biology internships for the 2025 field season. The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is a unique ecological restoration project featuring endangered tall grass prairie, oak savanna, and sedge meadow ecosystems. Located 20 miles east of Des Moines, IA it was the first large scale prairie reconstruction project ever attempted. Since its inception in 1990, the 6,000-acre refuge has become a home to hundreds of prairie plant species; reintroduced bison, elk, and regal fritillary butterflies; rare grassland birds; and many other species dependent on large areas of prairie or grassland.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is an equal opportunity employer.
Duties: The biology interns are a vital addition to the biology team.
Interns participate in:
Prairie and savanna restoration work, such as monitoring plants and wildlife (including our bison and elk herds)
Invasive species management including the use of herbicides
Hand harvesting seeds of native plants
Data entry and management
Based on interest, there may be an opportunity to cross-train with Visitor Services in science communication and education.
Benefits: Internships will run 3-9 months each for 40 hours/week.
Timing of internships is flexible, with positions available in spring, summer, and fall (April through October). Extensions may be possible.
Each intern will be paid $15 per hour.
Housing is not provided.
Other information:
Refuge staff will work with students to fulfill internship credit requirements at individual universities.
Non-students are also eligible and encouraged to apply.
Qualifications: Anyone 18 years or older with a valid driver's license is eligible for an internship.
Candidates must have interest in native plants and a strong desire to learn about prairie and savanna ecosystems and restoration.
Experience identifying prairie plants preferred.
Candidates must enjoy working outdoors (even when it’s uncomfortable).
The most important qualifications are a sincere interest in conservation, ecological restoration, or land stewardship, enthusiasm, and a good work ethic.
Upon hiring, interns must become an Iowa-certified pesticide applicator. Instructions and study materials will be provided.
Interns will be provided training on the safe operation and maintenance of utility terrain vehicles, pesticide sprayers, and other tools.
To Apply via email:
Submit the following to Scott Gilje, Refuge Manager at scott_gilje@fws.gov
a one-page cover letter highlighting your qualifications and
describing why you would like to participate in internship program and what you hope gain from the experience.
The dates you are available
A detailed resume
Three references and their contact information
To Apply online click the button below and be prepared to upload documents described above.
Intern applications and letters of and letters of recommendations must be emailed by the end the day April 11, 2025