Monarch Butterfly Monitoring Intern – Multiple Locations Available CA, TX, OK, KS, IA, NE, MO, MN

Position Description:

Interns will learn how to conduct monarch butterfly monitoring and habitat assessments using standardized protocols, working directly with biologists and natural resource managers on military installation. Interns will be trained in conducting surveys using the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Protocol (IMMP) and will collect data on habitat, including milkweed presence and blooming plant species, as well as presence of adult butterflies, eggs, and larvae. Fieldwork will be conducted during daytime hours with monarch surveys typically beginning at 10 am. This is an exciting opportunity for early-career professionals as well as those with field experience who are excited and willing to learn about monarch butterflies and their habitat. 

Interns may also facilitate outreach and education programs that foster connections and awareness of monarchs, pollinators, and migratory species on military bases. Interns will be encouraged to contribute blogs to our website and to attend virtual webinars that promote career development and exploration of careers in natural resources. Environment for the Americas (EFTA) will provide guidance on community outreach and engagement practices, and will facilitate field training along with our partner Monarch Joint Ventures (MJV).

This program is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) Legacy Program in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service International Programs. This partnership underscores a collective commitment to monarch butterfly monitoring/conservation efforts, particularly in the face of potential ESA listing in 2024. Visit https://environmentamericas.org/migratory-monarch-conservation/ for more information.

Start Date: Between April to May 2024

Duration: 6 weeks to 6 month positions available depending on availability and location. Please list your availbility in your application. 

Various locations on military bases in states including:

• Texas: Fort Cavazos, Dyess AFB, Laughlin AFB
• Oklahoma: Fort Sill, Camp Gruber, Tinker AFB
• Kansas: Fort Riley
• Iowa: Camp Dodge
• Nebraska: Camp Ashland
• California: Vandenberg Space Force Base
• Minnesota: multiple work sites available, travel position throughout midwest

Compensation: $600/week + health insurance (if needed). $1,000.00/monthly housing stipend (if traveling). Travel costs to the site and back home are covered by the program.

Application Due: Accepting application on an ongoing basis as positions are filled. Apply ASAP.

Environment for the Americas engages ethnically and racially diverse young professionals in natural resource careers. The DoD Monarch program places a special emphasis on hiring and engaging veterans, military spouses and immediate family members of service members. 

Requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• Have a personal vehicle and driver’s license.

Intern Qualifications:

• Ability to learn how to conduct monarch and vegetation surveys
• Ability to take directions and work independently
• Ability to develop and facilitate education activities for military families
• Ability to work well with coworkers and function effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to work independently and communicate progress regularly with Program Manager

Motivated, independent worker willing to:

• Spend time driving (sometimes long distances) to various monitoring sites (note: mileage will be covered)
• Spend time outdoors collecting data
• Support workshops for the community
• Utilize strong communication skills to work with local biologists and natural resource managers, EFTA staff, government agency staff, and the public

Preferred Skills (not required):

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and the ability to enter data accurately into online portal
• Experience conducting fieldwork or working outdoors
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Google Drive, Sheets, Docs and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

Training: The intern will receive training in:

• Conducting monarch butterfly habitat surveys using the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Protocol (IMMP)
• Navigating the unique challenges of conducting natural resource research on military installations
• Identifying milkweed host plants
• Locating monarch eggs and caterpillars
• Performing adult butterfly surveys
• Maintaining, organizing, and entering field data
• Conducting data proofing and correction to ensure data accuracy
• Maintaining regular contact with EFTA staff along with partners such as MJV, other monarch partners, and installation biologists
• Identifying and developing community partnerships
• Co-developing educational activities that engage military families
• Lead nature walks and talks for service members and military families

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.