Research Intern

GCBO Internship August – December 2023

Job Description:  GCBO interns work on a variety of field projects and also spend one to two days a week doing office work. Under supervision of a GCBO biologist, interns will gain experience with:

·        Monitoring nesting Black Skimmers by boat including banding chicks (August – September),

·        Monitoring wintering shorebirds along the beach including taking photos to support resighting information (September – March),

·        Posting signage around nesting and loafing areas,

·        Participating in Non-breeding Shorebird outreach events (year round),

Equally important is office work which consists of entering field data, volunteer hours, and helping with filing tasks. Depending on time of year, interns will also help with various fund raising and other events including Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza (September) and Smith Point Hawk Watch Celebration (October). GCBO internships are designed to give recent college graduates experience in avian research, conservation, and non-profit management while they pursue a full time job or continuing their education.

Housing is provided onsite at GCBO headquarters. Pets can be considered on a case by case basis. While we do not offer interns a salary, we can offer a $100/week stipend. We have three standard intern periods: Jan/Feb through mid-May, mid-May through mid-August, mid-August through mid-November/early December.

Qualifications:  The applicant should be a recent college graduate (within the last two years) with a Bachelor’s degree in a wildlife discipline or be in their last year of study towards a degree in a wildlife discipline. All applicants must have demonstrated a desire to pursue a career in avian research and/or conservation through prior experience as a volunteer or work-related employment. Applicant must be comfortable viewing birds through binoculars and high-powered scopes, standing and walking outside along long stretches of beach habitat, riding in UTV or 4WD truck while looking for shorebirds, and monitoring from a small boat in Texas bays. Weather conditions vary and may include cold, strong winds, rain and storms, extreme heat, and high humidity – biting insects may be prevalent. Candidate must be able to physically and mentally work in these conditions.  A personal vehicle is required for non-work related activities.

Application Instructions:  Send cover letter, resume, 3 references, and unofficial college transcript to:  Rebecca Bracken at rbracken@gcbo.org.  Application deadline for August to December internship is Friday, August 11, 2023.