The Opportunity 

The Wetland Trust, Inc. (TWT) is a 501C(3), not-for-profit organization that uses the best science available to protect and restore wetlands and unique wetland biodiversity. We currently own over 7,700 acres of unique wetlands and have several ongoing wetland restoration projects. Some of our sites have Blanding’s turtle populations that are being actively managed. 

TWT seeks eight (8) Summer Interns to assist with annual Blanding’s turtle monitoring and nest protection in Dutchess County NY as part of TWT’s Blanding’s turtle conservation team. Interns will learn to set and check baited hoop traps, conduct health checks on Blanding’s and other turtles, collect biometric data, and mark/tag turtles. Interns will also help track female Blanding’s turtles as they scope for nesting sites and protect their nests using predator guards. Interns may assist with tracking juvenile Blanding’s turtles and documentation of their movements and habitat preferences, and perform other relevant stewardship tasks. 

Position Requirements

• A deep commitment to conservation and high level of integrity.  
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team.
• Able to work independently with minimal oversight.  
• Must provide your own transportation.
• Must be able to work evening and late night hours.
• Must be able to work outdoors for long stretches of time, in inclement weather if needed.
• Must reside in New York State and work in-person for the duration of the internship.

Preferred Qualifications 

• At least one year of field experience, handling wildlife, collecting data, working with a conservation-oriented organization and/or similar experience. 

Position Details and Logistics

Pay: $16/hr with a maximum of 450 hours. Returning interns are eligible for increased pay, commensurate with experience.

Location: Blanding’s turtle research sites in Dutchess County, NY

Time Frame: approximately – May 07 – July 24 2026. From May 11- May 24, monitoring activities occur daily during typical business hours. From May 25-June 30, tracking and nest watch begins at 5pm each evening and runs into the night as needed. Diurnal work resumes July 1- July 24th. A regular schedule for your internship will be determined in collaboration with the Blanding’s conservation team. 

To apply please submit a cover letter and resume to TWT Blanding’s Turtle Conservation Program coordinators Lindsay Charlop at [email protected] and Maribel Pregnall Mueller at [email protected]. Positions are open until filled.

The Wetland Trust is committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion in our organization and throughout wetland science and conservation. Multiple perspectives and experiences help strengthen our work as an organization and enhance our relevance throughout communities currently underrepresented in the wetland conservation field. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and religious minorities are encouraged to apply. 

Distinguishing Features

 The Wetland Trust (TWT) is a 501C(3), not-for-profit New York Corporation that uses the best science available to protect and restore wetlands and unique wetland biodiversity with special interest in amphibians and reptiles (herpetofauna). TWT presently owns 175 properties covering over 7,700 wetland acres. Guided by science and supported by stewardship assets, grants, donations, and wetland mitigation fees, TWT actively conserves wetland resources through a variety of initiatives.

This is a seasonal position in which the employee works alongside TWT Field Staff to learn skills for performing ecological restoration and related practices within TWT. The work includes data collection and processing, construction support for ecological mitigation projects, vegetation planting and seeding, and paperwork and field activities related to wetland and upland restoration activities. Fieldwork is a requirement of the position. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Director or Ecological Restoration. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Performs fieldwork activities such as planting, mulching, seeding, posting signs, cutting brush, maintaining silt fence, supporting the work of equipment operators, etc.
• Performs fieldwork activities and biological surveys related to wetland construction and maintenance
• Provides technical assistance on TWT projects including support for evaluation, survey, design, layout implementation and construction support
• Collects data and prepares notes concerning wetland and related conservation projects
• Assists in the inventory and evaluation of natural resources and management activities, aiding in the preparation of reports
• Participates in meetings and trainings as assigned

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics 

• Demonstrated ability for conducting fieldwork in natural resources management, ecological research, wildlife biology, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience operating handheld GPS devices
• Ability to read and interpret maps, charts and graphs
• Dependability
• Manual dexterity
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position (able to lift at least 50 pounds)

Minimum Qualifications

EITHER 

• Enrollment in or graduation from a regionally accredited or registered four-year college or university working towards a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree in environmental planning, environmental science, civil engineering, environmental technology, geology, physical or natural science, agriculture or related field;

OR

• Enrollment in or graduation from a regionally accredited or registered two-year college working towards an associate’s degree in environmental planning, environmental science, civil engineering, environmental technology, geology, physical or natural science, agriculture or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Centrally located in or around Syracuse (50-mile radius)
• Plant identification skills
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Special Requirements

• Must have a mailing address in New York State.
• Must have access to a vehicle to drive to/from project site.
• Eligibility for and possession of a valid driver’s license.

The expected hourly rate range for this position is $17-$22 per hour, commensurate with experience. While this is not a remote position, some data entry and office work may be performed remotely (approximately 5-8 hours/week). All other work is performed in a field location and may be subject to varying weather conditions.

Anticipated start date on or around May 1 through mid-October, 2026. Specific dates to be determined.

Ready to apply?

Please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Please include “Restoration Technician” in the subject line. Due to volume, we will only reach out to applicants selected for an interview.