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Florida Scrub-Jay Research Intern

Archbold Biological Station
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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