Biologist Intern
ELMT Consulting, Inc.
Biological Consulting Internship for Spring/Summer 2026
Location: Southern California primarily in areas such as the Inland Empire / Riverside / San Bernardino / Los Angeles / Orange County
Work Model: Hybrid (Remote + Field)
Pay: $18.00/hour
Hours: 10–15 hours per week
Duration: Approximately 4 months, semi-flexible
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This position requires candidates who are currently based in Southern California.
This position also requires candidates to be in their last semester of college before graduation.
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Field surveys are conducted primarily throughout the Inland Empire, with additional work in Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange County. You must have reliable transportation to field sites in these areas and be able to report for in-person survey work on a weekly basis.
Remote or out-of-state applicants will not be considered.
Students not in their last semester of college will not be considered (however, we encourage you to reapply when you meet this criteria).
About ELMT Consulting
ELMT Consulting delivers fast, reliable, and expert environmental guidance to private and public entities engaged in planning, construction, and resource management. We work with landowners, developers, private and governmental agencies, engineering and architectural firms, attorneys, and other environmental consulting firms to balance the needs of industry with the protection of our natural resources.
The Role
As a Biological Consulting Intern, you will gain hands-on experience in the biological consulting industry through a combination of remote learning and in-field biological surveys. This is an opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects across Southern California.
Your week will include remote instruction, independent report writing, and at least one field survey day. Direct instruction will be no later than 5:30 PM, and independent work may be completed at your convenience. We value academic commitment and offer flexible scheduling around your class schedule.
What You'll Do
- Conduct field investigations including biological resource assessments, focused species surveys, pre-construction clearance surveys, jurisdictional delineation surveys, and restoration/mitigation plans
- Research existing data sources to anticipate baseline conditions of project sites prior to field investigations
- Document existing site conditions, summarize findings, and provide recommendations
- Identify and catalog local plant and wildlife species
- Map and classify vegetation communities
- Determine potential occurrence of protected species based on biotic and abiotic factors
- Conduct biological monitoring for construction and restoration projects
- Draft professional reports using established formats and templates
- Maintain a digital collection of survey notes, photographs, species observations, and plant community records
What You'll Learn
- How to conduct literature reviews for Biological Resources Assessments and Jurisdictional Waters Surveys using relevant databases
- Identification of local wildlife and plant species, plant community structures, and potential occurrence of special-status species
- Clearance survey techniques for nesting birds and special-status species such as burrowing owl, desert tortoise, and western Joshua tree
- Jurisdictional delineation survey methods for determining potential impacts to covered waterways
- How to curate reports with agency- and county-specific templates and formatting
Training & Mentorship
- At least twice-weekly remote instruction on literature review and report writing, with templates and examples provided
- Regular field outings accompanied by staff biologists
- Weekly one-on-one remote meetings with a staff biologist to identify strengths and growth areas
- Access to a photographic database of commonly encountered plant and wildlife species
- Coaching on how biological resources establish and maintain plant communities and contribute to special-status species occurrence
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences (Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science, Plant Science, or Related Field Preferred)
- Completion of at least ONE of the following courses (or equivalent): Field Botany, Plant Taxonomy, Mammalogy, or Ornithology
- Must be located in Southern California — field work occurs primarily in the Inland Empire, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, and Orange County
- Available for a minimum of 10 hours per week
- Must be available for at least ONE consecutive 5-hour block in the MORNING (Monday–Thursday) for field surveys; carpooling to survey sites is included in work time
- Capable of traversing physically demanding terrains and environments
- Access to a computer, internet, and cell phone with a data plan
- Suitable field apparel (solid hiking boots are mandatory for some surveys)
- Reliable transportation to field sites and meeting locations in the Southern California region
Ideal Candidate Qualities
- Passion for the environment and the outdoors
- Ability to balance fieldwork demands with the discipline to complete written reports and recommendations
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently
Work Environment
- Hybrid: virtual work environment supplemented by in-field surveys
- Mentoring occurs via Microsoft Teams and on-site at project locations
- Projects are located throughout Southern California, principally in the Inland Empire, desert areas, and surrounding counties
Benefits
- $18.00/hour paid internship
- Biological consulting experience with an industry-leading firm
- May qualify for academic internship credit (check with your university's biology department)
- Potential for hiring to permanent full-time position upon internship completion
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your enthusiasm and relevant interests through Handshake, or email directly to admin@elmtconsulting.com.