Conservation Intern

SUMMARY 

Working closely with the Conservation Department staff, the Conservation Intern will support the John Ball Zoo’s 2026 field conservation work including rare turtle, freshwater mussel, endangered butterfly, and community science projects. They will support this work by assisting with husbandry, field work, and community outreach, as necessary. The Conservation Intern will be given the opportunity to work on additional projects, including community science projects focusing on bats, monarch butterflies, and native plants.   

This is a paid position with 40 hours working 5 days a week. Housing is not provided but can be arranged by the intern at a local university, find more information at https://www.gvsu.edu/internhousing/. 

The Zoo Internship Program is not represented at the hiring parties, please apply online. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close once a strong pool of candidates is reached—apply early! 

Starting Pay: $15.25 

Start Date: Week of 5/18/2026 

End Date: No later than 8/7/26  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES  

• Assist with rare turtle field studies including 
  • Live trap setting and checking 
  • Collecting and recording data 
  • Safely handling live turtles 
• Assist with Poweshiek Skipperling, Mitchell’s Satyr, and Karner Blue Butterfly care and propagation 
• Assist with freshwater mussel field surveys 
• Participate in butterfly, turtle, and bat community science programs 
• Utilize handheld radio telemetry equipment 
• Assist with Habitat Hero community outreach programs 
• Handle sensitive data about rare and endangered species with discretion 

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES 

• A better understanding of and experience with data collection in the field 
• Hands on experience handling, measuring, and marking rare turtles  
• Practical knowledge of ex situnagement of endangered species  
• Identification of some native plants and animals  
• Understanding of basic principles of radio telemetry and its use in wildlife conservation  
• Knowledge of community science programs and their impact on conservation 

EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS 

• Learn to identify select native turtles, freshwater mussels, and butterflies  
• Learn field techniques in turtle capture and handling  
• Learn turtle and butterfly husbandry and propagation techniques  
• Become familiar with a variety of community science platforms 
• Participation in Internship Program including weekly meetings and intern project  
• Project presentation for internship cohort and leadership team 

QUALIFICATIONS   

• Must be a minimum of 18 years old  
• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant degree program including but not limited to Biology, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife & Fisheries, and Conservation.  
• Preferred candidate will have classroom or practical knowledge of native butterflies, aquatic organisms, and reptiles. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

• Intern will work primarily outside and may occasionally be exposed to inclement weather, pollen, mold, dust, biting insects, noxious plants, dirt, other airborne contaminants, and temperature variations. 
• Occasional evening and weekend work will occur. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

• Must be able to tolerate exposure to dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne contaminants 
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs 
• Must be able to tolerate occasional exposure to inclement weather, high humidity, and to extreme hot and cold temperatures 
• Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment 
• Must be able to work safely in wetland habitats 

John Ball Zoo is a drug-free workplace under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities are able to perform the essential functions.