This position may be extended into the fall for an additional 10 weeks. We will be looking for applicants who are interested in a longer position.

Would you like to gain first-hand experience gathering and managing biological and ecological samples and data? If so, join the Island Marble Butterfly (IMB) Restoration Project at the San Juan Island National Historical Park! The intern will coordinate with park staff and volunteers to gain extensive experience with butterfly restoration. Work duties include, but are not limited to: monitoring 2019 chrysalises for emergence; releasing adult butterflies; collecting larvae and/or eggs from designated areas in the field; collecting and replacing food for larvae within the butterfly rearing lab, monitoring captive larvae health and life stages daily; maintaining deer fences that protect IMB habitat; conducting transect surveys to track population trends; collecting wild native seed, maintaining restoration plant nursery, data entry, and occasional other duties as assigned.

Additionally, he/she will gain outreach and coordination experience. The intern will update elements of the Park’s website to reflect on-going activities, local volunteer opportunities, and key events related to IMB restoration; co-lead volunteer project days and youth corps outings related to IMB conservation actions; collaborate with Interpretation Staff to develop appropriate media related to IMB conservation; and be the primary relay of IMB conservation activities and events internally to ensure proper communication between divisions.

Applicant must be at least an undergraduate in a university/college and be majoring in life sciences (or a related field). Previous field research and familiarity with Pacific Northwest vegetation is desirable, but not a requirement. The participant should be able to work well in groups (2-4 people) and independently, both in the office and in the field with little supervision, have basic map reading and GPS orientation skills, and must be comfortable hiking for 1-4 miles per day. Interns will need to take initiative and fill roles as needed.

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”) between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, of diverse background, or a veteran up to age 35. Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.

There is the potential to extend this position for up to 20 weeks. We seek applicants who may be available for this extension.