St. Catherines Island is isolated and the majority of the internship time will be spent on-island with the small staff of SCIF. Much of the island is untouched so there is minimal cell phone coverage. Radios are provided as are UTV to assist in beach monitoring. Biting insects, rain, wind, heat, and high humidity should all be expected. The role also requires being comfortable with handling potential significant nest loss and maintaining a positive attitude through those challenges.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct daily dawn beach surveys to assess sea turtle and beach nesting bird activity as well as possible sea turtle and marine mammal strandings.
- Monitor nests throughout the season for signs of depredation and assist in potential elimination of threat.
- Occasional necropsy assistance and data collection
- Locate and mark sea turtle nests, relocate threatened nests, collect nesting and hatchling data, and post-hatching excavations and inventories by UTV and walking
- Maintain written records and enter data in a timely and organized fashion.
- Ensure field equipment is properly maintained and calibrated and coordinate repairs and maintenance of equipment and facilities
- Collect genetic samples from each sea turtle nest for maternal identification.
- Collect measurements and check for PIT (Passive Integrated Transponders) and flipper tags of nesting turtles during occasional night surveys
- Adhere to established DNR and SCI rules
- Maintain assigned equipment and vehicles
- Prepare new nest protection screens and materials as needed.
- Prepare and organize equipment and materials for next season.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- S. in a related field (e.g. biology, environmental science, wildlife management, zoology, ecology-related program) preferred.
- Knowledge of general biology and biological data collection techniques and experience with computer databases
- Minimum one year of experience performing fieldwork
- Proficient and experienced with scientific data collection and processing
- Ability to conduct strenuous work outdoors in rough summer weather conditions of coastal Georgia, including warm humid temperatures, biting insects, and time alone or being secluded from the mainland
- Must be capable of potentially long walks in deep sand, digging, shoveling, lifting up to 50lbs
- Positive demeanor, with demonstrated ability to solve problems in group settings and individually, good interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Responsible and organized with field equipment
- Conflict resolution, people management, compassion and understanding
- Personal cell phone required
Compensation, Housing, and Transportation:
- A $1,500 monthly payment (less taxes) is split into biweekly installments, paid every other Friday through regular payroll.
- Housing is provided in a shared home with individual rooms with bathrooms and climate control. Basic linens and toiletries are provided.
- Boats to and from SCI are limited and boat access may not always be possible on a given off day. Boat and island transportation is provided but mainland transportation is up to the applicant.
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
