USGS / University of Florida · Florida · posted yesterday
General Description We are accepting applications for twelve-month research interns to participate in scientific studies on invasive reptiles (primarily Burmese pythons & black and white tegus) in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. The position chiefly entails database management, laboratory activities (e.g., necropsies, collecting morphometric measurements and tissue samples), development of novel wildlife camera data processing tools (downloading, archiving, and processing images from >70 cameras), and GIS with occasional field or other miscellaneous activities (e.g., road-cruising). Research interns will work as part of a collaborative research team for 40 hours per week and should expect an irregular work schedule consisting of days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Workdays may exceed 8 hours. The position is based in Everglades National Park (ENP). We prefer applicants that can start in early December but some flexibility in start date is possible. Our research internships are excellent opportunities for early career biologists to directly work with professional research scientists while gaining experience in real-world laboratory and field research, collaborative science, and leadership. We seek highly motivated and productive candidates who want to develop skills in day-to-day problem solving, contribute to project protocols, and other CV-building experiences. Previous interns have taken advantage of opportunities to participate in peer-reviewed research, presentations, reports, and developed skills for careers in research. Specific Project and Internship Description Interns will be responsible for: • Carefully collecting, entering, cleaning, and ensuring a high standard of scientific data. • Collecting, managing, and organizing biological samples from invasive reptiles. • Performing humane euthanasia of invasive reptiles. • Necropsying invasive reptiles and recording detailed morphological and physiological data. • Collection and identification of parasitic communities in native and invasive reptiles. • Assisting in the development of artificial intelligence tools to process wildlife camera data. • Spatial data analyses using ArcGIS, R Studio, etc. • Husbandry of captive Burmese pythons. • Road-cruising ENP for monitoring of the native snake community. • Maintaining the cleanliness and order of vehicles, laboratory, office spaces, and shared housing. • Occasionally conducting limited fieldwork in Big Cypress National Preserve. • Working with collaborators and assisting with various project duties that may arise to accommodate research needs (e.g., assisting with NPS rapid response trapping efforts orpreparation of proposals and reports, etc.). Support Provided A living stipend ($15/hr) and shared housing in Homestead, FL are provided. Relocation funds are not available and pets are not allowed. Health insurance benefits may be available at low cost through the University of Florida. Duration The research internships will last 12 months and will ideally start in early December 2026. Start date may be somewhat flexible for highly qualified candidates. To Apply Please send a cover letter (no more than 1 page) and a resume or CV that includes contact information for 3 references to: wecinternships@ifas.ufl.edu. Please provide your application as a single PDF with a file name that begins with your last name (e.g., “AndersonInternApplication_20261001pdf”). Attention to detail in the applications will be considered during the selection process. The University of Florida and USGS value applicants with unique perspectives and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We particularly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM to apply. LOCATION Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL SALARY $15 / hr plus shared housing QUALIFICATIONS Preferred Qualifications Preference will be given to applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with meticulous data-collection skills and a strong work ethic. Applicants should be very comfortable working on a computer and in a laboratory setting, willing to learn safe handling and euthanasia of large reptiles, performing occasional fieldwork in hot, buggy conditions, and be able to think and work independently as well as part of a team. A positive attitude, good sense of humor, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to be flexible and work efficiently in fast-paced environments are essential. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S., speak English, and be able to pass a U.S. Department of the Interior background check (candidate must complete the hiring paperwork in a timely manner to avoid delays). A valid U.S. driver's license, a clean driving record, and a personal vehicle (to commute to and from work, ~35 min one way) are required. Ideal Candidates Candidates with the following will benefit most from this opportunity; however, no candidate is expected to already possess every preferred skill for the job. Ideal candidates will have paid work experience outside of university and have knowledge in carefully collecting and managing detailed scientific data, reptile handling experience, participation in humane euthanasia and necropsies, and working knowledge of ArcGIS and R. APPLICATION DEADLINE Review of applications will begin on 13 October 2026,with a final deadline of 31 October 2026. START DATE 12/1/2026 CONTACT PERSON University of Florida Internship Coordinator PHONE No calls, please. APPLICATION EMAIL wecinternships@ifas.ufl.edu CONTACT PREFERENCE Email
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