Anegada Rock Iguana Conservation Field Expedition

Anegada Rock Iguana Conservation Field Expedition

Gain real-world wildlife research experience while helping to conserve one of the Caribbean’s most endangered reptiles. 

Student participants will gain 

 experience in:

•Mark–recapture techniques 

• Radio-telemetry 

• Camera trapping 

• Distance sampling/population surveys 

• GPS navigation and field mapping 

• Nest surveys and reproductive ecology 

• Vegetation and habitat surveys 

• Iguana diet studies

• Invasive species monitoring

• Captive husbandry 

• Safe wildlife handling techniques and 

field research ethics

• Developing education and outreach 

activities 

• Working with a scent-detection dog

Why this Experience is Unique

● Work directly with professional conservation biologists 

on an active endangered species recovery program

● Contribute to real data used in long-term conservation 

research and management

● Gain hands-on field skills rarely available to 

undergraduate students

● Experience wildlife research on a remote Caribbean 

island ecosystem

● Build practical experience valuable for graduate school 

and conservation careers

Ideal Participants—Students interested in: Wildlife 

Biology • Ecology • Conservation Biology • Zoology • 

Environmental Science.

Dates: Session 1: June 7-15 ● Session 2: June 16-24●

Session 3: June 25-July 3 ● Session 4: July 5-13

Location: Anegada, British Virgin Islands (BVI) 

Cost: $1,725 for one session

Group size: Seven to 12 participants plus project leader 

Cost includes: One night on Tortola, BVI; one round-trip ferry ticket from Tortola to Anegada; seven nights on Anegada; meals on Anegada; field supplies; transportation on Anegada; and all routine expenses on Anegada.

Cost does not include: Airfare to Tortola, BVI; meals on Tortola; cab fare to and from the airport

Hands-On Wildlife Research in the British Virgin Islands Join conservation biologists working to recover one of the world’s most endangered reptiles — the Anegada Rock Iguana. This immersive field experience allows undergraduate students to participate directly in ongoing conservation research while gaining practical skills used by wildlife biologists in the field. Participants will work alongside researchers from the Fort Worth Zoo and contribute to the long-term conservation of this critically endangered species. Students may also select to receive three hours of academic credit through H. Lavity Stoutt Community College by enrolling in the course Applied Field Research and completing additional assignments connected to the field experience.

For more information and to apply, please contact Kelly Bradley, Fort Worth Zoo 

conservation biologist, at kbradley@fortworthzoo.org or 817-759-7173.

Join Xerces and help protect fireflies!

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BADvxdP4a/

Join Xerces and help protect fireflies!

Job Title: Endangered Species Conservation Biologist, Firefly Specialist

Location: Remote within central USA. Preferred IA, IL, or MO. Will consider AR, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, SD, WI.

Compensation: approx. $65,998 per year

Application deadline: March 5, 2026

This role focuses on expanding firefly conservation initiatives and Firefly Atlas engagement across the central USA and Canada. The specialist will engage with land managers, biologists, researchers, and community scientists on firefly conservation issues,; and help develop evidence-based management guidance.

Key responsibilities include coordinating with partners and land managers, recruiting and training Firefly Atlas participants, conducting firefly surveys, assisting with species identification, and providing technical expertise and support to staff, partners, and the public.

The position will also use Firefly Atlas data in addition to the other data sources and the scientific literature to inform best management practices, species assessments, and conservation recommendations for imperiled and data-deficient firefly species nationwide.

Learn more and apply at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Rec.../Jobs/Details/3919017

To be the first to learn about new job opportunities and other Xerces news, sign up for our newsletter at xerces.org/newsletter

Please note that we are unable to answer questions about this position via social media.

Paid Summer Internship, CLIP, through the The Land Conservancy of McHenry County!

 

TLC is a Non-Profit Land Trust that focuses on preserving, and restoring, privately owned land in McHenry County Illinois. TLC owns/manages almost 1,000 acres of open-to-the-public protected preserves and provides free/affordable educational programming for the greater McHenry area. I am reaching out to you to discuss recruitment for an internship program that begins May 2026.

The application period for the Conservation Leader Internship Program (CLIP) opened January 15, 2026 and closes February 15, 2026. We are looking for 2 interns to work with TLC this summer.

CLIP is a paid (or for college credit) summer internship that will provide women, underrepresented, BIPOC & LGBTQ+ students/youth with hands-on professional training in the field of conservation. Participants will gain experience in areas such as Plant identification, Land management, GIS/GPS training, Prescribed fire training, Herbicide use, Rare plant monitoring, Wildlife/Stream surveys, Sustainable farming techniques, Land preservation techniques, Field safety, Scientific research/Experimental design, Art in the natural world, Career development and Professional networking. Collectively, these skills will give each participant a strong understanding of the field of conservation and serve as a springboard for a professional career in the field of conservation.

We are looking for students/youth that are High School Juniors or Seniors and/or Freshman-Senior in college. Applicants are not required to be enrolled in a college program.

REU At Smithsonian

 

Conference in Oregon, Illinois about soil and conservation

 Https://illinoissoils.org/announce/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNoi8pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqVjJEaDM4bGl1YXo0ZXgwAR4zt66cvkVJmkl6JpSM9toe0GkpH6NpBPb_BSlOb3Q-Y5FkYMMZzmu1CT3_7g_aem_QK-DZj9jsSYfq6citS22gQ

Applications Open: Summer Programs for Students

 Hello,

We’re thrilled to announce that applications are now open for our two summer diversity pathway programs at the Yale School of the Environment! Please share this opportunity with any students who may be interested. Both programs offer paid summer experiences designed to support the next generation of environmental leaders.

🌿 Environmental Fellows Program (EFP)
The Environmental Fellows Program is a 12-week paid summer fellowship for master’s and doctoral students from historically underrepresented groups in the environmental field. EFP fellows gain hands-on experience with leading environmental nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and government agencies across the United States, building professional networks and leadership skills to advance equity in the environmental sector.

🌎 Yale Conservation Scholars – Early Leadership Initiative (YCS-ELI)
The Yale Conservation Scholars – Early Leadership Initiative is a paid summer program for undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on those historically excluded from environmental institutions. Scholars are placed in environmental internships primarily across the Northeast U.S. (CT, NY, MA, DC), with expanding sites in Michigan, Virginia, and beyond!

 

📅 Key Dates

Priority Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST (priority review for early applicants)

Final Deadline: Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST

We welcome applications from candidates of all identities and backgrounds.

 

💻 Virtual Informational Sessions

·         Friday, November 7 at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT
Zoom – Register Here

·         Thursday, December 4 at 5 PM ET / 2 PM PT
Applicant Q&A (link provided to those with a draft submission)

 

📩 Questions?

·         Undergraduate applicants: YCS-ELI@yale.edu

·         Graduate applicants: EFP@yale.edu

 

Thank you for helping us spread the word about these exciting opportunities!

Warm regards,

Te’Yah Wright
Program Manager, Yale Conservation Scholars – Early Leadership Initiative (YCS-ELI)

Nisreen Abo-Sido
Program Manager, Environmental Fellows Program (EFP)

 

APPLY HERE!

 

 

APPLY HERE!

 

 

 

 

APPLY HERE!

DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District

 DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District

It is our mission to responsibly protect our healthy soils and clean water for all generations

Job Title: District Conservation Planner

Job Location: Sycamore, Illinois

Position Type: Full time

Salary Range: $45,000-$60,000 Salary will be based on education and work experience

Education Requirements: Associate degree or greater. Knowledge of natural resource management and conservation best management practices is preferred. A degree in agriculture, natural resources or a related field is desired but not mandatory depending on qualifications and prior experience.

Benefits: Full benefit package available

Program Overview:

The DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a local government unit established in 1947, serving DeKalb County, Illinois. Our vision is to conserve soil and water resources using evidence-based practices. We collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to promote conservation among all county residents.

Job Description:

The District Conservation Planner will plan and implement conservation and educational programs.

They should be familiar with production agriculture, natural resource concerns in farming, and urban stormwater management. Required skills include general GIS knowledge, keen observation, strong analytical abilities, and excellent communication and writing proficiency. The candidate will be required to attain Level III Conservation Planner status through training provided by the Natural

Resources Conservation Service. The candidate can expect occasional outdoor field work, afterhours work related to board meetings, special events and training. The selected candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be required to get fingerprinted and complete a federal government background check.

Key duties include:

• Assist with conservation programs in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Agriculture

(IDOA), USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and USDA- Farm Service

Agency (FSA).

• Assist with the NRCS Contribution Agreement.

• Manage the Partners for Conservation Program (PFC) and the Streambank Stabilization

Restoration Program (SSRP) through the IDOA.

• Provide support for additional conservation programs through the IDOA.

• Provide the County and Municipalities with natural resource information pertaining to

zoning, land use conversion and proposed land uses.

• Help with Natural Resource Protection in Urban and Rural Areas.

• District Sales Programs (Fish Sale, Rain Barrel Sale etc.)

• Maintain the DeKalb County SWCD website and Social Media Presence.

District Educational and Outreach Programs.

• Provide a commitment to building a better community and environment.

Job Offering Timeline: Closes May 11, 2025

Estimated start time: Early to mid-June

Mail Cover letter and Resume to: DeKalb County SWCD 1350 West Prairie Drive,

Sycamore, IL 60178 or Email: dekalbswcd@gmail.com

The DeKalb County SWCD is an equal opportunity employer. All programs and services of the DeKalb County SWCD are on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, natural origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or handicap. 

Student Opportunity

 The Fort Worth Zoo is offering a Conservation Expedition to Anegada, British Virgin Islands to help the critically endangered Anegada iguana (Cyclura pinguis). This trip is geared toward undergraduate students, helping them get real field experience. 

One year post-bac/ RAMP employment opportunity at The Morton Arboretum for recent graduates

 Hoban lab project at Morton Arboretum: The Tree Conservation Biology team will be hosting a RAMP participant to advance our knowledge about conservation and restoration of the threatened butternut tree, while developing conservation partnerships with indigenous peoples and state, federal and other partners, and engaging with communities, including through citizen science. Butternut is a native tree dying off due to a disease that has been reducing populations for about 70 years, resulting in current populations that are about 95% reduced from their size a century ago. The main research project will focus on assessing individual tree health, habitat suitability, disease progression, seedling growth, and other aspects of the ecology of this system. We will collect data in the field and use genetic tools, forest health assessments, soil ecology, GIS, and spatial statistics, along with traditional knowledge, to better understand why some trees are healthier than others, why some populations have seedlings while many do not, how quickly the disease progresses, and how to foster adult tree and seedling survival. In addition to collecting and analyzing data to test hypotheses developed in collaboration with the mentree, we will engage in youth education and outreach, working with citizen scientists, and sharing our findings with diverse audiences. Success factors include an interest in a combination of field, lab, desk, and computational work; teamwork and communication skills; experience with or an interest in learning and using computational tools including R and GIS; ability to work outdoors in hot, cold and wet conditions; enthusiasm for conservation, restoration and environmental stewardship; passion for trees and forests. Work will take place primarily in the Chicago region but may include trips to other locations.

Boone County Conservation District Summer Seasonal Job Positions

Natural Areas Seasonal Technician – Non-Exempt 

The Natural Areas Seasonal Technician, under the supervision of the Natural Areas Manager, is a 500-hour part

time position responsible for: 

 Manual and mechanical collection and processing of native seeds harvested on District property. 

Approximately 25% of time is spent on this activity.  

 Assisting with prescribed burns (training provided). Approximately 10% of time is spent on this activity.  

 Cutting and removing non-native trees and shrubs with hand tools, including clearing saws and chainsaws 

(training provided). Approximately 30% of time is spent on this activity.  

 Mixing and applying herbicide for management of invasive plant species within managed natural areas. 

Approximately 25% of time is spent on this activity.  

 Planting native seeds and plants by hand and mechanical means in the field. Approximately 5% of time is 

spent on this activity.  

 Other duties as required, e.g., snow removal. Approximately 5% of time is spent on this activity. 

Compensation 

 $14.00 per hour  

Requirements 

 Must be eighteen years of age or older with a valid driver’s license. 

 Ability to work with a minimum amount of supervision and ability to solve problems. 

 Ability to obtain an Illinois pesticide applicator certification within 30 days of start date. 

 Basic knowledge of native and invasive plant species. 

Physical Functions and Equipment Used 

Ability to: 

 Lift and carry, bend and reach. 

 Go up and down stairs. 

 Lift and carry 50 lbs. 

 Carry 30 lbs on your back. 

 Safely operate hand tools and landscaping tools such as: drills, clearing saws, walk behind mowers, hedge 

trimmers, hand pruners, weed eaters, and shovels. 

 Safely operate multiple types of district vehicles including but not limited to tractors, trailers, skid steers, 

UTVs, trucks, and mowers. 

 Use a computer, smart phone, tablet, copy machine, and other office equipment. 

Working Conditions/Environmental Considerations 

Ability to: 

 Work outside in all types of weather conditions. 

 Work in conditions where there are biting and stinging insects. 

 Work in conditions with possibilities of exposure to minor cuts and burns. 

 Work a flexible schedule that may vary from week to week or even daily. 

 Work weekdays, evenings, and/or weekends.   

 Work with proper personal protective equipment. 

 Work as part of a crew. 

Specific Skills 

 English – Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, rules of composition and 

grammar. 

 Speaking -- Talk to others to convey information effectively. 

 Reading Comprehension – Understand writing in work related documents. 

 Writing -- Communicate effectively in writing appropriate for the needs of the audience. 

 Active Listening -- Give full attention to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate. 

 Ability to contact people by phone, email, and letter.  

 Organize, plan, and prioritize work -- Develop specific plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish 

work. 

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job.   

It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. 

All prospective employees must pass a pre-employment drug test, background check, physical, and driving 

history check.  

The Boone County Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a 

diverse staff and maintaining an equitable work environment. We encourage applications from women, minority 

groups, veterans, and people with disabilities for whom a reasonable accommodation can be provided. 

Please send application to:       

Frank Rabbit 

Director of Natural Resources 

Boone County Conservation District 

603 N. Appleton Rd.  

Belvidere, IL 61008 

FRabbit@bccdil.org  

https://www.bccdil.org/about/employment/.

Scholarships -- Soil and Water; Conservation Achievement Scholarship

 

Soil & Water Stewardship Scholarship   $1000 Scholarship  Deadline February 15, 2025   The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship seeks to provide financial support to students enrolled full time at an accredited two- or four-year community college, college or university, which will lead to a career in a natural resource field.

CLICK for more INFO

 

 

Apply HERE Conservation Achievement Scholarship   Applications are now open for the 2025 Conservation Achievement Scholarship. Are you passionate about preserving Illinois’ natural resources? The Illinois Conservation Foundation wants to support the next generation of conservation leaders like you! ICF is offering up to four $2,000 college scholarships to outstanding seniors who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the preservation, protection, enhancement, or promotion of Illinois’ natural resources. Deadline to apply is March 1.