Seasonal – Endangered Species Management Intern – Natural Resources Department
Town of East Hampton – Endangered Species Management Intern with the Natural Resources Department
The Town of East Hampton’s Natural Resources Department is looking for a summer intern to support the identification and monitoring of federally endangered and threatened species, including the piping plover. As part of the Endangered Species Management Program, the Town holds the responsibility to assist the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in their endangered species recovery goals in the New York/New Jersey unit as well as the protection of other priority beach-nesting birds and rare beach vegetation.
Applicants should exhibit a strong interest in environmental science, seabird or marine ecology, sustainability, or a related scientific discipline. This position involves a combination of fieldwork and computer skills, and applicants should be comfortable being outside in variable conditions. Under the guidance of the Natural Resources Department staff, the intern will be trained and expected to perform the essential responsibilities listed below.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Excellent organization and time management skills, strong attention to detail and ability to problem solve. Ability to conduct fieldwork independently, but also work collaboratively with other team members and volunteers as needed. Strong communication skills and professionalism when working with department staff, cooperating agencies and organizations, and local residents.
Responsibilities include:
- Search for, monitor and record piping plover pairs, nests and young, which will include use of the NestStory database
- Record weather conditions and beach observations during plover surveys
- Assist with the deployment and general maintenance of symbolic string fencing, signage, and wire exclosures to protect nest areas
- Support set-up and retrieval of motion-activated camera traps for nest monitoring and predator management
- Conduct photo image analysis (i.e., identifying species)
- Interact and communicate with Town stakeholders and the public on Town projects and programs
- Organize and enter data into Excel, ArcGIS, and other software applications, which may also involve generating maps of nest locations, delineating and manipulating polygon layers, and related tasks
- Offer support with filing, database creation and management, and data tabulation and analysis
- Provide overall assistance to the Natural Resources Department
This is a seasonal, part-time position with up to 20 hours per week. Pay is to be determined. We are also willing to work with advisors on using internship hours towards college credits.
Preference will be given to those able to work between May 30, 2026-September 4, 2026, but we will try our best to accommodate applicant’s schedules.
