Launch Your Conservation Career With Us

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) provides field-based, climate resiliency internships in Alabama, Kansas and North Dakota. As a member of NEON’s field crew, interns will assist with various aspects of ecological field data collection, including small mammal trapping, insect collection and identification, vegetation surveys, soil sampling, surface water chemistry sampling and fish sampling.

NEON is a continental-scale observation facility designed to collect long-term open-access ecological data to better understand the complexities of Earth’s ecosystems and how they are changing. The Observatory uses cutting-edge sensor networks, instrumentation, observational sampling, natural history archive facilities and remote sensing methods and technologies to collect data on plants, animals, soil, nutrients, freshwater and the atmosphere.

The Observatory collects ecological and climatic observations across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. It is among the first to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales over multiple decades.

NEON has partitioned the United States into 20 ecoclimatic domains, each of which represents different regions of vegetation, landforms, climate, and ecosystem performance. Data is collected by field technicians and passive sensors at strategically selected sites within each domain and synthesized into information products that can be used to describe changes in the nation’s ecosystem through space and time.

Program participants will give back to the land while learning lifelong skills that will make them ideal candidates to further their careers in conservation through nationally recognized training, conservation work skills and leadership development.

Why Participate In A National Ecological Observatory Network Internship?

Program participants emerge with increased environmental awareness, technical skills, social responsibility and leadership skills.

Get Paid: Earn while learning valuable green job skills.

Gain Experience: Explore career pathways in conservation.

Make a Difference: Help collect important ecological data from across the country.

Contact

Bridget Correa
SCA Recruiting Coordinator
Phone: (510) 603-6680
Email: bcorrea@thesca.org

Current Opportunities

Now Hiring - Join The Crew

  • NEON Sustainability Intern (Kansas Laboratory)

    The SCA is seeking a NEON Sustainability Intern at the Kansas Laboratory to assist with various aspects of ecological field data collection. The intern will also support lab-based activities, including processing samples, tracking data, and identifying insects and plants. Interns will gain hands-on experience in ecological fieldwork while adhering to established protocols under the guidance of NEON Field Ecologists. Program Dates: April 7 – Nov. 21, 2025 Pay: $561/week (+$1,100 travel allowance)

    Apply Now
  • NEON Sustainability Intern (North Dakota Laboratory)

    The SCA is seeking a NEON Sustainability Intern at the North Dakota Laboratory to assist with various aspects of ecological field data collection. The intern will also support lab-based activities, including processing samples, tracking data, and identifying insects and plants. Interns will gain hands-on experience in ecological fieldwork while adhering to established protocols under the guidance of NEON Field Ecologists. Program Dates: March 24 – Oct. 24, 2025 Pay: $561/week (+$1,100 travel allowance)

    Apply Now

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