Outreach and Education >

Internships at Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society

Internships are offered at three levels, described below. Successful applicants must be dedicated to the protection of our environment, demonstrate high levels of motivation and enjoy interaction with a wide range of people. All interns are expected to live on site, and may share accommodations with other interns, researchers and visitors. The Research Ranch is somewhat remote (60 miles SE of Tucson, AZ) and it is strongly suggested that an intern has motorized transportation, although this is not a requirement for the position.

Six-month (24 week) position:

Required: B.A., B.S., M.A., or M.S. degree. Valid driver’s license. Must pass a criminal background check conducted by National Audubon Society.

Duties: Interns in this program will work with professional staff to develop at least one project that will enhance the intern’s professional skills. Recent intern projects have included:

Along with the intern’s special project, he/she will be expected to support the mission of the Ranch. Duties may include maintenance of facilities such as cleaning, fence repair, exotic species control, and painting; education/public relations via newsletters, webpage, tours; and research support including data entry and equipment maintenance. Each intern will be required to submit a short (1 pg) summary of his/her experience as an intern at The Research Ranch.

Housing: Provided in the bunkhouse. If possible, the intern will have a private room/bath, but this is not guaranteed. Commons areas include living room/dining room and kitchen.

Compensation: Current salary is $9.00/hr based on a 35 hr workweek.

Summer (or 10 week) position:

Required: Minimum of 2-3 years of college coursework completed. Valid driver’s license. Must pass a criminal background check conducted by National Audubon Society.

Duties: Summer (10 week) interns will work with professional staff to gain hands-on experience related to conservation, research and education. Recent summer intern projects have included:

Summer interns will be expected to support the mission of the Ranch. Duties may include maintenance of facilities such as cleaning, fence repair, and painting; education/public relations via newsletters, webpage, tours; and research support including data collection and entry. Each intern will be required to submit a short (1 pg) summary of his/her experience as an intern at The Research Ranch.

Housing: Provided in the bunkhouse. Commons areas include living room/dining room, kitchen and bathrooms.

Compensation: Current salary is $8.00/hr based on a 35 hr workweek.

Educational (1-3 month) position:

Required: Currently enrolled in college. Valid driver’s license. Must pass a criminal background check conducted by National Audubon Society.

Duties: Educational interns will work with professional staff to gain hands-on experience related to conservation, research and education. Projects will be similar to summer intern projects (see above). Summer interns will be expected to support the mission of the Ranch. Duties may include maintenance of facilities such as cleaning, fence repair, and painting; education/public relations via tours and special events, newsletters, webpage; and research support including data entry and equipment maintenance. Each intern will be required to submit a short (1 pg) summary of his/her experience as an intern at The Research Ranch.

Housing: Provided in the bunkhouse. Commons areas include living room/dining room, kitchen and bathrooms

Compensation: A rewarding experience!

To apply for an internship at The Research Ranch, please submit the following:

If you have further questions about internships at The Research Ranch, please call (520) 455-5522 or e-mail researchranch@audubon.org.