Sea Turtle Conservation & Nighttime Tagging Internship
Bald Head Island Conservancy (Private) | https://bhic.org
Details
Posting:
Application Deadline:
01/04/2026
Published:
12/09/2025
Starting Date:
between 5/10/2026 and 5/12/2026
Ending Date:
between 8/13/2026 and 8/15/2026
Hours per Week:
50 - 60
Salary:
$600 per month
Education Required:
Some Undergraduate
Experience Required:
none
Location:
700 Federal Road (Bald Head Island, North Carolina)
Tags:
Undergraduate Opportunities
Description
The Bald Head Island Conservancy’s Sea Turtle Program Program invites passionate undergraduate juniors, seniors, or recent graduates with fieldwork experience to apply for our Sea Turtle Conservation & Nighttime Tagging Internship. This unique opportunity allows interns to make an impact on endangered species conservation and play a critical role in one of North Carolina’s only saturation tagging programs. Gain hands-on experience in sea turtle conservation, education, and research while contributing to a legacy of environmental stewardship. Founded in 1983 in collaboration with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and National Marine Fisheries Service, our program is dedicated to protecting sea turtles, primarily loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and greens (Chelonia mydas), on Bald Head Island, North Carolina.
As a Sea Turtle Intern, your primary duties are patrolling Bald Head Island’s beaches via Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) or on foot in search of nesting sea turtles. Duties will also include supporting on-going scientific research, engaging in public education, and assisting with nonprofit operations. This is a competitive position that is mentally and physically challenging, as interns will be working long hours through inclement weather and buggy conditions.
Position Responsibilities
- Conduct a mixture of dawn & night patrols
- Apply flipper tags & Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to nesting sea turtles
- Assist in the collection & management of biological samples & data
- Relocate imperiled nests & assess nest success
- Maintain field equipment & vehicles
- Complete a short project to enhance our research mission
- Educate the public about sea turtle ecology & beach practices
- Assist in sea turtle stranding response and necropsies
- Support non-profit business operations
Qualifications
- Rising junior, senior or recent graduate majoring in biological sciences
- Strong communication skills & comfort with diverse audiences
- Proficiency with MS Office, Google Suite, & good handwriting
- Ability to work independently & work closely within a small team
- Resilience under challenging conditions (e.g., long hours, inclement weather, bugs)
- Ability to remain alert & focused while driving long overnight hours
- Valid U.S. Driver’s License, be able to lift 40 lbs & a clear background check
Internship Dates: Monday, May 11 - Friday, August 14, 2026
Schedule: 9 pm–7 am - fully nocturnal - 4 nights on, 1 night off; 50-60 hrs per week. Weekend/Holiday work is required.
Compensation: $600/month stipend (pre-tax), shared housing, utilities, internet, parking, and weekly ferry ticket.
More details at bhic.org/jobs & bhic.org/who-we-are/internship-program/.
How to Apply: If you’re inspired to make a difference, email your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references, as a single PDF, to seaturtle@bhic.org with the subject line Sea Turtle Conservation & Nighttime Tagging Internship. Applications are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Questions? Contact Paul Hillbrand, Sea Turtle Biologist, at seaturtle@bhic.org.
Contact
Paul Hillbrand
seaturtle@bhic.org (preferred contact method)