Post-baccalaureate Student Intern- Wildlife Biologist

What You Will Do

As a part of the Environmental Protection and Compliance Division, Environmental Stewardship Group, you will work with other environmental professionals to support the Laboratory's broader mission of solving national security challenges through simultaneous excellence. Specifically, in this position, you will gain experience in wildlife biology and environmental regulatory compliance with the Los Alamos National Laboratory's Biological Resources Program. You will collaborate with environmental professional staff and technicians to fulfill requirements related to federally-listed threatened or endangered species, migratory birds, and other sensitive species. This includes conducting fieldwork across the Laboratory's 40 square miles. You will primarily support a long-term avian nestbox monitoring project. You will also support other biological resources work as needed including but not limited to, threatened and endangered species surveys, avian point counts, bird banding, small mammal trapping, and camera trap monitoring.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated ability to work safely and securely in the field and provide a safe working environment with open communication between staff to work through issues without conflict.
  • Demonstrated ability to record field data accurately and legibly; ability to organize data from multiple concurrent projects and perform data quality assurance.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow precise instructions on tedious data entry tasks and enter/proof data accurately with minimal transcription mistakes.
  • Self-initiating, communicative work style with very strong interpersonal and collaborative-work capabilities; ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written, oral, and electronic media.
  • Ability to interpret various map formats and navigate using topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas.
  • Ability to work in various outdoor environments and to conduct very early morning or late-night fieldwork.
  • Ability to tolerate varying environmental conditions (heat, rain, etc..), and the ability to hike long distances, while carrying loads of 25 pounds over rough, uneven, and steep terrain.
  • Ability to safely operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle in rough, uneven and steep terrain and quickly learn the working landscape so you can lead field teams across the complex property.

Education/Experience:

Students considered for this position shall have earned a bachelor's degree by the hiring date or must graduate with a bachelor's degree by May of 2025 in one of the following fields: biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Ability to safely handle and band birds and/or willingness to develop or improve these skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in identifying birds by sight and sound in the field and/or willingness to develop or improve identification skills.
  • Demonstrated experience searching for bird nests and/or willingness to develop or improve these skills.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting threatened and endangered species surveys and/or willingness to develop or improve these skills.
  • Willingness to participate in other field tasks that are being undertaken by the group as needed.


Note to Applicants:

  • Along with your resume, please include a detailed cover letter explaining your general interests in the biological sciences as well as how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
  • Please provide at least two references in your resume.
  • We are seeking a student that can commit to a two-year post-baccalaureate term.[AS1]
  • This position does not require extensive travel.


Where You Will Work

Located in Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO
  • or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
  • Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
  • Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
  • Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
  • Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
  • From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
  • Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
  • Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.