Monarch Research and Education Internship

Location: Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA

Internship Dates: Available from May to October with flexibility to end early

Schedule: Flexible. Full-time or part-time schedules are available.

Compensation

• $650/week for full-time work (40 hours/week) or $16.25/hour

• All project-related travel costs are covered, including a mileage rate of $0.40/mile for driving on the installation.

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is encouraged.

Requirements

• U.S. citizen or legal resident

• Access to a personal vehicle and a valid driver's license

• Priority consideration for local candidates, military spouses, dependents, and veterans

About EFTA’s Monarch Research and Conservation on Military Lands Program

Environment for the Americas (EFTA) partners with the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Defense to monitor and conserve monarch butterflies on military installations. The program reflects a shared commitment to understanding and protecting the monarch’s breeding and migratory habitats.

EFTA works closely with the Monarch Joint Venture, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, university researchers, and Department of Defense Natural Resource Managers across the monarch’s range.

Learn more about the program here: https://environmentamericas.org/migratory-monarch-conservation/

Position Description

The Monarch Research and Education Internship offers hands-on experience in monarch monitoring, habitat assessments, conservation, and community outreach. Interns conduct field research using standardized protocols and work directly with biologists and Natural Resource Managers on military lands.

This is a field-focused position. Interns typically spend four days each week outdoors and one day completing data entry, writing, and administrative tasks. Fieldwork involves documenting milkweed presence, identifying blooming plants, and recording monarch eggs, larvae, and adults. Interns also support outreach activities designed to inspire interest in monarchs, pollinators, and migration among military families and school-aged children. All interns write biweekly blogs and attend virtual team meetings and webinars.

Key Responsibilities

Field Research

• Conduct monarch and habitat surveys during peak breeding periods

• Collect data on milkweed, nectar plants, and monarch life stages

• Navigate and work safely on military installations

Communication & Team Engagement

• Maintain regular communication with Natural Resource Managers and partner organizations

• Submit consistent updates to the EFTA Monarch Program Manager

• Participate in weekly team meetings, data reviews, and educational webinars

• Write biweekly blogs that highlight fieldwork and personal experiences

Education & Community Engagement

• Develop and lead educational programs for military communities, such as school visits, scout activities, citizen science events, and nature walks

• Promote awareness of monarch conservation and pollinator ecology

Qualifications

Required

• Strong communication skills, including clear and consistent written and verbal communication

• Interest in conservation with demonstrated enthusiasm for wildlife, ecology, or environmental science

• Ability to work independently in the field, manage time effectively, and travel between sites

• Familiarity with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office for data entry and reporting

Preferred

• Military spouses, veterans, and local applicants are strongly encouraged to apply

• Experience in fieldwork, species monitoring, outdoor labor, or data collection

• Ability to identify plants or willingness to learn basic botany

• Some higher education in biology, natural resources, environmental science, or related fields

Training

Interns will receive training in:

• Conducting monarch habitat surveys using IMMP and other standardized protocols

• Field navigation and safety procedures on military installations

• Identifying milkweeds, nectar plants, and monarch life stages

• Accurate data recording and dataset maintenance

• Leading educational programs and nature-based activities

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.