Gopher Tortoise Research Internship

Archbold Biological Station And Buck Island Ranch

Job Location:

Venus, TX - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 10-11-2025

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Gopher Tortoise Research Internship Dig deeper into herpetology by interning at Archbold!

The Herpetology & Restoration Ecology Program at Archbold Biological Station is seeking an intern to join our team and support our ongoing 58-year study of the demography ecology and behavior of threatened Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). The intern will also participate in a new investigation of tortoise disease prevalence and effects. The internship will be for 8 months with a desired start date of February 16 2026. An exceptional aspect of the internship includes the chance to develop and implement an independent research project which may utilize some of our extensive historical data in addition to collecting new data. The intern will receive training and mentoring from Dr. Betsie Rothermel the Archbold Herpetology Program Director and Rachel Fedders the programs lead Research Assistant. This position is ideal for recent undergraduates contemplating graduate school and is a particularly good opportunity for someone with a strong interest in reptile health and wildlife disease ecology.

Archbold internships are unpaid appointments without entitlement to a paid position at the conclusion of the internship. Interns are not entitled to either minimum wage or overtime pay under the Department of Labor FLSA Rule. Please review the Archbold Internship Policy or reach out to our Human Resource Department for more information. As an unpaid Herpetology Intern Archbold will provide you with the following allowances:

Expense Stipend

$530 expense stipend paid bi-weekly
Tax note: Stipend income may be subject to self-employment tax.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

2 hours per bi-weekly pay period
All PTO is available to use from the start of the appointment. Time off must be requested and approved by supervisor in advance and must be utilized prior to the end of the appointment.

Lodging

Gratis (free) lodging provided - shared dormitory-style rooms (no pets)
Location: Archbold Biological Station Venus Florida 33960

Research Training

Archbold Herpetology Interns receive invaluable professional mentoring and hands-on training via approximately 20 hours per week of practical field and lab experience. Training will occur primarily on weekdays and focus on the following activities and skills:

Radio tracking Gopher Tortoises
Mapping and scoping tortoise burrows
Capturing measuring marking and assessing health of tortoises
Collecting swab and blood samples from tortoises for disease testing
Habitat management including removal and chemical control of invasive plants
Monitoring hydrology of seasonal wetlands
Accurately and efficiently collecting data using ArcGIS Survey123 or other customized apps
Entering and checking data in a relational database (i.e. MS Access)

In addition the Herpetology Intern will have opportunities to:

assist with controlled burns as weather and research schedules allow
develop and lead an educational activity for children enrolled in summer day camp
contribute to public engagement via social media

Independent Research

Our internship program goes beyond hands-on field and laboratory work by empowering interns to design and conduct their own independent research projects. This unique opportunity allows you to delve into a subject that ignites your interests guided by experienced mentors. Benefits of this experience include:

Project Design: Develop the skill to identify compelling research questions and devise robust study designs.
Scientific Skills: Refine your expertise in statistical analysis and data interpretation.
Presenting Research Results: Improve your verbal and written communication skills preparing you for further academic pursuits or professional report writing.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Biology Ecology Wildlife Management or a related field
Familiarity with field methods used to study wildlife through coursework or prior research experiences
Experience identifying capturing and handling wild reptiles
Ability to work independently in the field yet collaborate with a small team to meet project objectives
Keen attention to detail particularly in adhering to sampling protocols and data management
Able to perform radio tracking using auditory and/or visual signal analysis
Tolerance for the discomforts of working outdoors in a subtropical environment e.g. biting insects thorny vegetation high heat/humidity
Good physical condition and ability to walk for several miles carrying up to 10 lbs of equipment with frequent bending over and kneeling to inspect burrows
Strong motivation and positive attitude towards living and working in a rural field station
Respect for fellow interns sharing onsite housing
Clear and effective communication with supervisors colleagues and roommates
Valid US drivers license

Unique Field Experience & Recreational Opportunities
During their personal time interns are welcome to explore the regions outstanding natural areas and Archbolds expansive scrub preserve which includes a private lake perfect for quiet reflection or outdoor recreation. Additionally interns are invited to volunteer in other Archbold programs such as Avian Ecology Plant Ecology Agroecology and Education to expand their understanding of Floridas rare species ecosystems and outreach and conservation efforts.

To Apply:
Upload the following in a single pdf titled with your surname:

Cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining how your previous experiences and interests are relevant to the responsibilities and qualifications listed above. Be sure to mention your research interests and describe how this position aligns with your personal experiences and goals.
CV (curriculum vitae) including GPA and a list of relevant coursework
Names and contact information for three references

For questions please contact Dr. Betsie Rothermel ().

We will begin reviewing applications on December 1 2025.

Archbold is an equal opportunity employer. We take action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability Veteran status or other legally protected status. Archbold will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and stands proud of its collaborative culture.

Archbolds mission is to build and share the scientific knowledge needed to protect the life lands and waters of Florida and beyond. Archbolds footprint encompasses the ancient scrub habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge; the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape; the vast open ranchlands of Central Florida; and the many waterways that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and then drain to the coasts touching the lives of millions of Floridians. Archbold studies and protects these natural wonders as ecosystems: as complex networks shaped by measurable natural processes. Our dozens of research sites encompass the pristine sand dunes of the Lake Wales Ridge; the ranchlands and wetlands that make up much of Central Florida; and the rivers that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and beyond.

Today Archbold stewards a rich mosaic of natural habitats native ecosystems working lands and historic buildings at Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch. The Station and the Ranch serve as the place-based crucible for our innovative science conservation and education programs. These draw from a long deep history dating back from our beginnings founded by Richard Archbold in 1941.

Achbold is an E-Verify Employer

Required Experience:

Intern

Gopher Tortoise Research Internship Dig deeper into herpetology by interning at Archbold!The Herpetology & Restoration Ecology Program at Archbold Biological Station is seeking an intern to join our team and support our ongoing 58-year study of the demography ecology and behavior of threatened Goph...