Ducks Unlimited’s Great Plains Region seeks one undergraduate student to contribute to research on plant communities and soil compaction on Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) within the Rainwater Basin of south-central Nebraska. This internship is part of a collaboration between DU, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to understand the effect of sediment removal to restore native plants and hydrological function for WPAs that serve as important spring migratory stop-over site for waterfowl. The overall goal of the research group is to understand patterns in soil, plant, and bird communities on habitat management for waterfowl. The selected intern will be expected to assist with field work and related sample processing and will work with a faculty mentor to conduct a literature review, analyze data, and prepare both oral and written communication for this research. The intern will be expected to present their findings to the research group and/or at a regional or national conference. Candidate will also have the opportunity to work alongside DU staff out of the Grand Island office.

Position will run from mid-May until mid-August and located in Kearney, NE. The successful applicant will be paid $12.00/hour with 40 hours/week, housing not provided.

Required qualifications:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program at a U.S. post-secondary institution and not eligible for graduation before December 2025.

• Majoring in biology, natural resources management, wildlife, ecology, zoology, botany, soil science, or related discipline.

• An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher.

• A valid U.S. driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to the beginning of the internship.

• Highly motivated with a strong work ethic.

• Ability and willingness to work independently outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Ability and willingness to develop positive working relationships with other student researchers, faculty, and other project collaborators.

Desired qualifications:

• Coursework or field experience in ornithology or familiarity with bird identification is highly desired.

• Coursework or field experience in grassland plant identification or sampling.

When applying to this role, please attach a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be considered as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled. Selected candidates will then be invited for a Zoom interview. During the interview, students will learn more about the position, be asked standard interview questions to determine if the program is a good fit, and can ask questions about the position/internship. This application and interview process provides students experience applying for and gaining employment. Questions regarding these positions may be directed to:

Catrina Terry
Waterfowl Research Scientist
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
2525 River Road
Bismarck, ND 58503
Office: (701) 355-3513
cterry@ducks.org

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions),  sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression,  age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.