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Summer Ecology Project Associate

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key—we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you're intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here.

RES is currently accepting applications for a Summer Ecology Project Associate (Ecology Intern) based in our Raleigh, NC office. In this role, you’ll work alongside ecologists, engineers, and regulatory professionals to support stream and wetland restoration projects across North Carolina. You’ll spend most of your time outdoors collecting field data, with additional time supporting data entry and technical documentation.

This is a hands-on internship designed for someone who loves fieldwork, is eager to learn, and wants real experience in ecological restoration.

What You’ll Do

Fieldwork (approximately 75%)
You’ll support a variety of field efforts, including:

  • Vegetation monitoring and restoration planting assessments

  • Biological surveys and geomorphic stream surveys

  • Hydrologic monitoring (stream flow, flood, and groundwater-related measurements)

  • Downloading and maintaining field gauges/devices

  • Collecting field data using GPS and/or mobile field applications

  • Assisting with stream geomorphic surveys and calculating morphologically significant parameters (training provided)

  • Possible stream and wetland delineation support

Office/Technical Support (approximately 25%)
You’ll assist with:

  • Data entry, organization, and basic QA/QC

  • Technical report preparation and documentation support

  • Other restoration site maintenance/management tasks as assigned

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Field needs vary by project and season.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll gain exposure to:

  • Stream mitigation in North Carolina

  • Stream restoration practices and common construction/monitoring approaches

  • Fundamentals of fluvial geomorphology and its application to restoration

  • Riparian vegetation and restoration plantings

  • NC native vegetation identification (especially trees)

  • Exotic and invasive plant identification

Field Conditions & Travel Expectations

This position is field-intensive and performed rain or shine. You should be prepared to:

  • Work outdoors in hot, cold, wet, and/or humid conditions
  • Walk long distances and traverse uneven terrain through thick vegetation
  • Climb, bend, kneel, lift/carry equipment, and perform sustained physical activity
  • Travel extensively across North Carolina, including frequent overnight stays

Required Qualifications

We’d love to talk with you if you have many of the following:

  • Currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field
  • Interest in ecological restoration and comfort working outdoors in variable conditions
  • Ability to interpret field maps and follow field protocols
  • Strong attention to detail for accurate data collection and data entry
  • Clear communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented working style

Preferred Qualifications (What Will Help You Stand Out)

  • Experience using ArcGIS Pro (ArcPro)
  • Experience with surveying and/or field equipment (e.g., total station, GPS units)
  • Academic or professional experience related to ecological restoration
  • Biological survey experience
  • Strong plant identification experience (native and invasive species)

Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.

RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

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