Environment for the Americas

Dates: Short Fall Internship Position Available from September 15 - November 14, 2025. Please include your availability and preferred start and end dates.

Hours: Part-time hours available (20-25 hrs/wk)

Compensation: $16.25/hr Stipend. All project-related travel costs will be covered by EFTA, and a mileage rate of $0.40/mile for all driving on the installation.

Location: Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis is a military installation located in San Antonio, TX. All field research activities will occur on the installation. 

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis as positions are filled or by July 31. 

About EFTA’s Monarch Conservation on Military Lands Program

Environment for the Americas is proud to partner with the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Defense on this monarch monitoring and conservation project on military installations. This partnership highlights a collective commitment to monitor and conserve monarch butterflies, especially in light of their potential ESA (Endangered Species Act) listing in 2024.

We collaborate closely with key organizations, including the Monarch Joint Venture, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, and university researchers to work hand-in-hand with Department of Defense Natural Resource Managers at installations across the monarch's range.

Position Description:

The Monarch Monitoring Internship provides a unique opportunity to actively contribute to monarch butterfly monitoring and conservation efforts. Interns will conduct monarch butterfly monitoring and habitat assessments using standardized protocols, working alongside biologists on military installations to identify and evaluate habitat. Emphasis will be placed on collecting data on fall-season monarch presence across their life stages, milkweed availability, and blooming plant diversity and frequency using the standardized Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program (IMMP) survey protocols. In addition, interns will tag and test monarchs for the parasite oE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha).

This is a field-based position located on military installations across the U.S. where monarch butterflies breed and overwinter. Computer work will include data organization and entry, blog writing, and virtual team meetings. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Field Research:

• Data Collection: Spend significant time in the field collecting essential data, particularly during the spring and summer breeding season. Gather data on milkweed, blooming plants, and monarch breeding activities to contribute to monitoring and research efforts.

• Use nets to catch adults monarchs to tag and test them for oE. All handling will be performed with care. 

Communication & Team Engagement:

• Communication & Reporting: Interact with Natural Resource Managers on military installations and partner organizations. Provide weekly fieldwork updates to the EFTA Monarch Program Manager.

• Team Meetings & Webinars: Participate in weekly team meetings and data check-ins. Attend webinars with monarch researchers and other industry leaders.

• Biweekly Blogs: Write blogs for the EFTA website, sharing fieldwork highlights, updates, and personal experiences.

Education & Community Engagement:

• Outreach Programs: Interns may have the chance to perform and lead engaging educational programs for the military community, including classroom presentations, scout programs, nature walks, and citizen science activities for active-duty service members and their families.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities. Capable of maintaining regular, clear communication with EFTA staff, Department of Defense personnel, and the general public.

• Interest in Conservation: Passion for wildlife conservation, ecology, or environmental science, particularly concerning pollinators and their habitats.

• Self-Motivated and Independent: Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in field-based conditions. Comfortable driving to monitoring sites and working outdoors for extended periods.

• Technical Skills: Familiarity with Google Drive, Sheets, Docs, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) for data entry and reporting is preferred.

Preferred:

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

• Experience in field research, outdoor work, data collection, and/or species monitoring.

• Ability to identify blooming plants in the field.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

• Have a personal vehicle and valid driver's license. 

• Local candidates, military spouses, dependents, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

TRAINING: 

Interns will receive training in:

• Conducting monarch butterfly habitat surveys using protocols such as the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Protocol (IMMP).

• Performing overwintering surveys using the Xerces Society’s Western Monarch Count protocols.

• Navigating the unique challenges of conducting ecological studies on military installations.

• Identifying milkweed host plants and locating monarch eggs and caterpillars.

• Recording, maintaining, and organizing field data.

• Implementing educational activities for military communities, including leading nature walks, presentations, and school programs.

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.