Environmental Planner Intern

CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST INTERN

Summer Paid Internship (2026)

Westervelt Ecological Services

Fresno, California

About us: Westervelt Ecological Services (Westervelt) specializes in the restoration and conservation of wetlands, streams, and endangered species habitats. We develop conservation and mitigation projects that offset environmental impacts from private and public development and infrastructure projects. Our teams work closely with landowners, businesses, government agencies, and land trusts throughout the state of California. Our mission is to provide enduring ecological solutions for the benefit of our partners and the lands we conserve. 

Position Overview: This paid position aims to support the ecology and land stewardship team and is in person in Fresno, California. Duties include providing land management and monitoring assistance for our various conservation sites in the field and office. Activities include habitat/vegetation monitoring, hydrological monitoring, wildlife surveying, reviewing camera station survey photos, managing invasive species, GPS/GIS mapping, data analysis, and producing technical documents and reports.

What You’ll Learn and Do: As an intern, you will balance your time working in Fresno from an office, from home and out doing field work.  Your support team includes experienced ecologists and land stewards and your time will be split working independently and with the team. You will visit existing and proposed mitigation sites, conduct biological surveys, and attend project meetings to better understand the planning, implementation, and long-term stewardship of our mitigation projects.  Spend time practicing your map and compass skills, using handheld GPS units and GIS.   Ideal candidates love being outdoors and want to make a positive impact on our environment.  

Responsibilities:

• Basic knowledge of California flora and fauna, with good identification skills
• Well developed communication and people skills.  Ability to work independently and in a team environment both in an office and out in the field.  
• Use your computer skills, including Excel and Word, to perform data analysis, record field data and share this information with other employees 
• Perform basic map and compass skills, use handheld GPS units.  GIS experience preferred but not required.  
• Perform physical duties in an outdoor setting
• Hold a valid driver’s license and be able to safely operate a 4 wheel drive truck

Position Details: This position is expected to be a part-time to full-time summer internship based on project needs and availability. Able to work flexible hours (Monday-Friday) with occasional overtime. Must live in or near Fresno. Pay is $22/hour.  

Qualifications: Applicants must currently pursuing a degree in forestry, wildlife biology, botany, environmental studies, ecology or related field.