Lacawac Sanctuary Summer Internship 2022
Monday, January 24, 2022 01:39 PM

The Lacawac Sanctuary seeks an undergraduate intern for Summer 2022

Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit biological field station and environmental education center located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Lacawac’s Research Internship Program offers undergraduate students opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the fields of environmental research and education. Lacawac interns participate in the Sanctuary’s missions of Research, Education, and Preservation. Interns spend considerable time participating in field work and laboratory analysis, educational and public programs for all ages, outreach activities, trail maintenance, and event preparation/clean-up.

Interns will gain experience and training in:


  • Lake ecology and water quality sampling methodology
  • Quantitative laboratory analysis
  • Experimental design and scientific method
  • Laboratory and Field safety
  • Science communication
  • Data and project management
  • K-12 environmental education
  • Public outreach

We are looking for enthusiastic interns who work well with others, have excellent attitudes, and a record of academic achievement. Students working towards a degree in the natural sciences and/or an interest in ecology, conservation, or environmental education are encouraged to apply. This is an entry-level position for which previous research experience is welcome but not required.

Interns must be able to work independently as well as part of a team. Specific duties include but are not limited to working with Lacawac scientists to monitor lake water quality, assisting visiting graduate students and faculty with their research (covering a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic ecology, conservation, and resource management), maintaining research infrastructure and hiking trails, conducting laboratory and/or field experiments, mentoring high school interns, assisting with K-12 field trips, hosting public programs, and performing light general maintenance. Interns will work 20-30 hours per week including some weekend hours.

Interns should expect to work outside in all weather conditions and encounter wildlife common to Northeastern PA (mosquitoes, ticks, snakes, deer, black bears) and must be comfortable with being in small row boats, working on the water, hiking in temperate forests, and with physical labor. Lacawac is situated in a rural area with no public transportation, so interns are strongly encouraged to bring their own vehicle. Applicants must be US citizens or have permission to work in the US and have a valid driver’s license.

Interns receive a modest stipend and free housing at Lacawac. Housing includes shared living areas, bathroom, and kitchen and dorm-style bunk rooms. All interns are required to be up to date with COVID 19 vaccination as recommended by the CDC. Religious and medical exemptions will be considered on a case by case basis.

The internship is from June 1st through August19th, with negotiable start/stop dates. Internship details, including housing commitments, may be amended depending on local, state, and federal COVID guidelines and restrictions.

To apply, submit a completed application form, a letter of interest (see application for details), resume, and unofficial transcripts via email to Dr. Beth Norman, Director of Science and Research ([email protected]). Include “2022 Lacawac Internship” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin February 21, 2022. For more information about Lacawac, see our website: https://www.lacawac.org/