Ecological Scientist Intern

Ardurra is seeking an Ecological Scientist Intern to join our team in Orlando, FL.

Primary Function

The Ecological Intern supports ecological and environmental projects under the direct supervision of senior ecologists. This role assists with field investigations, data collection, report preparation, and environmental permitting tasks. The position provides practical exposure to ecological fieldwork, wetlands and habitat evaluations, protected species considerations, and regulatory processes while applying standard ecological and environmental science principles in support of project teams.

Primary Duties

Assists with ecological field investigations, including wetlands delineations, protected species observations, and natural habitat assessments, gaining hands-on experience with ecological field methods.

• Collects, documents, and organizes field data, including preparing and transcribing field notes.
• Supports preparation of technical memoranda, reports, and documentation related to environmental impacts, biological evaluations, and regulatory compliance.
• Assists with upland and wetland evaluations and Environmental Assessments, including tasks related to protected species.
• Reviews project documentation and drawings within defined limits.
• Performs basic GIS/GPS data collection and assists with processing field data, as applicable.
• Provides general project support and completes miscellaneous tasks to assist environmental and ecological project teams.
• Collaborates with project managers, ecologists, and engineers to support ongoing project needs and deliverables.
• Gains exposure to real client projects, ecological consulting workflows, and professional project documentation practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of foundational ecological and environmental science principles, field methods, and standard procedures used in ecological assessments.
• Skilled in organizing field data, preparing written materials, and applying basic ecological understanding to support project deliverables.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, reliability, and willingness to learn ecological processes while collaborating effectively with project teams.
• Knowledge of prioritization and adaptability techniques, with the ability to adjust to changing field conditions and apply solution-focused thinking.
• Skilled in active listening and clear communication, with the ability to manage tasks, meet deadlines, and pursue ongoing learning and professional development.

Education, Certification and Experience Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, Physical Sciences, or a related field.
• 0-1 years of relevant experience (prior internship or project experience preferred but not required).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work in outdoor and sometimes challenging field conditions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, self-motivated, and eager to learn.
• Coursework or basic knowledge related to wetlands, protected species, or environmental permitting.
• Familiarity with GIS/GPS tools for field or office use is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to follow standard procedures while learning industry best practices.

Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Planning & Organization
• Personal Development

Working Environment/Physical Requirements

Work is conducted in both office and outdoor field environments. Field activities may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, natural habitats, and moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain and carrying field equipment. Office tasks primarily involve working at a computer workstation with minimal physical hazards.

Why Ardurra?

While Ardurra offers competitive compensation and rich benefits programs, it is our culture that truly sets us apart from our peers. We nurture a family-like culture, striving to create a work environment that is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding but also fun. We are acutely focused on developing our staff, whether through our internal Ardurra Academy or through our industry-leading Leadership program. We have made a deliberate and focused commitment to nurture a people-centric culture where people are: valued as individuals; supported in their professional and career development with multiple, varied career paths; provided the tools and resources to be successful, engaged, and satisfied in their work; and positive benefits, time-off programs, and flexibility to help maintain a healthy balance between work and home.

Ardurra is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

Ardurra does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agency Agreement, Ardurra will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a resume or candidate is submitted to any hiring manager without a previously signed agreement, Ardurra reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. These candidates will be considered property of Ardurra. We’re not currently looking to add any more agencies to our list of approved vendors, so please do not contact any of our managers or recruitment team with sales calls or details of your candidates.