• Summer Intern, Wildlife Management

    Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Jamaica, NY)


    Description

    About the Internship

     

    This internship is with the Aviation Department’s Wildlife Management Team working on diamondback terrapin management at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Interns will conduct daily patrols for terrapins, collect biological data, and mark and release terrapins on site. There may be opportunities to assist with a variety of other airport wildlife field work and data management projects.

    Responsibilities

    + Capture, handle, and mark live diamondback terrapins

    + Input data into wildlife management database

    + Assist with other wildlife field projects (e.g. Canada goose and gull management; raptor trapping & relocation; barn swallow nest removal; wildlife surveys)

    + Prepare study skins (round mounts)

    Minimum Qualifications

    + Enrollment at a college or university at the time of the internship

    + Major in Wildlife Biology or related discipline

    + Valid driver's license

    + Must be able to obtain airport security badge upon hiring

    + Proficient in Microsoft Excel

    Desired Qualifications

    + Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions

    + Able to work independently on data management projects

    + Experience handling wildlife or other animals

    + Able to identify wildlife, especially birds

    + Detail-oriented

    + Flexible

    Internship Details

    + The start date will be Thursday, May 28, 2026

    + The internship will last approximately 12 weeks, ending on Friday, August 21, 2026

    + This is a full-time internship (5 days per week at 7.25 hours per day)

    + In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits interns to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required depending on business needs. Some internships may require interns to be fully in-person.

    Selection Process

    + Only applicants under consideration will be contacted

    + If selected to move forward, the hiring team will reach out directly to schedule 1-2 interviews

    + Different internships will have different timelines for interviews

    Compensation & Benefits

    + The hourly rate range is $18.07 to $30.31 (the exact rate will be determined by internship type and rising school year)

    + Ability to opt in to the New York State and Local Retirement System

    + Access to Employee Business Resource Groups (https://www.jointheportauthority.com/pages/diversity-inclusion-programs)

    + Facility Tours

    + Career Panels

    + Social/Networking Events

    REQNUMBER: 63958