Braddock Bay Raptor Research announces the availability of two types of internships for the spring 2027 season. Information about these internships is listed below. A PDF version of the information can be downloaded here: BBRR 2027 Spring Internships
To apply for either internship, send a letter of interest (stating which internship you are applying for), resume and references to Daena Ford at information@bbrr.org . Review of applications will begin December 1, 2026 and will continue on a rolling basis.
Raptor Research Internship
Up to two positions available.
Objective: Provide an opportunity for an individual interested in a career in avian research to gain hands-on experience working with raptors in the field. Interns will learn about and participate in the hawkwatch (raptor migration count), raptor banding and owl roost survey.
Duties/Opportunities:
Hawkwatch – Primary Activity
- Assist with the raptor migration count by spotting and identifying raptors in flight
- Assist with data entry, both live on-site and at day’s end into the HawkCount database
- Learn proper raptor identification and count techniques
- Interpretation and education on site for public visitors and organized groups
Raptor Banding –
- Assist with raptor banding operations, including lure bird care, station set up and maintenance, data collection, photo documentation
- Assist with trapping and banding raptors under the supervision of a licensed bird bander
- Assist with raptor banding data entry
- Interpretation and education on site for public visitors and organized groups
Owl Roost Survey –
- Collect data and observations during a daily survey of the Owl Woods portion of the management area. Focus species are Northern Saw-whet Owls and Long-eared Owls, but other species can be encountered.
Schedule:
- March 1 through mid-May 31; start and end dates flexible.
- Intern is expected to work a minimum of 2 days/week, at least 4 hours/day. Schedule will be set based on applicant’s availability.
Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Proper outerwear and footwear for cold weather is essential.
- Good communication skills and readiness to work with others.
- Must have own transportation.
- Optics in the form of binoculars (at least 8x) will be needed. Spotting scope is helpful as well but not required. BBRR may be able to provide optics if needed.
- Bird, especially raptor identification knowledge a plus. More training will be provided.
Raptor Education Internship
Up to two positions available.
Objective: Participants will gain knowledge of and experience caring for and working with captive raptors that are used in educational programs. Participants also have the opportunity to gain experience in conducting presentations and leading educational programs and lessons.
Duties/Opportunities:
- Learn to care for non-releasable captive birds of prey used for educational purposes. This includes activities such as preparing food, cleaning enclosures, and assisting with health and maintenance checks on the birds.
- Learn handling and training methods for captive raptors used in education.
- Assist with outreach programming in the community utilizing education raptors.
- Lead or assist with programs at Braddock Bay, including owl prowls, banding station tours, and organized field trips.
- Participate in Bird of Prey Days event held in April.
Schedule:
- February through May. Start and end dates are flexible.
- Part-time – Minimum of about 4-6 hours/week, possibly more during the month of April. Flexible scheduling.
Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Proper outerwear and footwear for cold weather is essential.
- Must have own transportation.
- Good communication skills and readiness to work with others.
- Good presentation skills.
- Experience working with animals a plus.
- Experience presenting in an educational setting (school, nature center, etc.) a plus.
- Optics in the form of binoculars (at least 8x) will be needed. BBRR may be able to provide if needed.
- Bird, especially raptor identification knowledge a plus. More training will be provided.