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Ecology Project International · 1 month ago

Bitterroot Wildlife Internship- Student Participant - Summer 2026

Missoula, Montana, United States

Internship

Onsite

Intern

Start in 2026 Summer

Ecology Project International (EPI) offers a unique Bitterroot Wildlife Internship for high school students, combining ecological education, conservation service work, and hands-on field research. Participants will engage in various conservation projects, conduct research, and present their findings at a symposium, all while being mentored by experienced researchers in Montana's Bitterroot Valley.

EducationEnvironmental ConsultingNon Profit

Responsibilities

Actively & enthusiastically participate in all program activities including: individual research projects, MPG research partner engagement opportunities, service work, and science education curriculum lessons

Complete conservation service projects to aid MPG Ranch ecological restoration efforts. These projects are often physically strenuous

Follow guidance of a research mentor through development of a scientific research question and completion of a project and research poster. Students will be expected to present project results to EPI staff, MPG staff and fellow students at the end of your session and the end-of-season Research Symposium

Assist MPG researchers in gathering high-quality data

Contribute to a positive group culture on the ranch and in camp, including helping with group responsibilities like meal preparation, camp set-up and maintenance, and vehicle loading/unloading

Abide by EPI’s Big Five: No tobacco, drugs, alcohol, coupling, or disruptive behavior

Qualification

Scientific inquiryConservation service workField research methodsData collection experienceOutdoor learningCamping experienceHiking experience

Required

Must have completed freshman year of high school and not yet entered freshman year in college

Willingness to work and camp in inclement conditions including rain, heat, bugs, rough terrain

Understanding of scientific inquiry

Desire to engage in conservation service work, research, and outdoor learning

Must be available to attend all of the following: Pre-season Mentor Meet and Greet on May 6th, All field days for the duration of the program, Post-season research symposium on August 12th

Preferred

Ecology Project International course experience

Outdoor experience including camping and hiking

Experience with conservation service

Field experience collecting and working with data

Benefits

Students will have the opportunity to gain up to four hours of college credit through University of Montana.

Students will receive up to a $660 education award after the successful completion of the program and symposium - total amount dependent on enrollment in college credit program.

Transportation from EPI’s Missoula office to MPG Ranch on Mondays and back on Thursday evenings will be provided.

All meals, snacks, transportation, and necessary equipment are provided during program.