By Andi Anderson
The Ohio Division of Wildlife, in partnership with the Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology Laboratory (TWEL) in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University, has announced its 2026 summer internship opportunities.
These internships were first created in 2003 to give students practical experience in wildlife research and management. Since then, more than 70 undergraduate students have completed the TWEL-ODOW internships, gaining valuable field experience that supports future careers in wildlife biology and conservation.
Many former interns have gone on to work in state and federal agencies, conservation organizations and research programs. Their roles include wildlife biologists, wildlife officers, foresters and researchers.
The TWEL-ODOW internships are designed to help students apply what they learn in class, build real-world skills and explore professional career paths in the environmental and wildlife fields.
Interns take part in a wide range of duties that introduce them to fieldwork, data collection and wildlife management activities. Responsibilities may include capturing and banding birds such as mourning doves, wood ducks and Canada geese, conducting wildlife population surveys, monitoring barn owl nest boxes and assessing acorn mast levels.
Students also practice vegetation identification, sampling and measurement, and may help create educational displays and leaflets.
Additional duties involve wildlife necropsies, educational programming, small mammal surveys, bald eagle nest monitoring and the use of GPS, GIS and radio-telemetry tools.
Interns may also maintain camera traps, manage vegetation plots, assist with habitat creation and maintenance, and help respond to public calls about nuisance wildlife. Some interns also assist with state fair exhibit setup and staffing.
Students interested in applying for a 2026 TWEL-ODOW internship must submit a current resume and a cover letter. Application materials should be addressed to:
TWEL-ODOW Summer Internships
Attn: John Kessler
The Ohio State University
School of Environment and Natural Resources
2021 Coffey Rd, 383 Kottman Hall
Columbus, OH 43210
These internships offer a meaningful opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, learn field techniques and prepare for future careers in wildlife conservation.
Photo Credit: ohio-state-university
Categories: Ohio, Education