NCWRC Research Initiatives

RFP: Understanding Striped Bass Recruitment Limitations in North Carolina Coastal Rivers

Deadline for submission is December 31st. Read more details.
 

Open Call for Research Ideas

NCWRC is hosting  an annual open call for research ideas from November 1 through December 15, 2025. This  open call does not imply that funding is immediately available from the NCWRC to support ideas for research projects. Rather, it is a means of generating ideas that may be pursued should they align with NCWRC’s objectives, priorities, and available funding.

To be considered, you must submit your research idea as outlined in the idea submission form to research@ncwildlife.gov. Research ideas must not exceed two pages.  If an external research idea matches an internal proposal, the NCWRC proposal will be used moving forward.  If the research idea is selected for further consideration, you will be invited to submit a full proposal. Final awardees may not receive funding for one to two fiscal year cycles , depending on programmatic fund availability. NCWRC staff will work closely with selected partners to establish a timeline for any projects receiving funding.

For FY26/27, the NCWRC programs below have identified the following areas of interest. Research ideas not falling into one of these topics may still be submitted.

Land and Water Access:

• Locating, conserving, and restoring sensitive, rare, and native plants and animals on landscapes relevant to NCWRC efforts
• Impacts of specific water/soil/vegetation management techniques to NCWRC habitat goals
• Novel forest-wildlife management techniques

Wildlife  Diversity Programs:

• As outlined in the North Carolina State Wildlife Action Plan

Questions may be submitted to research@ncwildlife.gov
 

Some examples of current research:

• Restoration of habitat at Kings Bridge Tract
• White-nose syndrome surveillance and management in NC
• Mountain bog habitat management and restoration at bog turtle sites in western NC
• Identifying SGCN habitat use across multiple scales throughout the eastern U.S. using MOTUS WTS
• Designing and assessing a regional acoustic monitoring program for the endangered Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel
• Urban black bears: diet, movement, reproduction, and Bearwise program

• Multi-scale assessment of wild turkey ecology in North Carolina 

  
• Conservation status and management of Henslow's sparrow at the VOA game land and eastern NC
• Development of a Breeding Bird Atlas using the functionality of eBird 

• Deer ecology across an urban-rural continuum

  
• Comparative population genetics of small mammals in the spruce-fir ecosystem of western NC
• Interspecific competition, population genetics, hybridization zones, and management of Appalachian Cottontails in western NC
• American alligator ecology in North Carolina
• Black bear abundance and density in the NC Coastal Bear Management Unit
• Allegheny Woodrat Camera Surveys
• Canine distemper virus (CDV)
• Neuse River waterdog genomics
• Movements of black bears (Ursus americanus) along Interstate 40 in the Pigeon River Gorge in North Carolina 

• Wild turkey health: analysis of pathogen data with demographic and spatial-temporal data 

  
• Conservation genomics of the Buxton Woods white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus buxtoni) on the Outer Banks, North Carolina
• DNA fingerprinting of sea turtles nesting in North Carolina
• Rabies and Canine Distemper Virus rapid test use on wildlife in field environments

Recently Completed:

Emily Nastase - “Status Assessment of Henslow’s Sparrows in North Carolina: a Multidisciplinary Framework for Conservation” 

The Henslow’s Sparrow (Centronyx henslowii) is a grassland specialist songbird species that has sustained extensive population declines since the mid 1900’s due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation throughout its range. At present, there are only two known breeding sites for the Henslow’s Sparrow in North Carolina. As such, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission sought to assess the status of the Henslow’s Sparrow in the state. However, there were no data available to assess the viability of these populations, prompting the state to seek foundational information on the Henslow’s Sparrow’s demography, distribution, habitat use, and genetic structure in North Carolina. These components are essential to quantitatively gauge the vulnerability and status of the Henslow’s Sparrow, and if needed, formulate conservation measures to ensure its viability and persistence. This project consisted of four separate studies, which together provide baseline information for the development of a comprehensive conservation strategy for the Henslow’s Sparrow populations in North Carolina. Read her thesis.

Ashley Lynn – “Estimating Densities of White-tailed Deer along an Urban-Rural Gradient in Durham County, North Carolina” 

As urbanization increases across the globe, once continuous landscapes have shifted to gradients of human dominated and fragmented habitat. Urban-rural gradients have varying degrees of change, which creates novel habitats for species. As species adapt to these transitional areas, understanding populations becomes difficult with smaller parcel sizes and private land. The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is a commonly recognized species that use landscapes across gradients. The overall aim of this study was to estimate deer densities and how deer density changes across an urban-rural gradient around a metropolitan area in Durham County, North Carolina. Read her thesis.

Archived NCWRC publications may be accessed through the state library.

If you would like to request NCWRC assistance in collecting samples for a research project, please complete the sample request form and submit to research@ncwildlife.org. Responses will be returned within 60 days. 

Entities requesting NCWRC data on human subjects, or collaborating with the agency to collect data on human subjects must enter into a data sharing agreement with the agency. Human subjects data are those obtained through intervention or interaction with individuals as well as any identifiable personal information supplied by the agency or collected from individuals. The human subjects data sharing agreement requires that the requestor take steps to remove personally identifiable data, only use data for specific purposes and time periods, and safely store data. An agreement must be executed prior to the release of any agency data on human subjects to the requestor.

For permit requests, visit GoOutDoorsNorthCarolina.com

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is offering the following summer internship opportunities for 2026. Interns will work closely with NCWRC staff, gaining valuable experience in applied management and conservation as well as hands-on skills critical for future employment in the field of natural resources. All internships will run for a duration of 10 weeks from May 18th through July 24th and will be paid at a rate of $15/hour. Please note that working hours per week vary by position, and housing will not be provided for any listed position. Positions requiring field work will have access to NCWRC vehicles with a valid driver’s license.

Minimum Requirements

• Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Applicants must carry a 2.5 or greater overall grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old by January 1, 2026.
• Applicants must be able to provide legal proof of identity and work authorization within three working days of employment.

How to Apply:

Applicants should apply by using this link.  Please include a one-page cover letter, resume with two to three references, and unofficial transcript with application. Applicants may apply for two internships and will be asked to rank preferred positions. Deadline for application is 11:59 pm on February 6, 2026. Applicants selected for an interview will be notified by 5 pm on February 20. Questions about the internships or application process can be directed to research@ncwildlife.org.

Quick Links:

• Wildlife Diversity Internships
• Fisheries Internships
• Habitat Conservation Internships
• Land and Water Access Internship
• Conservation Policy and Analysis Internship

Wildlife Diversity Internships

Amphibian Monitoring and Husbandry 

Job Duties: Contribute to surveys for amphibians, conduct water quality testing of wetlands, and assist NC Zoo partners with gopher frog headstarting. Duties include helping with seasonal dipnet surveys for larval amphibians and nighttime acoustic surveys for anurans. The intern will also use a YSI meter to conduct water quality testing of wetlands on Sandhills Game Land. 

Location & Hours: This position will be based out of the Sandhills Depot in Hoffman (Richmond County) with limited telework available. Amphibian field work (1-2 days/week) will primarily occur in Richmond and Scotland Counties but could extend outside these areas at times. Animal husbandry work will take place at the NC Zoo in Asheboro (2 days/week). A state vehicle will be available for work-related travel. Applicants must be able to work 30 hours per week for the entire 10-week internship. 

Academic Majors Desired: Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Natural Resource Conservation, or similar. 

Skills and Qualifications Desired: General knowledge of fish and wildlife species and habitats, current driver’s license, knowledge of MS Excel, general familiarity with database concepts.
 

Coastal Herpetology Monitoring

Job Duties: Duties include assisting Wildlife Diversity Biologists with field surveys for reptile and amphibian Species of Greatest Conservation Need and with management of related data. The intern will work with several Eastern Wildlife Diversity biologists to survey and monitor reptile and amphibian populations across a variety of coastal environments. Species will include loggerhead sea turtle, diamondback terrapin, gopher frog, spotted turtle, and other species as time allows. The intern will also contribute to management of the Terrapin Tally data set as well as summaries and maps of project results.

Location and Hours: This position will work out of a home office in District 2 in one of the following counties: New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, Jones, or Craven. Applicants must be able to work 40 hours per week for the entire 10-week internship. Work will be a combination of field and office work, with much of the work occurring in remote field locations and the office work being primarily telework. A state vehicle will be available for work related travel.

Academic Majors Desired: Wildlife & Fisheries Science, Natural Resource Conservation, or similar.

Skills and Qualifications Desired: General knowledge of coastal wildlife species and habitats; knowledge of GIS and database principles; experience with ArcGIS and MS Excel; current driver’s license.

NC Birding Trail

Job Duties: Wildlife Diversity is seeking an intern, ideally with interest in NC birds, to (1) gather information about accessibility to NC Birding Trail sites across the state using Birdability guidance, (2) generally assess the site for birding, and (3) gather images for social media posts to promote NC Birding Trail. Duties include cold-calling site partners, traveling to birding trail sites to gather images and information (initially with and eventually without supervisor as comfort and familiarity improves), completing the Birdability form for each site, reporting to the NC Birding Trail Coordinator, and attending meetings (in-person or over Teams) twice a week to discuss experiences and next steps.

Location & Hours: This position is field-based and remote with the possibility of overnight stays (front-country camping, cabin, or state-rate hotel) when visiting distant locations. In-person meetings will be held either in Mebane or Raleigh (NCWRC headquarters).

Academic Majors Desired: Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation, Parks and Recreation, Communications, Outdoor Recreation, or similar.

Skills Desired: Birding interest; some birdwatching experience desired; capable of traversing trails with variable terrain and access; capability to drive a pick-up truck; valid driver’s license, significant capacity for independent decision-making and problem-solving; high degree of self-direction, accountability and follow-through; ability to assess a field site for accessibility as well as birder enjoyment; creativity and flexibility; strong communication skills; ability to cold call partners. Experience with ArcGIS a plus.

Fisheries Internships

Non-Game Aquatic Surveys

Job Duties: The intern will work directly with the Aquatic Wildlife Diversity (AWD) staff conducting field surveys for freshwater non-game fishes, mollusks, and crayfishes. Work will occur throughout the Piedmont and Coastal plain of North Carolina. Duties include assisting AWD staff with aquatic surveys and lab work. Skills learned include survey techniques for fishes, mussels, and crayfishes, data recording, taxa identification, data management skills, and laboratory techniques. There will be opportunities to work with NCWRC sportfish biologists conducting surveys for Largemouth Bass and other species and to work with the NCWRC habitat coordinator propagating native plant species for habitat enhancement projects throughout the Piedmont. Other opportunities include working with Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center staff to learn about mussel propagation and husbandry techniques, working with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and working with researchers at local universities.

Location & Hours: This position is located out of the Sykes Depot, 2430 Turner Rd, Mebane, NC 27302. Applicants must be able to work 30 to 40 hours per week for the entire 10-week internship with limited telework available. A vehicle will be available for work-related travel.
Academic Majors Desired: Wildlife & Fisheries Science, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation, Parks and Recreation, Geography, Communications, Outdoor Recreation, or similar.

Skills and Qualifications Desired: Ability to swim in 3-6 ft of water, snorkeling or scuba experience, knowledge of Microsoft Office Excel, ArcGIS Map, general familiarity with database concepts, general knowledge of fish and wildlife species and habitats, valid driver’s license.

Non-game Aquaculture

Job Duties: This intern will work directly with Conservation Aquaculture staff conducting propagation, animal care, and research for non-game mollusks, amphibians, and fish. This position will involve both lab and field components and will work with animals across North Carolina. Duties include assisting hatchery staff with daily tasks such as animal care, propagation system construction and maintenance, laboratory work, and pond care. Other tasks include field work such as host fish collection, broodstock collection for freshwater mussels, and augmentation site surveys. Skills learned include survey techniques for fishes and mollusks, data recording, taxa identification, and basics of mussel and snail propagation. The intern will also learn data management skills and laboratory techniques. The intern will become familiar with conservation and management practices of aquatic species within North Carolina. There will be opportunities to work with NCWRC nongame aquatic biologists conducting surveys for SGCN.

Location and Hours: This position is located out of the Marion State Fish Hatchery, 645 Fish Hatchery Rd, Marion, NC 28752. Applicants must be able to work 20 to 30 hours per week for the entire 10-week internship with limited telework available. A vehicle will be available for work-related travel.

Academic Majors Desired: Wildlife & Fisheries Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Sustainability in Aquaculture, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation, Parks and Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, or comparable major.
Skills and Qualifications Desired: Ability to swim in 3-6 ft of water, snorkeling or scuba experience, knowledge of Microsoft Office Excel, general familiarity with database concepts, general knowledge of fish and wildlife species and habitat, basic laboratory skills, aseptic technique, and valid driver’s license.

Habitat Conservation Internships

GIS dataset development for Conservation

Job Duties: Intern will select one of two projects to create a new GIS dataset for Wildlife Conservation Areas (WCAs) or Wildlife Viewing Areas (WVAs). Both projects will support the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) and will require identifying and analyzing existing GIS datasets relevant to the WCAs or WVAs then populating a new GIS dataset with appropriate and relevant information. The intern will work closely with NCWRC GIS specialists and other staff as needed to complete the project.

Location/Hours: NCWRC headquarters building on NCSU Centennial Campus, 1751 Varsity Dr. Raleigh, NC 27606. Applicants must be able to work 30 to 40 hours per week for the entire 10-week internship. Flexible working hours.

Academic Majors Desired: Spatial Data Science, Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis, GIS, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Conservation
Skills Desired: Knowledge of GIS and database principles, experience with ArcGIS (required), MS Excel, and some familiarity with land conservation concepts, landscape ecosystems, and wildlife taxonomy.

Mammal and Bee Surveys

Job Duties: Assist with surveys of bees, bats, small mammals, salamanders, and other taxa, if the opportunity arises, for several projects throughout the Piedmont. The intern will primarily assist with lab and fieldwork for the Multi-Taxa Study at Stinking Quarter Mitigation Project in Guilford County. For the SQ Project, the intern will be responsible for bee surveys and preparing bee specimens in a lab. Other duties may include small mammal trapping, leaf litter cage sampling, equipment maintenance, data entry, and data analysis. A portion of the internship will be conducting a variety of bat surveys, including mist-net surveys (nighttime work). Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is not needed for this internship as bat handling will not be part of the job duties. Some field work may require the intern to work independently.

Location & Hours: This position can work out of Rogers Depot in Creedmoor or the Greensboro Science Center (Guilford Co). Field work will primarily occur in Guilford County, Triangle/Triad, and surrounding counties, but could extend outside of these counties. Applicants must be able to work 30-40 hours per week for the entire 10-week internship with much of the work occurring in the field or lab. A state vehicle will be available for work related travel.

Academic Majors Desired: Wildlife & Fisheries Science, Natural Resource Conservation, or similar.

Skills Desired: General knowledge of fish and wildlife species and habitats, experience in entomology preferred but not required, current driver’s license.

Landscape Conservation

Job Duties: This position will include both office and field work. The intern will rotate between multiple projects according to work needs and schedule coordination. Projects will include (1) assisting the Aquatic Species Passage Coordinator in performing field site surveys to assess aquatic organism passage (AOP) at road crossings and culverts in the North Carolina coastal plain; (2) assisting with native plant greenhouse care, vegetation surveys on game lands, and GIS mapping data for pollinator habitat restoration; (3) supporting the Green Growth Toolbox, a science-based technical assistance program to support local governments in developing conservation-based land use plans and policies; and (4) reviewing wildlife camera trap image data associated with road crossing use. Specific duties will include literature reviews, interviews with government officials, field work, and data recording. Some overnight travel will occur.
Location and Hours: The position will be based and supervised from Rogers Depot in Creedmoor, Granville County, NC but will get to work in a variety of locales across the central and eastern portions of the state. Access to a state vehicle will be available for work related travel. 40 hours per week; schedule is generally 8-5 but longer days can occur.

Academic Majors Desired: Biology or Life Science degrees preferred but any science degree is acceptable.

Skills and Qualifications Desired: Computer literate, able to work outside as needed, quick learner, willing to work in multiple locations. Must be comfortable in water, able to swim, and have a valid driver’s license.

Land and Water Access Internship

Land Acquisition Prioritization

Job Duties: This internship will focus on two projects. 1) Develop a conservation prioritization plan to prioritize land acquisition for additions to existing game lands. 2) Develop a conservation prioritization plan to identify potential new access areas for trout fishing. The intern will work directly with Land and Water Access staff including our Land Acquisition Specialist and GIS Analysts as well as Fisheries Biologists and regional Management Biologists on this project. There will be additional opportunities to assist with land protection projects including meeting with landowners, attending field visits to potential acquisition properties, and attending conservation partnership meetings to interact with other conservation professionals, both virtually and in person.

Location & Hours: The position is located in our Raleigh Office at 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh NC 27606. Applicants must be able to work 40 hours per week for the entire 10-week internship with limited telework available.

Academic Majors Desired: Natural Resource Conservation, Wildlife & Fisheries Science, Environmental Science, GIS, Outdoor Recreation.

Skills and Qualifications Desired: Knowledge of ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Office Excel, general knowledge of fish and wildlife species and habitats.

Conservation Policy and Analysis Internship

Perspectives on Coastal Wildlife Policies

Job Duties: The intern will be working closely with staff on a project assessing coastal resident opinions towards coastal wildlife (shorebirds and sea turtles) and policies impacting wildlife habitat on the coast. Tasks will involve assisting in developing a human dimensions survey for NC coastal residents, reviewing coastal policies that impact shorebirds and sea turtles, and developing reports or deliverables including figures and tables. There will be opportunities to meet with coastal partners involved with Sea Turtle and shorebird conservation.

Location & Hours: This position is located at the NCWRC headquarters building at 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606. Applicants must be able to work 30 hours per week for the entire 10-week internship. Some travel to coastal areas may be required. (Vehicle will be provided.)

Academic Majors Desired: Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Policy, Public Policy, Wildlife & Fisheries Science, Environmental Science, or similar.

Skills Desired: Proficient with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams), familiarity with human dimensions of wildlife/natural resource methods, online survey tools, conservation policies, and technical writing.