Experience Builder.
You don’t need to wait for an employer to let you obtain experience. You can get it now!
Here’s the thing:
Environmental science, conservation, ecology, wildlife, and sustainability are practical fields. They are learned by doing. Yet most entry-level jobs demand experience that people are never given the chance to obtain. This platform exists to interrupt that cycle.
Terra on the Bench Studios:
Provides real, documented, hands-on field experience designed to help people build credible resumes in environmental and conservation careers without waiting for permission from an employer, unpaid internship, or gatekept volunteer program.
This work is structured, supervised, and credited through a registered LLC. This is a growing community of like-minded people who are on the same path
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Early-career scientists
Recent graduates in biology, environmental science, sustainability, ecology, wildlife conservation, or related fields who are stuck in the experience trap.
Career switchers
People entering environmental work from adjacent fields who need applied research and field documentation to support the transition.
Black and ethnic professionals
Those historically underrepresented in conservation and environmental science who are often excluded from informal pipelines, unpaid opportunities, and insider networks.
Anyone tired of waiting
If you are capable of doing the work but blocked by arbitrary experience requirements, this space is for you.
What we provide
-
Structured research prompts and conservation activities you can complete independently or locally. These are not vague suggestions. They are designed projects with objectives, methods, and deliverables.
-
Field observations, habitat assessments, data collection, environmental monitoring, site evaluations, and applied conservation exercises that mirror real job tasks.
-
Literature reviews, regulatory research, environmental issue tracking, and synthesis projects aligned with actual agency and NGO expectations.
-
Clear guidance on how to document this work on your resume, including project descriptions, skills gained, and outcomes.
-
Completed projects are credited through Terra on the Bench Studios. When appropriate, referrals and confirmations of work completed are provided. These are not college courses. This is supposed to supplement what you are currently learning in school or new verifiable experience to add to your resume for job searching success.
-
You learn how to think like a field professional. How to observe, document, analyze, and communicate findings clearly and defensibly.
-
This does not replace licensed consulting, regulatory authority, or academic credit. It is applied experience and professional development.
Not all submissions automatically qualify for referrals. Work must meet standards.
We cannot ensure job placement. The skills and readiness is up to you through the experience you take the time to obtain.
How this works
Step 1: Choose a project
Projects are offered at different levels and focus areas. Some are free. Some are paid.
Step 2: Complete the work
On your own schedule, in your own environment, using provided guidance and recommended materials.
Step 3: Submit deliverables Field notes, photos, data sheets, reports, or analyses depending on the project.
Step 4: We review and validate
Work is reviewed for completeness and sincerity. Feedback is provided where needed.
Step 5: You gain documented experience
You now have legitimate, describable experience to place on your resume and discuss in interviews. When you need us, we will be a reference and offer our support during job searches.
Available Plans
Basic projects, observation prompts, and resume guidance.
Deeper projects, structured reviews, feedback, formal confirmation letters, and advanced research prompts.
Basic projects, observation prompts, and resume guidance.