Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park provides the opportunity for one intern to gain experience with the study of wildlife biodiversity and conservation of native species on Virginia’s working landscapes. Virginia Working Landscapes (VWL) is a program of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) that focuses on biodiversity and landscape conservation through grassland and riparian research, education, and community engagement.Interns will assist with biodiversity surveys for the Changing Landscapes Initiative, as well as wood turtle surveys for a conservation project that is coordinated with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Through this internship, interns will: •Learn and assist with field work, including detailed and accurate data collection for plant, pollinator, invasive plant, mammal, riparian surveys, and wood turtle population surveys. •Learn data management skills and how to input data from recent surveys and manage large spreadsheets. •Develop communications skills by assisting with outreach events and meetings with stakeholders, key conservation organizations and partners in the region. •Learn technical skills and provide assistance using programs such as ArcGIS and Excel. Qualifications: •Knowledge and field experience with ecology and conservation issues is required. •Ability to devote long hours in cold and wet conditions in remote field settings. •Applicants with experience managing large datasets are especially encouraged to apply. •Will take directions easily and work well with others, yet have the ability to work independently. The internship is from 9/12/16-12/16/16, with the opportunity for extension. Stipend will be $700-$900/month based on qualifications. Deadline to apply is August 12th, 2016. To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html Select "New to SOLAA? Create Account Here" complete the information to create an account. Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select: •Type of appointment: “Internship” •Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park” •Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program” •Project: “Virginia Working Landscapes” For questions, please contact Ellery Ruther at ruth...@si.edu
