Please share with current undergrads or recent graduates looking for opportunities to build experience while living and working in an amazing wetland sanctuary. Applications MUST be submitted online: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/3200/conservation-intern%3a- research/job
Overview: Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Position Summary: The Conservation Intern will gain valuable hands-on experience and professional skills in ecology and conservation. Working at the 13,000- acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in southwestern Florida, the intern will assist with ecological monitoring and research at Audubon’s Western Everglades Research Center. The position will be a combination of field work (25%) and office/laboratory activities (75%). This full-time three-month internship will run from mid-May through mid- August 2017 and will not exceed 40 hours per week, with occasional weekend work as needed. On-site housing is required and provided due to the relatively remote location of the Sanctuary and early field hours. Housing is a furnished one-level dormitory-style building. There are 4 private bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 joined kitchens, a living room and a screened porch. Wireless internet, water, electricity and local phone service are provided. Housing will be shared with interns and/or visiting researchers. Essential Functions: Under the guidance of Audubon research staff, the intern will develop skills in a variety of ecological research and monitoring activities, including: Monitoring wetland hydrology using groundwater wells (fitted with digital data loggers) and staff gauges and collecting weather data Monitoring wetland wildlife to guide conservation and restoration. Wildlife monitoring will include a combination of fish and aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling, herpetofauna surveys, small-mammal trapping (tentative project), and medium- and large-sized mammal monitoring using trail cameras; Laboratory processing of aquatic fauna samples and trail camera images; Data entry and data management associated with research and monitoring activities and ongoing citizen science programs; and Communicating science to technical and lay audiences, which may include assistance with preparation of research reports and other technical publications, writing newsletter articles, using social media and/or giving on-site public presentations. Interns are expected to assist with additional Sanctuary events and activities, as needed. Qualifications and Experience: The candidate must: Be currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an institution of higher learning, pursuing a degree in environmental science or related field (ecology coursework preferred); Demonstrate strong attention to detail in field, laboratory, and office activities. Strong skills in MS Excel are required and experience with MS Access and ArcGIS are preferred; Excel in interpersonal communication and at working independently and as part of a team; Demonstrate the ability to exercise sound judgment and adaptability to changing work conditions; Possess a valid driver’s license (experience with ATVs and 4WD vehicles is a plus); and Be able to make a full 3-month summer 2017 commitment (dates are flexible). Physical requirements include: Ability to work long hours in the field in sub-tropical wetland environments, exposed to harsh South Florida environment (sun, biting insects, severe summer storms), sometimes alone and carrying field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods; and Ability and willingness to work in murky waters and thick vegetation that serve as home for potentially dangerous wildlife such as alligators and venomous snakes.
