The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) seeks an intern to participate in a study of the effects of tracking devices and heart rate monitors on large mammals. The successful candidate will integrate research and animal care skills while working with scimitar-horned oryx and Przewalski’s horses in the SCBI collection. Duties will include building video logs of animal behavior, analyzing behavioral data, and working with researchers and animal care staff to evaluate the effects of different management actions on animal stress.
Responsibilities: Learn and conduct field work in behavioral ecology, including scan sampling, continuous or focal sampling, and animal personality assessments. Compile and manage a large video database. Collect, store, and perform preparatory processing for fecal samples. Learn about behavioral stress, physiological stress, and animal personality. Build skills in behavioral observation, data management, programming in R, and preparing data summaries and progress reports. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will... Possess an undergraduate degree in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental sciences, or a similar field. Have a strong work ethic; be willing and able to spend substantial time outdoors during winter and spring months, including some weekends; have strong attention to detail and organizational skills; and work well both independently and in a small team. Have previous experience in fieldwork, animal care, and behavioral ecology (or a related discipline). Have experience with Microsoft Excel, R, and software for behavioral analysis of video data such as BORIS, CowLog, or bemovi. Be available for 3-6 months, beginning on or around February 19, 2018. This internship will start in mid-to-late February, 2018 and continue until mid-May, 2018, with the possibility for extension. Salary will be $600/month, with accommodations provided at the SCBI campus in Front Royal, VA. The intern will work closely with researchers in the Conservation Ecology Center and members of the animal care staff. When possible, the intern will be encouraged to participate in other research projects and fieldwork opportunities. All SCBI interns have access to regularly scheduled seminars and skills workshops related to conservation, ecology, and captive animal management. To apply, please send 1) a cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, relevant experience, and long-term career goals; 2) a resume or CV; and 3) contact information for 2-3 references to scbi....@gmail.com. Include your earliest possible start date and the total time for which you are available. SCBI is located in Front Royal, VA, about 60 miles west of Washington, DC near the north entrance of Shenandoah National Park. SCBI plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce; female and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
