The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world, offering diverse training programs for early career professionals. The Wilds has nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine land and remnant forest patches which present opportunities for ecological restoration and research.
Six month position running May 20th-November 20th, flexible upon request. Apply by March 1st for full consideration. Apprentices gain hands-on experience, participate in vegetation and wildlife studies and receive field training on a variety of ecological studies in wetland, forest, stream & grassland habitats. • Focus: The focus of this particular apprentice position is to monitor butterflies in our butterfly habitat as well as conduct vegetation surveys on nectar resources in our prairies compared with cool season grasslands. The selected candidate will conduct an independent research project on these topics with a final presentation to Wilds employees at the end of their term. • Typical tasks: implementing habitat improvements and monitoring ecosystem recovery through invasive plant management, vegetation and wildlife surveys, environmental monitoring, photo point collection, data analysis and report writing. • Training: field methods (species identification, survey protocols, research methodology), GPS & GIS applications/map making, biological monitoring and application of land management and restoration techniques, Wildlife ecology basics and techniques, landscape genetics. • Position requires hiking and some physically demanding tasks, including outdoor work throughout the seasons. This may include hot, buggy, cold or otherwise challenging conditions. Participants should be prepared with appropriate field gear / foot wear. • Candidates should be eager for learning opportunities and willing to practice new skills independently. Apprentices must be responsible, flexible, self-motivated and able to work effectively with limited supervision, as well as in a team setting. • Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to lift at least 45 lbs. Schedule is typically M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. While no monetary compensation is offered, on site housing will be covered. The position is ideal for acquiring practical career experience in conservation, pollinators, natural resource management, land stewardship or ecological studies, and is particularly well suited to prepare participants for graduate school or work in a conservation organization. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here. (https://columbuszoo.org/job-details/wilds/internship?job=9e26cd32-bd2f-67d7-bdc2-ff0000bf4b43) In your cover letter please mention that you are specifically interested in the butterfly position - other positions are available as well but do not cover housing costs. Outline what you would hope to gain from the position and how your past experience makes you an ideal candidate. All training programs at The Wilds are competitive and we value placing individuals in programs that suit their career goals.
