The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute provides the opportunity for
an intern to gain experience with the study of the ecology and conservation
of threatened Virginia turtle species. The intern will assist with three
projects. The first is an ongoing population monitoring project examining
the distribution and status of wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) populations
across northern Virginia. The second is a master’s research project
examining wood turtle movement at the landscape level. The third project is
a new study that is part of a multi-state grant to determine the status and
distribution of spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) across their range. The
intern will assist with aquatic visual encounter surveys and trapping for
both turtles. They will also assist with radio telemetry for one or both
species and outreach activities to promote conservation in the Commonwealth.
Duties and responsibilities:

This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the intern will support the
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Through this internship, interns
will:

Radio-locate turtles and manage GPS data
Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and help manage a
collaborative wood turtle database
Complete a required brief report at the conclusion of their tenure

Qualifications:

Candidates should have graduated from a college or university within the
last 12 months and have undergraduate coursework in ecology, conservation
biology or a closely related field.  Knowledge and field experience with
ecology and conservation issues is required, as well as the ability to
devote long hours in cold and wet conditions in remote field settings.
Candidates should take directions easily and work well with others, yet have
the ability to work independently. Individuals with previous mark-recapture
and aquatic survey experience, and spatial data management and analysis
skills (e.g. GIS) are especially encouraged to apply.  Applicants should
have plans for continued education or a career in ecology or conservation.

Stipend:
The stipend is $700-900 per month (dependent on education level, coursework
and skills).

Housing:
Housing is provided at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in
Front Royal, Virginia.

Parking:
Parking is available at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in
Front Royal, Virginia.

Term of appointment:
This is a six-month internship, starting March 5, and is a full-time
appointment (40 hours per week). There is an opportunity for extension up to
one year.

Application deadline(s):
Monday, January 22, 2018

Status:
Open

Location:
Front Royal

Internship Category:
Animal Programs

How to Apply:

To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html. Select “New to
SOLAA? Create Account Here” and complete the information to create an account.

Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:

Basic personal information
Professional resume or CV
A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The
statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for
wanting this internship and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your
statement is very important during application evaluations.
Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial
transcripts are acceptable.
Two letters of reference (One must be from a current or former supervisor)
Schedule of availability

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: “SCBI – Wood Turtle Ecology”

IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.”
Your SOLAA submitted application with references must be received by the
deadlines as noted above.
For Additional Information

Questions about this internship should be sent to Alison Ochs at ochsa@si.edu.