Grassland Ecology Internship
Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is offering internship opportunities with grassland and wildlife ecology project at the American Prairie Reserve (APR) in Northeastern Montana (www.americanprairie.org). Learning experiences will include camera trap surveys of mammal communities in grassland and prairie dog colonies, and mapping prairie dog colonies and assessing their densities. The intern will support staff activities associated with these ecology projects and play a significant role for the advancement of conservation science at SCBI and APR.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES/DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the intern will support the Conservation Ecology Center-Forest Ecology
Through this internship, interns will:
- Learn to place and maintain camera traps for wildlife surveys.
- Learn to compile ecology data in standard formats.
- Learn to review collected field data (data quality control)
- Learn to coordinate with field team to execute assigned tasks
- Learn to delegate tasks within field team, therefore reinforcing their leadership skills
- Learn to discuss APR/SCBI ecology projects and be able to present it to different audiences
- Learn techniques of operating new equipment and procedures related to the projects
- Learn to organize, in conjunction with supervisor, weekly activities to achieve primary goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Preference will be given to undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a career in a related field, but recent graduates accepted.
- Knowledge and experience with wildlife surveys
- Valid driver’s license and experience in off-road driving a plus.
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to engage within a team environment with staff and other interns and volunteers
- Must enjoy being outdoors in all weather conditions
STIPEND
This internship has a stipend of $1200-$1500 per month depending on qualifications. College credit is offered if desired; intern is responsible for obtaining necessary approvals from their university. Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs to Montana and during and personal health insurance.
LOCATION
American Prairie Reserve in Northeastern Montana (nearest town Malta, Montana)
HOUSING
The intern will be housed at research center on site. Highly recommend intern owns a vehicle for personal use. Interns responsible for purchase of their own food.
TERM OF APPOINTMENT
Aug 15-November 15, 2018. Interns must be available 40 hours a week but flex schedule (such as 10 days on and 4 days off) is possible.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
July 25, 2018
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Questions about this internship should be directed to Bill McShea at McsheaW@si.edu
HOW TO APPLY
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.
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
- College or university and current academic status
- Degrees held or expected
- Contact information for Two reference (One must be from a current or a 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-Grassland Ecology (Montana).”
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.