Avian Ecology Intern

Compensation: $245/week, plus free shared lodging, and paid holidays

Start Date: Feb 1, 2023. Flexible. Duration ~6-8 months Application

Deadline: 10/23/2022

Website: http://www.archbold-station.org/html/research/internship/internship.html http://www.archbold-station.org/html/research/avian/avian.html

Description: The Avian Ecology Program at Archbold Biological Station is seeking four interns for approximately six months to assist with long-term demography research on the Federally Threatened Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens). Four positions start February 1 with two running through July 2023 and the other two running through mid-September 2023. Starting and ending dates can be flexible and may be staggered as per Archbold’s COVID policies. Interns will be supervised by Dr. Sahas Barve in a dynamic lab with two – three research assistants. Archbold and the Avian Ecology Program conduct conservation research projects throughout the state of Florida, including work conducted on operational cattle ranches and military bases. However, these intern positions are specifically to work at the main biological station on the long-term research on the demography, ecology, behavior, and conservation of Florida Scrub-Jays.

Interns contribute to several aspects of this research, but their primary duties include:

Searching for and monitoring nests

Conducting monthly censuses of color-banded birds

Habituating birds for subsequent trapping

Bleeding juvenile and nestling birds

Processing blood samples

Conducting oak acorn surveys

Data entry

In addition, interns may assist in surveys of jay populations at other sites, mapping jay territories, and helping with prescribed fires

Interns will:

Work 20 hours per week assisting with field and lab projects, typically but not always Monday – Friday.

Dedicate remaining time to designing and implementing an independent research project that fits within our research program, with a report and presentation at the end of the internship

Compensation:

Interns will be trained in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice, experimental design, and statistical analysis, to oral and written presentations. This will prepare interns for graduate school and/or higher-level report writing required by other agencies. Some previous interns have published their projects in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Opportunity to learn trapping, handling, and bleeding skills with avian species

Gain experience in conservation biology

Opportunities to contribute to conservation education and popular science writing

Potential to volunteer with other labs at Archbold (Plant, Herpetology, Predator-Prey, etc.)

We encourage interns to bring their own binoculars but can provide a pair for fieldwork if needed.

General Qualifications:

This position is ideal for students with undergraduate degrees contemplating graduate school in the fields of Ecology, Evolution, Conservation Biology and Natural Resource Management.

A Bachelor’s degree

Field experience outside of coursework; however, we provide training for all interns.

Experience resighting color banded birds, finding and monitoring nests, conducting animal surveys, vegetation sampling, and using a compass and GPS is preferred, but we do hire interns that have yet to learn those skills

Ability to navigate and work alone in the field

Attention to detail with respect to following sampling protocols and managing data

Tolerance for biting insects, early mornings, and high heat/humidity

Motivation and enthusiasm about living and working in a rural field-station setting

Respect for others, as interns will share lodging with other interns

Good and responsive communication with supervisors, coworkers, and roommates

Willingness to comply with Archbold and Federal Covid-19 prevention guidelines, which includes mandatory vaccination for shared housing and wearing masks in indoor workspaces.

US citizenship or a US work visa is required.

To apply, please fill out this Google form https://forms.gle/foGrQZQBwtYMNZ8j8

The form will ask you to upload the following in a single pdf titled with your surname:

A cover letter outlining experience relevant to the job responsibilities described, what persuaded you to apply, and how you believe an internship in our program will help you achieve your goals

A CV

The names and contact information of three references

For questions, please contact Meredith Heather (mheather AT archbold-station.org). We will start reviewing applications after the deadline on October 23, 2022. Those without access to email may mail their applications to The Avian Ecology Program, Archbold Biological Station, 123 Main Dr. Venus, FL 33960; (PH: 863-659-4825).

Archbold Biological Station is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups. As ecologists, we know the importance of diversity and especially encourage individuals belonging to groups under-represented in ecology to apply.