Avian Ecology Intern

POSITION AVAILABLE

Florida Scrub-Jay Demography Research Interns

Avian Ecology Program

Archbold Biological Station

Venus, Florida

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

Start Date: March 1, 2024. Flexible.

Duration: 6 months

Application Deadline: Rolling, first review date 02/17/2024

Website: https://archbold-station.org/internships/

https://archbold-station.org/programs/avian-ecology/

Description: Due to an unforeseen cancellation, the Avian Ecology Program at Archbold Biological Station is seeking one intern for six months to assist with long-term demography research on the Federally Threatened Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) at the applicant’s earliest convenience, ideally, as soon as possible. Interns will be supervised by Dr. Sahas Barve in a dynamic lab with two 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 will operate at the main station located in Venus, FL as part of the long-term research on the demography, ecology, behavior, and conservation of Florida Scrub-Jays.

Archbold Expeditions is committed to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into our organization. Archbold does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ability, ethnicity, political ideology, religion, national origin, and all other classifications protected by federal, state, or local law. Archbold Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer, and, as ecologists, we know the importance of diversity and encourage individuals belonging to groups under-represented in ecology to apply.

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

·       Daily data entry

·       Habituating birds for subsequent trapping

·       Collecting blood samples from juvenile and nestling birds via the brachial vein

·       Conducting oak acorn surveys

·       Surveying FLSJ populations at other sites

·       In addition, interns may assist in mapping jay territories and helping with prescribed fires

Interns will:

·       Work 20 hours per week assisting with field and lab projects, typically Monday – Friday with occasional weekend work during peak breeding season.

·       Gain experience in the trapping, handling, and bleeding of Florida Scrub-Jays.

·       Contribute to conservation education and popular science writing.

·       Have potential to volunteer with other programs at Archbold (Plant, Herpetology, Predator-Prey, Agroecology etc.)

Independent avian ecology research project: Outside of their 20hr/week, we encourage interns to design and implement an independent research project that fits within our program. They will train in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice, experimental design, and statistical analysis to oral and written presentations. Creating and completing an independent project will prepare interns for graduate school and/or higher-level report writing required by other agencies. Many previous interns have presented their work at international conferences, and some have even published their projects in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

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, and using a compass or GPS

·       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 at a rural field-station

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

·       Effective and responsive communication with supervisors, coworkers, and roommates

Please note that we are unable to provide international applicants with a work visa. US citizenship or a US work visa is required.

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

·       A cover letter outlining experience relevant to the job responsibilities listed and describing how this position aligns with your personal experiences and goals

·       A CV

·       The names and contact information of three references

Please send the application as a single PDF with file name in the format Lastname_AEintern0324.pdf to avianecol@archbold-station.org

For questions, please contact Tori Bakley (tbakley AT archbold-station.org). We will start reviewing applications after the deadline on October 15, 2023. Those without access to email may mail their applications to The Avian Ecology Program, Archbold Biological Station, 123 Main Dr. Venus, FL 33960; (PH: 863-465-2571).