Avian Point Count Intern

Stipend: $1400-1600/ month based on experience; housing provided 

We are currently seeking an intern to assist with point count surveys and grassland bird research on private lands near Front Royal, Virginia. Start and end dates are flexible, but field work would begin approximately April 2024 and run through August 2024. Primary responsibilities include conducting point count surveys, coordinating with landowners for sites access, data-entry and proofing, and assisting with other grassland bird research efforts. 

This intern will be part of VWL’s grassland bird research and conservation team, gaining new skills in project management, field ecology, and communications of scientific results to the general public. Interns will also assist with public engagement activities related to grassland bird and biodiversity conservation. By participating in this internship, this intern will play a significant role in advancing our knowledge of local biodiversity and the impacts of land management and conservation practices on wildlife. 

Desired Qualifications: 

Prior point count experience and ability to identify Mid-Atlantic bird species by sight/sound. 

Strong interest in grassland bird conservation and/or experience working in grassland systems. 

Excellent organization skills and experience managing data using Excel spreadsheets. 

Interest and experience in scientific writing. 

A strong work ethic and positive professional attitude. Interns will engage in fieldwork both as a team and individually and will likely be in a position where they will interact with landowners. 

Willingness to take initiative and motivation to seek new learning opportunities. 

Must be able to walk long distances and begin work in early mornings. Daily field conditions include walking through fields in hot, humid weather during the summer with ticks, and occasionally poison ivy.  

Ability to share housing with others, good communication, and flexibility to adapt to a changing schedule. 

Willingness to comply with the Smithsonian’s COVID-19 guidance, which may include being fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  

Driver’s license required. 

To apply: Please send a cover letter discussing your qualifications, resume, and contact information for three references in a single electronic document to Erin Shibley (ShibleyE@si.edu). The close date is January 15, 2024 and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Please indicate “Avian Point Count Internship” in the subject line.  

Virginia Working Landscapes (VWL) is a program of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) that promotes the conservation of native biodiversity and sustainable land use through research, education, and community engagement. Interns will be given a unique opportunity to gain a variety of skills, engage in research on private working lands, and connect with professionals within the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute network.  

At VWL, we value the strength that comes from a variety of perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive space for our entire team. As such, we encourage individuals from all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply for our internship opportunities.