Cavity-nesting Birds and Arthropod Research Intern

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

We are currently seeking an intern to assist with grassland cavity-nesting birds and arthropod research on private lands near Front Royal, Virginia in a project in collaboration with the University of Maryland’s Department of Entomology. Start and end dates are flexible, but field work would begin approximately April 2024 and run through August 2024. Primary responsibilities include monitoring nest boxes, assisting with the capturing and banding of grassland birds, arthropod sampling, data entry, and arthropod identification. 

Desired Qualifications: 

Prior experience using sweep nets and malaise traps for arthropod sampling. 

Prior knowledge of or strong interest in learning arthropod identification. 

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

Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.  

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. 

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.  

To apply: Please send a cover letter discussing your qualifications, resume, and contact information for three references in a single electronic document to Allison Huysman (huysmana@si.edu). The close date is January 15, 2024, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Please indicate “Cavity-Nesting Birds and Arthropod Research 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.