Grassland Bird Research Intern

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

We are currently seeking an intern to assist with 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 nest searching for multiple grassland bird species, radio telemetry, vegetation sampling, data entry, assisting with the capturing and banding of grassland birds, and participating in field experiments utilizing radio telemetry. 

The intern would support the following research projects: 

Using satellite and GPS technology to understand movement ecology of eastern meadowlarks.  

Post-fledging survival and movements of grassland birds in relation to farm management.  

Effectiveness of automated radio telemetry for wildlife tracking across varied habitat types.  

Desired Qualifications: 

Prior experience conducting behavioral surveys, nest searching, or ability to identify grassland species by sight/sound.  

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

Strong interest in movement ecology and tracking technology and/or experience with radiotelemetry or MOTUS Wildlife Tracking System.  

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 Bernadette Rigley (rigleyb@si.edu). The close date is January 15, 2024, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Please indicate “Grassland Bird 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.