Kirtland’s Warbler Paid Internships (Nest Parasitism Project)

Kirtland’s Warbler Paid Internships (Nest Parasitism Project) – Approximately May 10 to July 10 (dates somewhat flexible) – We are looking for 3-4 field technicians to assist with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center’s ongoing research on the Kirtland’s Warbler in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Our goals for this project are to estimate what percentage of Kirtland’s Warbler nests are parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds. Field research will primarily involve nest searching by following males and females and using behavioral cues. 1-2 interns will also assist in collecting blood samples from Kirtland’s Warbler nestlings to determine sex as part of another project. There are two other ongoing Kirtland’s Warbler projects this year and housing will be shared among teams, so there will be opportunities to interact with the other teams. Interns will also assist in re-sighting of birds to help with a geolocator project as well. In your cover letters and CVs, please clearly highlight your experience with behavioral nest searching (or other related skills such as behavioral observations), bleeding small songbirds, and color-band re-sighting of small birds.

To be a successful applicant for this position, the candidate will need to be flexible, independently motivated, show strong initiative, and be willing and physically able to spend long days navigating dense stands of jack pines with cold mornings and hot afternoons 6 days per week for the duration of the season.

Interns will receive a stipend of $625 per week. Shared housing, a field vehicle, and ground transportation from Detroit Metro Airport (if necessary) will be provided at no cost. The field sites are located across beautiful northern Michigan with teams based near Grayling, Michigan. Great canoeing, bird watching, fly fishing, and other recreational opportunities exist in the area. This internship position is ideal for students and recent undergraduates with relevant field experience looking to expand their skills in ornithological fieldwork and research as they prepare for graduate school or a career in research and conservation. More information about the Cooper Lab can be found at www.nathanwcooper.com

To apply, please send a 1-page cover letter and a Resume/CV with contact information for 3 references as a single .pdf file. Name this file “Your_Last_Name_KIWA_Cowbird_Intern.pdf” and send to Dr. Nathan W. Cooper (coopern@si.edu). Please also put “Your_Last_Name_KIWA_Cowbird _Intern” in the subject line of the email. Please let us know in the cover letter how you found out about this position. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so please apply ASAP.