Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Black Rail Internship (For Immediate Hire)

Description: One intern is needed as soon as possible to assist on a Black Rail project and a Red-cockaded Woodpecker project from approximately mid-to late March – July 31 2023. Time will be split according to project needs, but will typically be 4 days spent doing woodpecker work and 1 day doing rail work per week. There is also potential to assist with other research projects as time allows. The intern would be stationed at Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy in Tallahassee, Florida. Free, shared housing can be provided if needed. Tallahassee is situated in one of the most biodiverse regions in the United States, offering lots of recreational opportunities. All field equipment and a work vehicle will be provided. This position is mainly field oriented, but will include some office time for data entry and QA/QC. This position is expected to work 40 hours per week. The internship stipend is $295/week. All federal holidays are observed. 

Please see project descriptions and specific duties below.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Project: Tall Timbers Research Station helps to monitor and expand the Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) population on private lands as well as conduct novel research on the RCW. Work will include assisting with banding chicks, tree climbing, assisting with cavity installation, and re-sighting fledgling RCWs with a spotting scope. Prior spotting scope and climbing experience is preferred but not needed.

Black Rail Project: This work is done as part of a larger Gulf-coast project assessing the influence of prescribed fire on Black Rail occupancy. Fieldwork is conducted in tidal marshes and impoundments along the Big Bend of Florida, requiring long commutes from the field station. Work is done both solo and in pairs. Fieldwork will involve, but is not limited to:

• Conducting call-broadcast surveys for Black Rails in the early morning and late evening
• Conducting vegetation surveys following standard operating protocols
• Deploying, retrieving, and managing data from autonomous recording units

Fieldwork can be strenuous and requires working both daylight and nocturnal hours in hot and humid environments with dense vegetation, mud, and biting insects.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, wildlife management, or a related natural resource field or 2-3 years of similar fieldwork. Candidates must be able to work in harsh conditions for long periods of time and maintain a positive attitude. Must be comfortable working both solo and in pairs, as well as working irregular hours. Attention to detail and organization is critical. All applicants must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. The ability to tolerate puns is recommended but not necessary.

Our team is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and fostering a welcoming environment that affords respect to all types of peoples.

To apply: Email a cover letter, CV, and three references in a single PDF to Rob Meyer at rmeyer@talltimbers.org. Please contact Rob with any questions about the position. Applications are due by March 15.