Shorebird intern

Job Description:  GCBO interns work on a variety of field projects and also spend one to two days a week doing office work. Under supervision of a GCBO biologist, interns will gain experience with:

·         Monitoring nesting American Oystercatchers by boat including capturing and banding adults and chicks (February – June),

·         Monitoring nesting Black Skimmers by boat including banding chicks (April – September),

·         Monitoring nesting Wilson’s Plovers and Least Terns on the beach including capturing and banding adult and chick Wilson’s Plovers (April – July),

·         Posting signage around nesting and loafing areas,

·         Participating in Beach Nesting Birds outreach events,

Equally important is office work which consists of entering field data, volunteer hours, and helping with filing tasks. Interns will also help with various fund raising and other events including Bird Camp (June). GCBO internships are designed to give recent college graduates experience in avian research, conservation, and non-profit management while they pursue a full time job or continuing their education.

Housing is provided onsite at GCBO headquarters. Pets can be considered on a case by case basis. While we do not offer interns a salary, we can offer a $100/week stipend. The summer period runs from mid-May through mid-August. Extensions will be considered on a case by case basis.

Qualifications:  The applicant should be a recent college graduate (within the last two years) with a Bachelor’s degree in a wildlife discipline or be in their last year of study towards a degree in a wildlife discipline. All applicants must have demonstrated a desire to pursue a career in avian research and/or conservation through prior experience as a volunteer or work-related employment. Applicant must be comfortable viewing birds through binoculars and high-powered scopes, standing and walking outside along long stretches of beach habitat and monitoring from a small boat in Texas bays. Weather conditions vary and may include cold, strong winds, rain and storms, extreme heat, and high humidity – biting insects may be prevalent. Candidate must be able to physically and mentally work in these conditions.

Application Instructions:  Send cover letter, resume, 3 references, and unofficial college transcript to:  Susan Heath at sheath@gcbo.org.  Application deadline is April 15.