Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Internship
Interns receive free housing and a monthly stipend of $1,920 (before taxes)
Summer Term: March 13 - September 7, 2024
Apply Now: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/594518419
Passionate about Passerines? Join our flock!
The Florida grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) is one of the most endangered birds in North America. Since 2019, White Oak has bred and released well over 600 sparrows, quadrupling the wild population. White Oak’s minimal handling management model has led to sparrows that survive post-release and thrive, breeding and continuing future generations in the wild. This recovery program has robust partnerships with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Interns experience this exciting conservation program first-hand at White Oak, working side-by-side with skilled staff. Focusing on ex-situ animal care, interns work with sparrows through breeding seasons and winters at White Oak, maintaining habitats, completing daily care needs and conducting observations. While interns will have exposure to field team members and wildlife biologists during their internship, interns are not guaranteed the opportunity to observe the in-situ aspects of the program that are managed by our partner organizations.
The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Conservation Internship requires a high degree of flexibility and a commitment to the assigned schedule and duties of the program. We are proud to have graduates who now work in field crews, zoological facilities, or who have pursued higher education in graduate programs focused on conservation.
Interns can learn a variety of skills, including:
Diet preparation, insect management, feeding, and cleaning
Bird introductions and management
Observation skills and knowledge of sparrow behavior, including identifying vocalizations and tracking individual birds by colored band
Safe avian capture, hand restraint, and transportation
Habitat maintenance including landscaping and fabrication
Research skills including sample collection, camera trapping, video monitoring, rigorous daily data management, and reporting
General reintroduction techniques including pre-release conditioning
Artificial incubation and hatching (Summer only)
Egg management and candling (Summer only)
Hand-rearing passerines as needed (Summer only)
Non-chemical fire ant control methods (Winter only)
Prescribed fire techniques and participation (Winter only)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all requirements and submit an online application including all required materials to be considered.
Previous avian experience required, passerine handling and mist-netting experience preferred
Keen eyesight to identify small birds and bands from a distance
Good hearing ability to differentiate soft/quiet sounds and calls
Hold a valid driver’s license and health insurance
Able to pass a drug test upon starting
Legally able to work in the United States (US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold an Employment Authorization Document)
Able to work well independently and in a team environment
Able to work evenings, weekends and holidays
Experienced and comfortable working outside in high heat and humidity
Strong attention to detail and data management skills
High drive to learn, take on challenges, and stay motivated
Be flexible to changing environments, priorities, or animal care needs
Able to lift 50 lbs. repetitively, and remain standing, walking or crouched over for long periods of time
Able to work 40 hours per week for the duration of the internship
Living at White Oak
Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Interns receive free housing during the internship. Housing is not available for any spouses/partners/dependents or pets. Housing includes all basic furniture, linens, and kitchen supplies including cookware, flatware, and dishes. Interns may have a roommate of the same gender.
Required Application Materials
Interested applicants must fill out an online application. Questions? Email Training@White-Oak.org