PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Ecology of Bird Loss Project aims to understand the impact of bird loss on Guam’s forests as a result of the invasive brown treesnake, and in doing so, add to our knowledge about the importance of vertebrates for forest composition and structure. Currently, we are using comparisons and experiments on Guam and nearby islands where birds are still present to understand how birds shape the forest composition and structure through seed dispersal. For more information, see our website at http://bit.ly/eblintern.
DUTIES: Interns will be responsible primarily for resurveying tagged forest plots, along with other tasks such as monitoring phenology, surveying tagged seedlings, and entering data. Interns will rotate between Saipan, Guam, and Rota, as needed for research. Each intern will have an opportunity to develop an independent side project.
Note that this position does not involve research with birds; rather, it is a plant-focused position.
REQUIREMENTS: The successful applicants must be responsible, pay attention to detail, work well individually and as part of a group, and be flexible. They must have experience in plant identification. Applicants must be able to work in high heat and humidity, walk over rough terrain, and tolerate the tedious, and at times monotonous, work necessary for all scientific endeavors. They must have some experience working with people that have different backgrounds than their own. A good sense of humor is always appreciated. They must be available for 9 months, starting in April or May 2018.
POSITION DETAILS: Each intern will receive a round-trip ticket from any major airport in the US to the Mariana Islands, housing on all islands, transportation, and a monthly stipend of $700. In addition, interns will receive valuable research experience in the fields of conservation biology and field ecology, and training that will help them to pursue a career in ecology (e.g. feedback on cover letters, CV’s, and graduate fellowships; advice on applying to graduate school; experience reading scientific papers, etc.).
TO APPLY: Email a single pdf document including a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to McKayla Spencer (ecologyofbirdloss@gmail.com). The subject line should read “EBL Intern Position”. The cover letter should describe your previous research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in this position.
Applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 18, 2018.