The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute provides the opportunity for an intern to gain experience with the study of the ecology and conservation of threatened Virginia turtle species. The intern will assist with three projects. The first is an ongoing population monitoring project examining the distribution and status of wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) populations across northern Virginia. The second is a master’s research project examining wood turtle movement at the landscape level. The third project is a new study that is part of a multi-state grant to determine the status and distribution of spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) across their range. The intern will assist with aquatic visual encounter surveys and trapping for both turtles. They will also assist with radio telemetry for one or both species and outreach activities to promote conservation in the Commonwealth.
Duties and responsibilities:
This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the intern will support the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Through this internship, interns
will:
Radio-locate turtles and manage GPS data
Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and help manage a collaborative wood turtle database
Complete a required brief report at the conclusion of their tenure
Qualifications:
Candidates should have graduated from a college or university within the last 12 months and have undergraduate coursework in ecology, conservation biology or a closely related field. Knowledge and field experience with ecology and conservation issues is required, as well as the ability to devote long hours in cold and wet conditions in remote field settings.
Candidates should take directions easily and work well with others, yet have the ability to work independently. Individuals with previous mark-recapture and aquatic survey experience, and spatial data management and analysis skills (e.g. GIS) are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should have plans for continued education or a career in ecology or conservation.
Stipend:
The stipend is $700-900 per month (dependent on education level, coursework and skills).
Housing:
Housing is provided at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.
Parking:
Parking is available at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.
Term of appointment:
This is a six-month internship, starting March 5, and is a full-time appointment (40 hours per week). There is an opportunity for extension up to one year.
Application deadline(s):
Monday, January 22, 2018
Status:
Open
Location:
Front Royal
Internship Category:
Animal Programs
How to Apply:
To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html. Select “New to SOLAA? Create Account Here” and complete the information to create an account.
Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:
Basic personal information
Professional resume or CV
A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations.
Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Two letters of reference (One must be from a current or former supervisor)
Schedule of availability
Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:
Type of appointment: “Internship”
Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park”
Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program”
Project: “SCBI – Wood Turtle Ecology”
IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.”
Your SOLAA submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.
For Additional Information
Questions about this internship should be sent to Alison Ochs at ochsa@si.edu.