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Conservation Intern

This job is no longer available

Naples, FL, USA
Internship

The Conservation Intern will gain valuable hands-on experience and professional skills in natural resource management and conservation ecology. Working at the 13,000-acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in southwestern Florida, the intern will assist with the implementation of an ecologically-sound land management program and assist with hydrology and wildlife monitoring projects. Each month, the work breakdown for interns will be roughly 90% resource management work and 10% research.

This paid full-time six-month internship will run from March 2019 through August 2019 and will not exceed 40 hours per week, with occasional weekend work, as needed.

On-site housing is required due to the relatively remote location of the Sanctuary and early field hours. Housing is a furnished one-level dormitory-style building with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two joined kitchens, a living room, and a screened porch. Wireless internet, water, electricity, and local phone service are provided. Rooms may be shared (gender inclusive) with other interns and the dormitory may be shared by interns, visiting researchers, AmeriCorps team members, or other special guests.

National Audubon Society is dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from people of color and women.

Areas of Responsibility: 

Under the guidance of Audubon staff, the intern will develop skills in a variety of conservation activities, including:

  • Managing non-native, invasive and native nuisance species using a wide variety of tools such as herbicide sprayers, ATVs, swamp buggies, hand tools, and more;
  • Helping with planning, execution, and follow-up monitoring of prescribed fire operations in a variety of natural habitats;
  • Participating in ecological monitoring of hydrology (water level and rainfall) and wildlife populations to guide conservation and restoration. Wildlife monitoring will include a combination of aquatic fauna sampling (and laboratory processing), wading bird surveys, herpetofauna surveys, and mammal monitoring (trailcam maintenance and image processing). Interns may also be asked to assist with wading bird monitoring flights using a fixed-wing aircraft; and
  • Communication and outreach through various avenues such as social media, print media, and more (as directed by supervising staff)

Interns are expected to assist with additional Sanctuary events and activities, as needed.

Educational Background: 
Be currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an institution of higher learning, pursuing a degree in natural science or related field;
Skills/Experience: 

The candidate must:

  • Excel in interpersonal communications and interpersonal skills while maintaining a team-focused attitude;
  • Demonstrate strong attention to detail in field, laboratory, and office activities.
  • Possess a basic understanding of ecology and a desire to learn about conservation;
  • Demonstrate the ability to exercise sound judgment and adaptability to changing work conditions;
  • Possess a valid driver’s license (experience with ATVs, 4WD vehicles and the ability to operate a manual transmission is a plus); and
  • Commit to the full duration of the internship (March 2019 through August 2019).

Physical requirements include:

  • Ability to work long hours in the field in sub-tropical wetland environments, exposed to harsh South Florida environment (sun, biting insects, severe summer storms), sometimes alone and carrying field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods; and
  • Ability and willingness to work in murky waters and thick vegetation that serve as home for potentially dangerous wildlife such as alligators and venomous snakes.

Organization Info

National Audubon Society

Overview
Headquarters: 
New York, NY, United States
Annual Budget : 
$100-500M
Founded: 
1972
About Us
Areas of Focus: 
Mission: 

Audubon saves birds and their habitats throughout the America using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation.

Audubon operates an extensive network of National conservation programs, 23 state and regional offices, 41 centers, 23 sanctuaries and 463 independent chapters. Our work is a powerful combination of science, on the ground conservation, policy and engagement expertise that strives to protect and restore habitat, and to build the durable public will to implement policies that safeguard birds, other wildlife and the resources that sustain us all-in the U.S. and across the Americas.

Listing Stats

Post Date: 
Jan 25 2019
Active Until: 
Feb 25 2019
Hiring Organization: 
National Audubon Society
industry: 
Nonprofit