Audubon’s Conservation Science team in the San Francisco, California office has a paid internship opportunity for an individual interested in bird conservation and data science. The intern will work with the Important Bird Areas Project Manager to explore what data needs updating and the potential sources for updating species data. This internship is designed to provide the intern with the opportunity to interact with and learn from experts in the field of conservation science and to make a meaningful contribution to Audubon’s Important Birds Areas (IBA) conservation work.
The intern’s primary role will be exploring the species observation data needed to update the rich IBA data with the latest available species information. The intern will characterize the avian data in the IBA database, classify the different sources used, research existing IBA protocols, and synthesize a strategy for updating the IBA database to the project manager. They will apply data management tools in R as well as database queries. The intern will also explore potential application of eBird observations. This effort will aid in keeping this important conservation effort updated using data science innovations. The intern will develop the skills to:
- Understand avian observation data and survey protocols.
- Use the software suite R to access and query data.
- Work with Microsoft Access or other database platforms.
- Innovate and streamline data queries.
- Manage and update data pertinent to one of the largest global networks of areas important to birds.
At the end of the internship, the intern will:
- Have increased understanding of avian conservation, important bird areas, and data management for conservation.
- Have gained valuable experiences from networking with scientists at Audubon.
This paid internship will run in Fall 2019 (starting August or September) and will be full time for four months. Alternatively, we would consider a part-time internship that would last longer. Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We encourage persons of color to apply.
- Proficiency in R, having used it independently for at least two projects in the past.
- Proficiency with ArcGIS desktop.
- Proficiency with Excel and Microsoft Word.
- Familiarity with database platforms (Access, Microsoft SQL or PostgreSQL).
- Desire to learn and interest in conservation, birds, and important landscapes.
- Ability to research and synthesize literature, protocols, and procedures.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Well-organized.
- Excellent drive and self-motivator.
- Independent and able to work with little oversight.
Past intern projects:
- Providing prioritizations for the USFWS Acquisitions program
- Green River Landscape Design
- Comparing Predicted and Observed Avian Responses to Climate Change in Kenai NWR
- Comparing predictions across National Parks in the Great Lakes.
- Finishing the California Climate Strongholds
- Assisting in running species distribution models