*Project Description:* Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute is offering an internship with the Great Plains Science Program based in the grasslands of northeast Montana ( https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/restoring-americas-prairie). Interns will assist Smithsonian fellows and staff in 1) monitoring of plant biodiversity and ground nesting bee responses to mammalian grazers (bison, cattle, and prairie dogs) and bison grazing intensity, 2) conducting field experiments to identify responses of grasshoppers and bees to plant nutrients and insecticides, 3) monitoring prairie dog responses to insecticide use, and 4) processing samples and developing a reference collections of grassland plants and insects. Additionally, there will be opportunities for interns to conduct independent research projects on grassland insects and plants based on their research interests. The research will be conducted in Phillips County/Blaine County/American Prairie region in northeastern Montana (nearest town Malta, Montana).
*Learning Objectives:* This is a paid internship opportunity to support research of Smithsonian Conservation Ecology Center’s staff. During this internship, interns will learn: 1) plant and insect field sampling techniques 2) insect identification and sample preservation 3) plant field identification and lab preparation of plant tissue for preservation and chemical analyses 4) how to conduct an independent research project in field ecology 5) how to compile ecological data in Excel, Survey123, and analyze data on ecological communities in Program R 6) how to present ecological goals and research outcomes to diverse audiences 7) how to apply to graduate school and research fellowships *Location:* Phillips County/American Prairie region in northeastern Montana (nearest town Malta, Montana) *Compensation and Housing:* Interns will receive a monthly stipend of $2000. Interns will be housed on site at no cost at the NGO site American Prairie. Interns may be asked to share a bedroom with one other intern of the same gender and are responsible for purchase of their own benefits and food. *Appointment Term:* June 1-Aug 31, 2025. Dates are flexible, especially for enrolled university students. *Application Deadline:* Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis ending on March 28, 2025 *Application Instructions:* Send a cover letter (no more than 1 page), CV, and email addresses of two references in one combined pdf to Calla Sopko at [email protected]. Please name the PDF as “*YourLastName*_SI_Intern2025.pdf” and write “Smithsonian Intern Application” in the subject line. Applications that do not follow these instructions will not be considered. While we may not get back to you immediately, we will consider all applications and inform you of a final decision. *Qualifications* *Applicants must:* 1) Be enthusiastic about grassland insects and plants 2) Either have a BS/BA in relevant field at the time of hire and be within 6 years of receiving a BS/BA or Masters OR be enrolled in a BS/BA or graduate program in a relevant field 3) Have a valid US driver’s license and be willing to drive a truck in rough terrain 4) Be willing to live in a very remote location (1 hour drive from the nearest grocery store), working with a small team 5) Enjoy being outdoors and be willing to work outside in hot weather 6) Be willing to spend long hours in the lab processing insect and plant samples 7) Have strong communication skills 8) Be respectful to all team members from diverse backgrounds 9) Follow safety guidelines *Preferred Qualifications* Preference will be given to applicants with: 1) Knowledge of plant and/or insect identification, especially if relevant to eastern Montana grasslands 2) a BS/BA in relevant field at the time of hire 3) Previous experience conducting grassland fieldwork or working with plants or insects 4) First aid training 5) Strong writing skills 6) The desire to pursue a career in a related field To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
