The Conservation GIS Lab at the Smithsonian National Zoo's Conservation & Research Center (CRC) is seeking an intern/prospective graduate student, to start immediately. The Lab focuses on developing remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications for the conservation of endangered species. (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS).
This position will focus on developing and expanding research and conservation efforts on Przewalski's horses in China. Together with the Cologne Zoo, CRC has initiated a collaboration with China's Wild Horse Breeding Center (WHBC) in Xinjiang Province. The WHBC is planning to release at least two new groups of Przewalki's horses in summer of 2006. Cologne Zoo will send a behavioral ecologists to work with Chinese researchers on observing the newly released groups. We are hoping to provide expertise in satellite tracking of the new herds via GPS transmitters as well as other ecological studies on the habitat requirements and movements of Przewalski's horses as well as other ungulates in the Kalameili Reserve where the release will happen. This work will support ongoing work by Chinese collaborators and will focus on providing technical assistance as well as original research. In addition, we are planning to work with our Chinese partners to conduct socio-economic surveys that will focus on determining how the release will be affected by current land use from traditional herdsman societies. The intern/student will work closely with senior scientist at CRC and initial responsibilities for intern/student position include: 1. Developing a research plan for the satellite GPS tracking of Przewalski's horses and potentially other ungulates in the reserve. 2. Working with senior scientist at CRC to write proposals and seek additional funding for the project. 3. Compile existing data on resource distribution and variability in the region using different remote sensing and geospatial analysis techniques. 4. Conduct behavioral observations and health assessments on captive Przewalki's horses that will collared in a pilot study to determine the effects on radio-collaring on fitness of the horses. This position could potentially be developed into a project for a graduate degree. While at the Conservation GIS Lab, the intern/student will also be required to assist with every-day management of the lab, including data entry, helping with student training, and lab administration. We seek interns with a good knowledge of computers, Windows operating systems, standard office software, and basic knowledge of GIS (preferably ArcView or ARC/INFO). Additional experience with remote sensing, ERDAS Imagine (or other image processing software), Adobe Photoshop, or GPS are desired. Extensive experience in conducting fieldwork under difficult conditions is also a plus. The internship includes a stipend and housing and will last six month with potential for extension or graduate work. Send letter of interest and resume ASAP to Peter Leimgruber at [EMAIL PROTECTED] by January 30th. The email subject line should read: "Wild Horse GIS Internship", also Include dates of availability in your letter. The Conservation and Research Center is located at the north entrance of the Shenandoah National Park about 60 miles west of Washington, D.C., in Front Royal, VA. CRC's mission is to advance conservation of biological diversity. In meeting the Smithsonian Institution's mandate, CRC increases knowledge through investigations of threatened species, habitats, and communities, and disseminates knowledge through advanced studies, professional training, and public outreach. ************************************************** Peter Leimgruber, PhD National Zoological Park Conservation and Research Center Front Royal, VA 22630 540-635-6559 **************************************************
