University Intern Needed for Studies of Turtle Ecology in Freshwater Tidal Wetlands
We are accepting applications from university students to participate in new and on-going studies of turtles and wetlands for the 2007 field season. The fieldwork takes place at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, a 1400-acre research station and environmental education center located on the Patuxent River Estuary, 20 miles east of Washington, D.C. The Sanctuary includes over 700 acres of freshwater tidal wetlands, and large tracts of forests and meadows. Staff naturalists and researchers from other organizations carry out a wide variety of ecological studies. One intern position is available for the 2007 field season. The intern assists with on-going, team projects, but also works independently. Applicants should enjoy fieldwork and should be able to tolerate long hours in the field, occasionally under uncomfortable conditions. It helps to have a high degree of self-motivation. In addition to helping with turtle studies, the intern also helps with bird banding, reptile surveys, fish seining, and water quality studies. The intern will also carry out an independent research project related to mud or box turtles. At the end of the season in August, the intern gives an oral presentation and turns in a written report on their independent project. Interns work under the supervision of Sanctuary Director Chris Swarth. The Friends of Jug Bay, Anne Arundel County, and the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve provide the funding for this project. Projects for 2007 1. Movements of Eastern Mud Turtles in tidal wetlands and adjacent upland forests. Radio telemetry and hoop netting will be the main study techniques. 2. Habitat use and home range of juvenile Eastern Box Turtles. Thread trailing and radio telemetry will be the main techniques. 3. Home range and movements of adult female Eastern Box Turtles. Radio telemetry is the main method used in this study. Qualifications Applicant must be a junior, senior, or recent graduate majoring in the life sciences. Must be motivated, capable of independent work, and enjoy learning about the natural world. Fieldwork is in wet and muddy habitats. Experience with small boats, kayaks, and canoes is a plus. Stipend Award $3,600 stipend. Dates and Work Schedule The intern position is for a 3.5 or 4 month period. The preferred start date is April 15, but this could be pushed back to May 1. The work project ends on August 15. Interns work five full days a week; occasionally nights and on weekends. Housing There is no on-site housing at this time. Interns will need to find their own housing accommodations. Application Process Please send all of the following: 1. Resume 2. Statement of intent, including summary of academic and field experience, qualifications, career goals, and interests. Tell us why you want the position. 3. Transcripts (need not be “official”) 4. Names, email addresses and phone numbers of three academic or professional references. Deadline: March 30, 2003. Send application by email to: Christopher Swarth [EMAIL PROTECTED] To learn more about the Sanctuary, visit our web site at www.jugbay.org Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary 1361 Wrighton Rd. Lothian, MD 20711 410-741-9330
