Golden-cheeked Warbler Habitat Assessment Summer 2008 Internships with the Save Our Springs Alliance, Austin, TX In cooperation with the University of California, Santa Barbara
We seek applicants for two internships in applied natural resources management with the Save Our Springs Alliance in Austin, TX. The internships will focus on field inventory of habitat quality and population densities of the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler (GCW) near Austin and San Antonio. DUTIES: Habitat inventory tasks emphasize avian and plant ecology, field and office GPS/GIS applications, bird and plant identification, habitat typing, technical writing, and strategic planning. For field reconnaissance, interns will use field (backpack) GIS technology, including a sub-meter Trimble Pathfinder ProXT GPS unit, Trimble Recon handheld computer, Windows Mobile 5, and ArcPad GIS software. Office GIS applications will also be used. Field work is scheduled for May 26 through August 22, 2008 (13 weeks). Work products will include GIS layers and reports documenting site-specific GCW habitat quality delineations and corresponding GCW densities in south-central TX, including Hays, Comal, and north Bexar counties. Reports may also include a preliminary range-wide assessment of GCW habitat in central Texas, along with a strategic plan for implementing a range-wide site-specific assessment, monitoring, and habitat restoration. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS: College undergraduates, recent graduates, and others, are encouraged to apply. A working knowledge and demonstrated experience in avian ecology, vegetation structure measurements, GIS (ArcView GIS 3.3 and/or ArcGIS 9.2), and GPS are required. A background in ornithology, plant ecology, biology, botany, forestry, computer science, statistics, or a related discipline is also required, as well as experience with habitat typing and bird and plant identification, including the ability to learn the birds and flora of central TX. Successful candidates are expected to be conscientious self-starters capable of independent work and timely project completion. CONDITIONS: Applicants should be capable of vigorous physical activity (e.g., working long hours outdoors in hot, cold, rainy, and buggy weather; able to hike with a 40-pound pack across uneven terrain). The normal work week will consist of five eight-hour days, though working longer days and weekends may be necessary. Internship positions are currently available for May 26 through August 22, 2008 (13 weeks). Interns will be provided liability protection, free lodging, a field vehicle, and an hourly wage of $11-16, depending on experience. Health insurance and other benefits are not included. PROJECT INVESTIGATORS: Interns will work with the following project investigators Bill Bunch, Executive Director, Save Our Springs Alliance, Austin, TX Tom Dudley, Ph.D., Research Biologist, University of California, Santa Barbara Tom Hayes, Ph.D., Research Manager, University of California, Santa Barbara Bruce Stewart, Professor and Certified Wildlife Biologist, Murray State College, Tishomingo, OK APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please apply immediately, since applications have priority in order of receipt. As soon as possible, we expect to fill a total of two positions to start May 26, 2008. Please direct any questions, or requests for further information, to Dr. Tom Hayes (below). Email applications are preferred. Please send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to: Dr. Tom Hayes. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Telephone: 715-630-4412.
