VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANT INTERN (2) - Coastal Bird Conservation/SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry are seeking two volunteer research assistant interns for a Masters Study project monitoring the impacts of human-caused disturbance on breeding Snowy Plovers in the Florida Panhandle. Interns will be assigned to either the Pensacola or Panama City, FL area. Work will begin in early March and continue until mid-May, with the possibility for extension until first week of August. Shared housing and gasoline reimbursement for personal vehicle use during the field season will be provided. Intern will assist with Snowy Plover nest and productivity monitoring, behavioral observations, disturbance assessment and documentation, and banding at multiple sites. Duties also include data collection, photo documentation of project work , assisting site managers to maintain protective fencing, use of a hand-held GPS unit, and data entry using Microsoft Excel. Position will require working long hours, including weekends, often 6 days a week. This study requires a patient individual who will enjoy spending hours locating, observing, and recording behavioral and disturbance data on beach-nesting birds. Intern will work cooperatively as part of a small team, and be directly supervised by a Field Crew Leader, who reports to the Graduate Student/Project Leader. Applicant must be self-motivated, organized, in good physical condition, able to walk several miles in soft sand, and be able to tolerate hot summer temperatures on the Gulf of Mexico. This is an excellent opportunity for a student or recent graduate to gain valuable experience and training in field research and shorebird monitoring, including capture and handling. Must have waterproof 10x42 binoculars, a valid drivers license, and a reliable personal vehicle. Please send 1) letter of interest 2) a resume 3) the names, email addresses and phone numbers of 3 references to Maureen Durkin ([email protected]). The review of applications is ongoing and will continue until position is filled.
