Description of project: The Ecology of Bird Loss project examines the effect of bird loss on forest systems by comparing forests on Guam, where forest birds are functionally extinct due to predation by the invasive brown treesnake, to forests on two Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan and Rota) where native bird populations are still present. The intern will help to conduct research exploring the effect of disperser loss on forest community structure and regeneration in treefall gaps by integrating landscape scale observations with manipulative experiments. See the project website at www.ecologyofbirdloss.org for more details about research in this system.
Duties of the interns: The intern will travel between three islands to set up and maintain experiments. The intern will work independently and as part of a small team. Specific duties may include: mapping and identifying trees (including seedlings), putting up fences to exclude ungulates, collecting seeds, caring for plants in a nursery, planting and monitoring seedlings, and entering data. While this project is based on the presence or absence of birds, the research is focused on plants- there will be little to no work with birds. Field crews work 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. Interns must be able to commit to 9 months with no exceptions, starting in June or July 2013. Requirements: The successful applicant must be able to pay attention to detail, work well individually and as part of a group, and be flexible (i.e. willing to move to another island at a moment's notice). Research in the Mariana Islands involves working in high heat and humidity, walking over rough terrain sometimes carrying heavy and awkward loads (i.e. rolls of chicken wire, flats of seedlings, water), and tolerating the tedious, and at times monotonous, work necessary for all scientific endeavors. Successful applicants must learn how to identify trees (including seedlings) quickly and accurately. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high. Relevant field experience is desired, but not required. The intern must be a US citizen with a valid US driver's license. Payment and benefits: Interns will receive valuable research experience in the field of conservation biology and field ecology – a great way to both determine whether graduate school in the life sciences is for you and to gain the necessary experience for a competitive application to graduate school. Successful applicants will also receive a round-trip ticket from any major airport in the US to Guam, housing on all islands, transportation to and from field sites, and a monthly stipend of $550. To apply: Candidates should email a single pdf containing a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Haldre Rogers ([email protected]). Applications must be received by midnight on April 23rd, 2013 EST. Please contact Haldre via email if you have any questions related to the internship.
