At nearly 96,000 acres, Seney National Wildlife Refuge (Seney NWR) in Michigans Upper Peninsula (UP) is one of the larger National Wildlife Refuges east of the Mississippi River. Seney NWR also administers island refuges in Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron, as well as Kirtlands Warbler Wildlife Management Area in the northern Lower Peninsula. For more information see: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/seney/
During the summer of 2015, Seney NWR will offer 2-3 Applied Sciences Program internships. These positions will last for up to 12 weeks, with extensions through the autumn possible. Work usually begins mid-to late May, but some flexibility in starting and ending dates exists. Assigned duties will be wide-ranging and will provide an immersion in ecologically-based land management and applied research, with past interns assisting as crew leader(s). Most land management is not for single species, but integrates landscape ecology, disturbance ecology, wetland and forest ecology, and restoration ecology principles. While the primary goal of the internship is to yield the Applied Sciences Program a field crew, an array of learning opportunities is provided to broaden the intern experience. Because of this, interns will be challenged as one would M.S. students enrolled in field-based degrees and intellectual, physical, and emotional maturity and toughness are expected. Assigned duties will include, but are not limited to, assisting with a combination of biological and ecological assessments and inventories (e.g., forest stand assessments and inventories, bird surveys and censuses, frog and toad surveys, colonial waterbird surveys); assisting with habitat management (e.g., forest management, invasive species management); and assisting with on-going research (see http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Seney/what_we_do/research.html). Work is weather-dependent, with some projects done rain or shine. Interns must therefore be flexible and willing to adapt to changes for these and other unforeseen circumstances. Interns will be provided certification in ATV/UTV use and certification as State of Michigan pesticide applicators (both at no expense). Applicants should be currently or recently enrolled as an undergraduate, have a GPA >3.0, be inquisitive and able to solve problems, enjoy working outside and in remote settings, be experienced with orienteering, be physically fit, be able to handle buggy conditions, be able to work independently or as a part of a team with a crew leader, have solid communication skills, and have a valid drivers license. Interns are provided $200/week stipends for a 40 to 50-hour work week that may include some weekends. It is also expected that interns complete readings and projects after work hours, if necessary. Seney NWR will provide dorm-style housing, laundry facilities, and a work vehicle at no charge. Interns must have their own transportation for personal use; many outdoor recreations opportunities exist in the UP. Those applicants who are interviewed will be given the names and contact information of past interns for reference purposes. To apply, a SINGLE .pdf file (<6 MB) of the following material must be received via email sent to [email protected] before 0900 h ET on Monday, 9 February 2015: 1. a 1-page cover letter describing personal background and interests and a discussion on how these relate to Seneys mission (see URLs, above, also the posted Habitat Management Plan for more information); 2. a detailed resume describing education, work experiences, and skills; 3. unofficial copies of all college transcripts; 4. two (2) Letters of Recommendation (LOR) that must include the name, affiliation, telephone number, and email address of each author. One (1) Letter must come from a past employer not associated with a university and demonstrate the candidates ability to accomplish independent work. Practical skills (i.e., ability to work with ones hands) are highly valued. No hardcopy material or other material (e.g., LOR) sent separately by any other form will be accepted. For your protection, please do not include your social security number or other personal numbers such as driver license number, etc. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive and until the positions are filled. Decisions should be made within one week after the closing date. Incomplete (or late) applications may not receive full consideration. For additional information: Dr. Greg Corace Applied Sciences Program Seney National Wildlife Refuge 1674 Refuge Entrance Rd. Seney, MI 49883 [email protected] 906.586.9851x14
