2016 APPLIED SCIENCES PROGRAM INTERNSHIP SENEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SENEY, MICHIGAN
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: www.fws.gov/refuge/seney/ During the summer of 2016, Seney NWR will offer 2-4 Applied Sciences Program internships, with a stipend paid through the Seney Natural History Association. These positions will last for up to 12 weeks, with extensions through the autumn possible. Work begins mid-to late May, but some flexibility in starting and ending dates exists for highly qualified individuals. Assigned duties provide an immersion in ecologically-based land management and applied research. Most land management is not for single species, but integrates landscape, disturbance, wetland, forest, and restoration ecology principles. While the primary goal of the internship is to yield the Applied Sciences Program field personnel, an array of learning opportunities are provided that will broaden the interns experience. Overall, interns will be challenged similarly to thesis-based M.S. students. Intellectual, physical, and emotional maturity and toughness are expected. This position requires individuals to be comfortable functioning independently and is not for those who are only comfortable working in groups. The Applied Sciences Program offers opportunities for individual challenges and accomplishments, with qualified individuals functioning within a team concept. Successful interns typically go on to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and are currently employed in academia, NGOs, agencies, etc. 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 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 training leading to USFWS certification in ATV/UTV use and the State of Michigan pesticide applicator license (both at no expense). Applicants should currently be a sophomore senior 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 able to hike in difficult, uneven terrain for an extended period of time, be able to handle buggy conditions, be able to work independently or as a part of a team, have solid written and verbal communication skills, and have a valid drivers license. Interns are provided $200/week stipends for a 50-hour work week that may include some weekends and camping trips. It is also expected that interns complete orientation readings and trainings prior to their arrival and some readings after work hours. 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. Past interns may be involved in interviews and may be available for further questions. To apply, a SINGLE .pdf file (<6 MB) of the following material must be sent via email to [email protected] before 0900 h ET on Monday, 8 February 2016: 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 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) and sweat equity are highly valued. Although atypical, Letters are NOT to be sent separately. No hardcopy material or other material sent separately by any other form (including Letters of Recommendation!) will be accepted. For your protection, please do not include your social security number or other personal identification numbers. 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
