Florida Atlantic University’s Avian Ecology Lab is seeking 1-2 avian ecology field interns for a seasonal position studying wading birds, their habitats, and prey assemblages in Florida Bay and lower Florida Keys. Field sites are accessed by boat and kayak. Field housing and travel to sites are provided. Applicants can apply for an early-term position (March 1 – April 30), late-term position (May 1 – July 31), or full-term position (March 1 – July 31).
Job Description: Primary field duties include wading bird abundance surveys, throw-trapping aquatic fauna, submerged aquatic vegetation surveys, wading bird behavioral surveys, and hydrologic data collection. The late-term position will include handling nestling wading birds and collecting diet samples. Lab duties include data entry and processing of fish and macroinvertebrate specimens. This position provides an opportunity for students and recent graduates to develop their field and lab skills and interests in ecology and conservation. Interns will have the opportunity to see a diverse variety of endangered and threatened species in a subtropical ecosystem and participate in a research project linked to the restoration of the Everglades ecosystem. Interns should expect to gain: - Various field sampling techniques - Avian and aquatic fauna identification - Marine navigation skills - Boating experience and maintenance - Spatial data organization using ArcGIS - Experience handling wading bird nestlings (late-term or full-term position only) Qualifications: Applicants should have, or are in the process of earning, a bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife, fisheries, natural resources or related field. Applicants should be highly motivated, physically-fit, able to work dawn to dusk in subtropical, sometimes unpredictable, coastal marine field conditions (heat, humidity, rain, rough water, biting insects, jellyfish), and maintain a positive attitude. Applicants should have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. The ability to work without supervision at a high level of performance and efficiency is mandatory. Preference will be given to applicants with experience identifying wading birds, conducting point counts, kayaking, and boating. To Apply: Applications must be received by *December 1, 2016*. Applications should be submitted via email as a single PDF that contains (1) a letter of interest highlighting relevant experience, clearly indicating the position type (early-, late-, or full-term), (2) a resume or CV, and (3) the names and contact information for at least 3 references. Please use the subject line “Avian Ecology Field Internship Application.” Review of applications will continue until positions are filled. Although applicants with limited availability will be accepted, preference will be given to those available for the full time period of the position. Send applications to Marisa Martinez ([email protected]). For more information about the Florida Atlantic University Avian Ecology lab visit: http://www.science.fau.edu/biology/gawliklab
