Conservation Intern: Research Job Locations US-FL-Naples Type Seasonal, Full-Time Job Category Science ID 2018-3680 City Naples State/Province FL Overview Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubons mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubons unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Position Summary The Conservation Intern will gain valuable hands-on experience and professional skills in ecology and conservation. Working at the 13,000-acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in southwestern Florida, the intern will assist with ecological monitoring and research at Audubons Western Everglades Research Center and some land management activities throughout Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The position will be primarily field research and office/laboratory activities. Other duties may include assisting with prescribed fire, non-native plant control, and other tasks that contribute to Sanctuary operations. This paid, full-time six-month internship will run from August 2018 through February 2019 and will not exceed 40 hours per week, with occasional weekend work as needed. On-site housing is required due to the relatively remote location of the Sanctuary and early field hours. Housing is a furnished one-level dormitory-style building with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two joined kitchens, a living room and a screened porch. Wireless internet, water, electricity and local phone service are provided. Rooms may be shared (gender inclusive) with other interns and the dormitory may be shared by interns, visiting researchers, Americorps team members, or other special guests. National Audubon Society is dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from people of color and women. Essential Functions Under the guidance of Audubon research staff, the intern will develop skills in a variety of ecological research activities, including: Monitoring wetland wildlife to guide conservation and restoration. Primary focus will be fish and aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling as part of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project. Additional monitoring duties may include wading bird surveys, herpetofauna surveys, and medium- and large-mammal monitoring (trail cameras); Laboratory processing of aquatic fauna samples and trail camera images; Data entry and data management associated with research and monitoring activities; and Communicating science to technical and lay audiences, which may include assistance with preparation of technical publications, writing newsletter articles, using social media and/or giving on-site public presentations. Qualifications and Experience The candidate must: Be currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an institution of higher learning, pursuing a degree in environmental science or related field (ecology coursework preferred); Demonstrate strong attention to detail in field, laboratory, and office activities. Experience handling and identifying aquatic fauna (fish, crustaceans and/or other macroinvertebrates) is strongly preferred. Ability to navigate in the field using GPS, safely operate off-road vehicles (4WD truck, ORV), and a proficiency in MS Excel are required; Be comfortable working in remote field locations under adverse environmental conditions, including heat, humidity, biting insects, tropical thunderstorms and wading into water with potentially dangerous wildlife (e.g., alligators, venomous snakes); Demonstrate the ability to exercise sound judgment and adaptability to changing work conditions; Excel in interpersonal communication and at working independently and as part of a team; Possess a valid drivers license; and Commit to the full duration of the internship (August 2018 - February 2019). Physical requirements include: Ability to work long hours in the field in sub-tropical wetland environments exposed to harsh South Florida environment and carrying field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods.