Natural Resources - Wildlife Management (Avian Monitoring) Summer Internship

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Required Background:

• B.S. degree in biological science, ecology, natural resources management, or conservation biology
• Valid U.S. driver’s license
• Familiar with binoculars and spotting scopes

Dates of Service: This is a 26-week position, consisting of a 5 day work week (40 hours), with hours from 0600-1430. This position will begin March 27, 2022 and end September 23, 2022.

Duties and Responsibilities: The intern will work in concert with park staff and a dedicated volunteer corps to manage wildlife and visitor interactions at Assateague Island National Seashore. This is a great opportunity to build monitoring and management skills by working with beach-nesting shorebirds and colonial waterbirds. The position requires: a strong interest in bird conservation; ability to locate and monitor cryptic shorebirds by sight, call and tracks, and precocial chicks at 100-300 meters; use of optical equipment; the ability to work in close-knit groups and independently with minimal supervision; being detail-oriented; ability to accurately complete data sheets; walking in loose sand under direct sunlight carrying moderate loads (10-20 kg); exposure to high humidity, blowing sand, and occasional biting insects. Although monitoring shorebirds is the primary responsibility of the position, the intern will be provided opportunities for field experience in other research/monitoring programs within the Natural Resource Management Division. In addition, weekly project time will be set aside for training/development opportunities provided by the National Park Service.

Housing, Uniforms, and Stipend: Assateague Island National Seashore provides free housing for interns who live more than 50 miles away from the park. Housing is dormitory style, with a personal bedroom and shared bathroom, kitchen and common area. Houses are completely furnished, with the exception of linens and specialized cooking utensils. A camping site/RV pad is not available for this position. Intern must provide own transportation to and from the seashore. The National Park Service will provide a uniform shirt. Interns receive bi-weekly reimbursement for food and living expenses which amounts to $100 per week.

Work Environment:

Assateague Island National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service, is an Atlantic coast barrier island and shallow water estuary habitat. It is located in northeastern Maryland, near the seaside resort of Ocean City, MD. The Natural Resource Management Division inventories, monitors, and manages biological, geological, and cultural resources and employs specialists in wildlife, vegetation, water quality, geographic information systems, and geophysical sciences.

How to Apply:

• Complete the on-line volunteer application.
• Email the following to Tami Pearl at tami_pearl@nps.gov
  • Send a cover letter stating the specific internship for which you are applying, as well as an explanation of your qualifications and interest for the job.
  • Send a resume documenting your work experience, education, skills, interests, etc.
  • Send a copy of your most recent college transcript (unofficial).
  • Send names and contact information, including phone numbers, for 3 references.

Start Date - 2022-03-27

End Date - 2022-09-23

Activities include: Back Country/Wilderness;Fish/Wildlife;GIS/GPS;Science

Difficulty_Level: Strenuous

Hosts Housing Amenities: Bunk House