The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's Land Use Manager is seeking applications for one internship position for a four-month session (40 hours/week). The intern will have the opportunity to gain experience in the field of land management and ecology by participating in daily natural resource/ecology activities and associated research, including invasive species control, data collection and analysis, setting up and managing study areas, and maintenance of ecological study areas. This is a paid internship opportunity, wherein the intern will support SCBI's Land Use Manager at the Front Royal, Virginia campus. Dormitory housing is provided starting in May 2023.
Through this position, the intern will:
- Learn how to treat and control a variety of invasive species, as well as develop and implement basic management practices (BMPs)
- Acquire skills to maintain several deer exclosure fences
- Learn how to properly maintain tree orchards, forest plots and other ecological study areas
- Learn how to properly set up camera traps for mammal surveys
- Acquire skills on how to properly manage ecological study data
- Learn how to safely operate a variety of outdoor equipment, such as weed whackers, chainsaws, UTVs, and manual brush hogs
- Have the opportunity to attend presentations and connect with scientists from a variety of fields
- Good physical condition, able to lift and carry a minimum of 25 pounds
- Capable and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Able to be an effective team member, with minimal supervision at times
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
- Strong attention to detail
- Able to remain calm, think rationally, and be flexible under pressure
- Must have appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor work, as well as all weather conditions (rain, wind, hail, etc.)
Experience and Qualities Preferred:
- Previous internships and/ or background within the ecology field
- Interest in land stewardship or land management
- Plans for a career in conservation, land management, or ecology
Four months
How to Apply:
To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu. Select "Don't have an Account? Create An Account." Complete the information to create an account.
Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:
- Basic personal information
- Professional resume or CV
- A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
- Two letters of reference (One must be from a current or former supervisor)
- Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable
Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:
- Type of appointment: “Internship”
- Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park”
- Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program”
- Project: “SCBI – Land Steward Internship”
IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.” Your SOLAA-submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.
For Additional Information:
Questions about this internship should be sent to whitmoyerj@si.edu.