Forest Landscape Ecology Intern, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is seeking a Forest Landscape Ecology intern to start on or around September 15, 2011. The Lab specializes in the application of ecological modeling, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS) to conservation problems. The successful applicant will work closely with Dr. Jonathan Thompson assisting with several aspects of his ongoing research (forest landscape simulations, remote sensing, conservation assessments etc ), which are jointly based at SCBI and Harvard Forest. The intern will also be expected to help with general tasks in the Lab.

Preference will be given to applicants that have experience summarizing scientific literature, using GIS software, remote sensing software, and/or R-statistical software. Most importantly, the applicant should be interested in forest ecosystems, landscape ecology, ecological modeling, and must be willing to learn how to use esoteric software. The ideal candidate will be considering a graduate program in Forest Landscape Ecology.

The internship includes a stipend ($1000/month) and group housing with other SCBI Interns.

Send a letter of interest and resume to thompsonjr@SI.edu before August 23, 2011.

Please include the words "Internship Application" in the subject line of your email.  Resume should include contact information for 3 professional references. Include potential start date and the time period you are available for the internship in your letter.

SCBI is a rural campus located at the north entrance of the Shenandoah National Park about 60 miles west of Washington, D.C., in the hills outside of Front Royal, VA. In meeting the Smithsonian Institution's mandate, SCBI increases knowledge through investigations of threatened species, habitats, and communities, and disseminates knowledge through advanced studies, professional training, and public outreach.

Internship at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) has an immediate opportunity for an intern to gain experience in a variety of projects with the Field Ecology unit.  Activities may include participating in the monitoring of a long-term temperate forest dynamics plot as part of the Smithsonian's Global Earth Observatory

(SIGEO) initiative (more information about SIGEO at <http://www.sigeo.si.edu/>http://www.sigeo.si.edu/ ), maintaining dendrometer bands, assessing forest canopy coverage, collecting and processing litterfall, assisting with undergraduate field ecology techniques courses, radio tracking white-tailed deer, assisting with warm-season grassland studies and land management activities. 

This is a three month appointment that comes with a $600 per month stipend, free housing at the SCBI in Front Royal, VA and the possibility of extension. The start date is Sept. 1, 2011 and applications will be considered upon receipt.  Interested individuals should send a cover letter detailing how this internship would benefit their career goals, a resume, and unofficial academic transcripts to <mailto:crcecology@si.edu>crcecology@si.edu.

Experienced Plant Ecology Field Assistant needed in Bahamas

Experienced Plant Ecology Field Assistant. The Kirtland’s Warbler Research and Training Project seeks an experienced plant ecology field assistant for its upcoming field season on Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Dates are approximate, but availability from 1 November 2011 to 1 June 2012 is preferred.

Field season activities will focus on experimental assessment of methods for managing winter habitat for the endangered Kirtland’s warbler, with emphasis on the use of goats in habitat management. Field assistant duties will include participation in establishing experimental plots, identifying and measuring vegetation in plots, counting fruit, data entry, and providing general support for the Field Director. Fieldwork may also include some bird surveys and arthropod sampling. Candidates must have experience with plant-focused fieldwork, an ability to quickly learn Bahamian plants, and the ability to work long days in a warm, humid climate amid dense vegetation (early-successional broadleaf scrub or “coppice”).

Experience working outside the US and with livestock a plus, but not required. Six- and sometimes seven-day work weeks are common. Candidates must also be willing and able to work and live with a small diverse group in a semi-remote environment. Housing (shared with other project participants) and a travel allowance to the Bahamas are provided in addition to a monthly salary of 1,600USD. Valid passport required if not a Bahamian citizen. This is a cooperative project involving the U.S. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, The Bahamas National Trust, and the Puerto Rican Conservation Foundation.

Applications must be received no later than 13 August 2011.

Submit application (cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references) via e-mail to Genie Fleming (fleming.gm@gmail.com) with documents attached as Word or PDF files.