Monday, January 27, 2014

Internship with the Student Conservation Association and the Audubon Society - Galveston area

Position Description

Applicants should have a strong interest in coastal ecosystems, waterbird ecology and wildlife management. Interns will work directly under the Coastal Program Manager and the majority of work will be directly related to management/surveys of Audubon’s coastal rookeries.

The intern will assist with:
o   Rookery surveys and monitoring via boat mainly in the West Bay area, but occasionally at other locations on Galveston Bay or beyond. Accommodations will be provided if an overnight trip is required.
o   Management of Audubon owned or leased islands: fire ant control, vegetation work, predator management, construction of nesting platforms, volunteer workdays, etc.
o   Prep work/ compiling of data for the Texas Colonial Waterbird survey database
o   GIS work documenting management activities and waterbird population trends
o   Occasional work with local partners and their projects Audubon assists with
o   Office work entering data or related tasks
Interns will gain experience in all aspects of colonial waterbird management, boat safety and operation and wildlife research. Previous experience not required- this is an entry level position designed to offer beginners the skills and knowledge to successfully enter the wildlife field. Applicants must be able to work in challenging field conditions- cold and damp in early spring and hot, humid temperatures in the summer in areas prone to mosquitos and rattlesnakes; be able to lift 40 pounds; be able to work independently. Housing is not available.  Applicants must have a reliable mode of transportation to get to the Texas City office for work.

Additional duties:
• Available to help with field work, putting out public informational signs, assessing remote sites, weekly surveys from boat
• Assist with office work- data entry, statistical analysis, GIS mapping and analysis
• Help create the annual TCWS report: compile statistics, map previous year's data, gather information on waterbird population trends
• Assist with creation/ updates for the Audubon Island Atlas- a record of all Audubon owned or leased sites in Texas
• Assist with educational workshops and presentations
• Help coordinate with public and private entities to gain access to waterbird colonies for annual surveys
A successful intern will be given the option of continuing into the next period if they desire.

Service Location Description
Our office is located in Texas City, TX. Intern will be working in both an office setting and in the field with boats and on islands in the bay.
US citizenship required?
Yes

Training Opportunities
Intern will be trained and become proficient in GIS techniques and analysis, Microsoft Access, motorboat operation, boat safety and statistical analysis.
    
Educational/Recreational Opportunities
Galveston Island is appox. 30 minutes to the south and offers a variety of educational and recreational opportunities. Houston lies about 40 minutes to the north and offers a wealth of museums, concerts, shows, athletic events and many more opportunities.

To apply, contact:
Alvi Seda
Recruiting Coordinator for Diversity Initiatives
240-863-1825


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