The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is offering a paid internship opportunity on a project focused on evaluating native orchids as indicators of forest health. This project is the product of a partnership between the Changing Landscapes Initiative (CLI), Virginia Working Landscapes (VWL), and the North American Orchid Conservation Center. The goal of this research project is to record and assess the status of native orchid populations, evaluate their use as indicators of forest health, and to engage local citizens and students in conservation science.
The orchid field intern will gain experience in field survey methodologies, plant and tree identification, data management and analysis, and project management. Common activities include conducting transect surveys for orchids and invasive species, collecting forest characteristics metrics, and sampling plant tissues. This intern will also work along-side the outreach intern to develop outreach and communications materials, participate in public engagement opportunities, and coordinate citizen scientists.
Learning Objectives:
Through this internship, interns will assist with the following as they gain important experience with conservation science:
-Expand plant and tree identification skills through field surveys and other work in Virginia forests
-Improve familiarity with methodologies in plant field ecology, database management, statistical analysis, and science communication
-Develop mentorship skills by training VWL citizen scientists in survey protocols
-Gain project management skills in coordinating field work with Smithsonian staff across multiple units, graduate students, other interns, and citizen scientists
-Increase technical skills using programs, such as ArcGIS, R-Studio and MS Excel to support analysis efforts
-Expand on technical writing skills by revising and updating written project protocols for training and sharing purposes
-Develop communication skills by assisting with the creation of content for the web and other outreach platforms, and assisting with outreach and training events with project partners and citizen scientists
Stipend:
The stipend is $1200 per month
Application Deadline:
March 1, 2020 11pm EST
To apply:
Send a resume and cover letter in a single pdf file to fergusc@si.edu using the subject line “FIELD INTERNSHIP APPLICATION 2020”. Title the pdf file “LastName_Field2020”. Applications that do not follow this format may not be considered.
Your cover letter should explain your interest in this program, express how you could benefit from the training, how it could contribute to your future career goals, and why you would make a strong candidate.
