Research Intern – Washington, DC

Organization: National Audobon Society, International Alliances Program

Job Title: Research Intern

Location: Washington, DC

Hours and Compensation: Unpaid

Position Dates: Start ASAP

Application Deadline: Send in ASAP

Posted On: July 30th, 2012

Organization Overview

Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 43 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 46 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Audubon’s International Alliances Program (IAP) expands the breadth of Audubon’s conservation work by connecting Audubon’s vast network of volunteers, professionals, and supporters in the United States to conservation groups and leaders throughout the Western Hemisphere that work to protect habitat for migratory birds that winter beyond our nation’s borders. Because almost half of North American birds migrate elsewhere in the hemisphere every year, our efforts to protect the resources that they depend upon for survival cannot be limited to the United States alone. Understanding this, Audubon aims at protecting and restoring critical sites for North American migratory birds throughout the Western Hemisphere by encouraging local resource stewardship and sustainable communities, as well as by building effective in-country organizations.

Description

Audubon’s Wings internship program invites students and recent graduates to help shape a healthy environment and vibrant future for birds – and all of us who share the planet with them.

Expand your Wings with Audubon IAP and learn how to:

• Implement strategic planning for full lifecycle conservation and stewardship of priority migratory birds
• Engage with a variety of conservation leaders across the hemisphere working to conserve habitat for key species
• Integrate diverse conservation initiatives into a unified strategy for conservation success
• Research conservation issues, including environmental threats and key bird species biology

Responsibilities

Audubon’s International Alliances Program (IAP) affords the unpaid intern invaluable experience building scientific support for species-based full lifecycle conservation initiatives for 5 to 10 priority Neotropical migratory birds that winter in Latin America and the Caribbean. This internship offers an inside look at what it takes to preserve habitat for bird species throughout their full lifecycle and migratory range, providing experience building strategic partnerships for conservation success and engagement with conservation leaders across the Audubon network and throughout the Western Hemisphere.

The intern will be exposed to major conservation issues including direct threats to habitat and species survival, habitat preferences, population and distribution of key focal species, conservation planning methodology following Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation, and issues involved in land stewardship and management of important habitat for priority bird species.

Under the supervision of the Director and Senior Program Manager, the intern will work closely with IAP staff in the following activities:

• Gather secondary scientific information to support conservation of a priority set of 5 to 10 bird species. Research will entail gathering information including scientific background, range maps, key studies and researchers involved in conservation of species, and direct threats to species and habitat in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Gather information from across the Audubon network (states, chapters) on the different Audubon initiatives taking place to protect priority target species.
• Help map places and next steps for better integration and alignment of Audubon’s species-based conservation efforts

Qualifications

• Ideal candidates will have completed or are in the process of completing a Master’s degree in the biological sciences or related field.

• Preference will be given to applicants with experience in conservation science research and knowledge of species biology.

• Spanish skills are an asset but are not required.

Other desirable qualities and experience include:

• Knowledge of Basic ArcView/GIS
• Dedication to conservation of the environment
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Experience gathering secondary information for species biology
• Familiarity with ornithology and bird-based conservation science, a plus
• Strong and effective communication with an ability to work and collaborate with a wide variety of people
• Ability to work individually as well as in a team setting
• Professional and friendly demeanor

How to Apply