Field Ecology Interns – Ghent, NY
Organization: Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program
Position Title: Field Ecology Intern
Location: Ghent, NY
Hours & Compensation: 40-45 hrs/week. On-farm housing with shared kitchen and bathroom and a $650/month stipend provided.
Position Dates: May-August/December 2013 (3-6 months total, exact dates are flexible)
Posted On: February 13, 2013.
Organization Overview:
The Farmscape Ecology Program is dedicated to exploring the human and natural dimensions of the landscape of Columbia County, NY through research and outreach. Our interdisciplinary research focuses on historical, current and potential future interactions of people with the land. The Program is part of Hawthorne Valley Association, an educational nonprofit, and is comprised of wildlife ecologist Conrad Vispo, botanist Claudia Knab-Vispo, social scientist Anna Duhon, and technician Kyle Bradford.
Our work is currently focused on the Living Land Project, a multi-year collaborative exploration of the ecology and culture of Columbia County habitats. This Project includes both the mapping of ecological habitats in the County and research into people’s diverse perceptions and interactions with the landscape. By involving community participants in the research and by sharing the results widely, we strive to stimulate, facilitate, and inform a sense of connection to the many dimensions of the landscape.
Description:
Interns will participate in field inventories of plants and animals in a variety of natural habitats and will have responsibilities related to the preservation and identification of plant and invertebrate specimens collected during the fieldwork. The intern will also be partially responsible for computer work consisting of data entry and remote sensing to identify suitable inventory areas from digital aerial photos. Additional data entry or gathering relating to the sociological fieldwork might also be requested. Responsibilities may also include helping to create and maintain an interactive web-based site for organizing, collecting and sharing research related to the Living Land Project. Finally, there is the opportunity to participate in the creation of an ornamental garden with native plants around our building and the opportunity to work with the Hawthorne Valley farmers and farm apprentices in the commercial vegetable fields for ½ day each week.
We strive to integrate the ecological and cultural dimensions of our work, so applicants with overlapping interss are also welcome to apply. Applicants staying for longer than three months or planning to extend into a fall school semester are encouraged to consider developing an independent project within the parameters of our research. We welcome inquiries from graduate students who feel their projects may be fitting.
Responsibilities:
- Participate in field inventories of plants and animals in a variety of natural habitats.
- Preservation and identification of plant and invertebrate specimens collected.
- Partially responsible for computer work consisting of data entry and remote sensing to identify suitable inventory areas from digital aerial photos.
- Help to create and maintain an interactive web-based site for organizing, collecting, and sharing research related to the Living Land Project.
- Can participate in the creation of an ornamental garden with native plants around our building.
- Can work with Hawthorne Valley farmers and farm apprentices in the commercial vegetable fields 1/2 day each week.
Qualifications:
- Strong interest in natural history (expertise in certain taxonomic groups, e.g., mosses, lichens, grasses, sedges, brids butterflies, dragonflies, ground beetles, bees, spiders, or ants is a plus but is not required).
- Comfortable in a rural environment
- Energetic
- Sociable, able to interact with a diverse range of people of all ages
- Self-motivated
- Able to work independently with attention to detail.
- Basic computer skills
- Some academic and/or work experience in field biology, field ecology, natural history, environtmental science, sustainable farming/gardening, environmental education, or related fields.
- Experience with GIS software, website design, and social media would be a plus.
- Those with interest in studying human relations to the landscape are urged to apply.
How to Apply: Please send a CV including contact information for three references along with a cover letter explaining your interest in the internship, including the types of research you feel most drawn to and qualified for. Potentially suitable applicants will be interviewed by phone, and typically a personal visit to the Farm is requested before we make a final commitment. If you have questions, please contact Conrad, Claudia or Anna at 518-672-7994.
Contact Information:
Farmscape Ecology Program, Hawthorne Valley Farm, http://hawthornevalleyfarm.org
1075 Harlemville Road, Ghent, NY 12075
Conrad, Claudia, or Anna: 518-672-7994.
