SUMMER INTERNSHIPS in Field Ecology and Socio-Cultural Research-Ghent, NY
Organization: Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program
Position Title: Summer internship in Field Ecology and Socio-Cultural Research-Ghent
Location: Ghent, NY
Hours & Compensation: May – August /December 2014 (3-6 months total, exact dates are flexible). $650/month stipend
Application Deadline: While the position will remain open until filled, we are hoping to select interns soon. Interested applicants should aim to submit applications by the middle of February.
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 comprised of wildlife ecologist Conrad Vispo, botanist Claudia Knab-Vispo, social scientist Anna Duhon, and technician Kyle Bradford. It is part of Hawthorne Valley Association, an educational non-profit located on a 400 acre farm.
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 biological inventories 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.
2014 INTERNSHIPS
This year, we are looking for one Field Ecology intern and one Socio-Cultural Research Intern. We strive to integrate the ecological and cultural dimensions of our work, so applicants with overlapping interests are also welcome to apply. The minimum duration of an internship is three months, but longer stays can be discussed. We would also be glad to collaborate with students whose universities offer the potential for independent credits.
FIELD ECOLOGY INTERNSHIP ACTIVITIES: The ecology intern will participate in field inventories of plants and, to a lesser degree, 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 responsible for computer work consisting of data entry and some simple GIS tasks, and some gardening work in our ornamental garden featuring native plants. 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 work with the Hawthorne Valley farmers and farm apprentices in the commercial vegetable fields for ½ day each week.
QUALIFICATIONS: We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in natural history, particularly field botany. Some plant identification skills and some gardening experience are a plus but not required. Candidates should be comfortable in a rural environment, be energetic, and thrive out-doors even when the going gets rough. Given the work environment, it is important that candidates are sociable, able to interact with a diverse range of people of all ages, self-motivated and can work independently with attention to detail. Most importantly, we are looking for people who are eager to learn.
We expect the candidates to have basic computer skills (Word, Excel) and some academic and/or work experience in field biology, field ecology, natural history, environmental science, sustainable farming/gardening, environmental education, or related fields. Experience with GIS software, web-site design, and social media would be a plus. Those who also have an interest in studying human relations to the landscape are urged to apply.
SOCIO-CULTURAL INTERNSHIP ACTIVITIES: Interns will participate in implementing and supporting cultural research related to the Living Land Project. Research projects for the upcoming field season will likely include: interactive photo-based surveys and participant photography at local recreation areas to explore people’s experiences of these areas and habitats; participatory mapping of resident’s “special places” in the landscape at community events and festivals; and habitat walks and plant sampling with selected focus groups comprising diverse members of the community. In addition, the intern may also have some involvement in ongoing projects involving photo-elicitation interviews with land users about their interaction with the land, roadside surveys of landscape features, and historical research into land access and landscape change. Internship responsibilities will include helping to facilitate and conduct such community research projects, as well as process, analyze and share the resulting data. 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. Additional data entry or gathering relating to the ecological fieldwork might also be requested. Finally, there is the opportunity to work with the Hawthorne Valley farmers and farm apprentices in the commercial vegetable fields for ½ day each week.
QUALIFICATIONS: We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in cultural research, participatory research methods and community outreach. Candidates should be comfortable living in a rural environment, enjoy actively engaging with diverse community members, and have the ability to work well independently with careful attention to detail.
We expect the candidates to have basic computer skills (Word, Excel) and some academic and/or work experience in the social sciences, sustainable farming/gardening, or related fields. Experience conducting interviews and surveys or doing community-based research and outreach is a plus, as is experience with GIS software, web-site design and interactive functionality, and social media. Those who also have an interest in studying field ecology are urged to apply.
GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS: The internship is based at Hawthorne Valley Farm, a 400-acre organic and biodynamic diversified farm located in the heart of Columbia County, NY, in the northwest corner of Hillsdale. Interns will be expected to work at least five days per week, including the option of working half a day a week in the Hawthorne Valley Farm gardens (in order to obtain some hands-on farming experience). Periodic requests for day-off and after-hours work will occur, though the basic internship is organized around a 40 to 45-hour workweek. Candidates for the Socio-Cultural Research Internship position should be aware that they would likely have a Tuesday through Saturday workweek schedule.
COMPENSATION: On-farm housing with shared kitchen and bathroom and a $650/month stipend are provided.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Information about the farm is available at www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org; for more on the Farmscape Ecology Program itself, see www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org/fep
APPLICATION PROCESS: 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.
