National
Audubon's Seabird Restoration Program offers internships on seabird nesting
islands at three different levels:
These descriptions give information about the requirements and desired qualifications for applicants. When applying for an internship, please specify the position level(s) for which you would like to be considered. A pair of binoculars is required equipment.
To apply: Fill out the application (PDF Format | MS Word Format) and mail it to Project Puffin, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850, or email it to: rborzik@audubon.org.
For all positions: Travel to and from the base in Bremen, Maine and your home location is the responsibility of each individual and is not funded by the National Audubon Society. Food is provided by Audubon while at the research site and mainland facilities. Housing is available in various forms ranging from tent space to a bedroom in a historic lighthouse depending upon the sanctuary to which you are assigned.
ISLAND SUPERVISOR
DESCRIPTION:
Each Audubon field station on the Maine Coast has an Island Supervisor
who is responsible for daily operation of the station and associated wildlife
sanctuary. Supervisors make daily assignments for the data collection based
on approved work plans and sanctuary procedures and are responsible for
the safety of all staff working on the island, care of project equipment,
maintenance of buildings, blinds and structures, daily coordination of
logistics with Audubon base and completion of an end of the season report
summarizing the results of the field season. Reports to the Program director.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: Managing multiple concurrent seabird studies, drafting a daily work and staff schedule, training staff on essential field and computer skills, overseeing data collection and management, conducting visitor education, protecting the site from human disturbance and predator management. Applicants for the position should have an M.S. in natural resources (or a B.S. with similar experience). Hunting and trapping experience is desirable. Bird banding and small boat handling experience is required.
SEASON: Variable, depending on the assigned island, but availability should be from early May through 15 August.
QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. or M.S. degree in conservation biology or related area with several years' experience in similar field research programs. Career goals should include graduate studies and work in field of conservation biology. Island Supervisors must be in excellent physical condition (capable of climbing over rugged terrain and able to lift approximately 50 lbs.). Wilderness camping experience and dedication to wildlife conservation are essential. Experience with bird banding and operations of small boats and coordinating assistants and volunteers highly desirable. A sense of humor and passion for seabirds and isolated islands are basic requirements.
COMPENSATION: Salary starts at $325 or $425 based on experience. Room, board, worker's compensation insurance coverage, and transportation from the mainland base to and from the research sites are provided
AVAILABLE POSITIONS: Seven
RESEARCH ASSISTANT/INTERN
DESCRIPTION:
Each field station usually has at least one Research Assistant (RA) working
on the island at any one time. The RAs collect data following work plans
and daily assignments made by the island supervisor. RAs are involved in
all aspects of island life including data collection from blinds, banding,
public education and warden responsibilities (where appropriate), island
maintenance projects and shopping for supplies when on the mainland. RAs
usually stay at an island a minimum of 3 weeks before transferring to a
different island. Over the course of the summer, RAs usually work on at
least two islands to receive varied experience with seabird communities.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: Participation in all aspects of seabird research, monitoring and management. Interns may work on more than one island over the course of the field season.
SEASON: Most internships begin on May 22nd and end on August 15th (two or more interns are needed beginning May 1st).
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should have field research experience and be an undergraduate in a related field or have a B.S. in biology, natural resources, conservation biology, wildlife management or related field experience, or upper level graduates with appropriate experience. Career goals should include graduate studies and a career in conservation biology. RAs must be in excellent physical condition (capable of climbing over rugged terrain and able to lift approximately 50 lbs.). Wilderness camping experience and dedication to wildlife conservation are essential.
COMPENSATION: Weekly stipend of $200 plus room, board, worker's compensation insurance coverage, and transportation from the mainland base to and from the research sites.
AVAILABLE POSITIONS: Approximately eight, depending on funding.
EDUCATION ASSISTANT/INTERN
When not narrating, duties may include preparation of teaching materials and assisting with logistical support.
SEASON: 1st Assistant season runs June 1st through August 22nd. 2nd Assistant season runs June 1st through October 31st.
QUALIFICATIONS: Individual must be seaworthy! Also, must possess a B.S. or B.A. in conservation education, interpretation, or biology; or an upper level undergraduate with related experience. Career goals should include a position in conservation education or interpretation. Applicants must have a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle is highly desirable. A pair of binoculars is required equipment.
COMPENSATION: Weekly stipend of $200 plus room and board (a private room with shared kitchen and bath at the Project mainland base in Bremen, ME) and worker's compensation insurance coverage. Mileage will be paid for business use of a personal vehicle if required.
AVAILABLE POSITIONS: Two
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puffin@audubon.org |
Mailing Address: Project Puffin 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, New York 14850 607-257-7308 |