Imperiled Butterfly Summer Internship
The Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex is currently seeking an intern to assist with imperiled butterfly research and monitoring. The start date for this internship is June 6, 2016 with an approximate end date of September 19, 2016 (14-15 weeks total). The exact start and end dates are flexible, but only applicants who can commit to at least 10 weeks will be considered. The intern will be paid a stipend of about $400 per month, and bunkhouse-style housing is included. Travel costs to and from Big Pine Key, FL are the responsibility of the intern. The intern will have the opportunity to work with two federally-endangered butterflies, the Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri) and Bartram's scrub-hairstreak (Strymon acis bartrami). This work includes monitoring populations of adult and immature butterflies, as well as their respective host plants and habitats. The Miami blue butterfly is found on remote, uninhabited islands in Key West National Wildlife Refuge, which are accessible only by boat. Work with Bartram's scrub-hairstreak will occur in pine rockland forests on Big Pine Key and in Miami-Dade County. The selected candidate may also have the opportunity to collaborate with partners at Everglades National Park and Miami Dade County. The majority of the work for this internship will take place in the Lower Florida Keys. Shared housing on Big Pine Key will be provided. The intern will have a private bedroom, but will share living space with other interns, volunteers and visiting scientists. The bunkhouse is air conditioned and includes laundry facilities, utilities and internet access. A shopping center with a grocery store is located within walking or biking distance and the refuge office is about 2 miles away from the bunkhouse. Having a private vehicle is recommended, but not absolutely necessary. A refuge vehicle will be provided for transportation between the office and field sites. Successful applicants must have a passion for working outdoors, even in challenging conditions. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, with high humidity, frequent thunderstorms and biting/stinging insects. The applicant must be comfortable working on small boats, including in rough seas. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to complete the Department of the Interior's Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC). Responsibilities: · Assist with monitoring and field research of endangered butterflies · Collaborate with staff and biologists from U.S. Fish and Wildlife, University of Florida, North Carolina State University, and others on a variety of projects, including post-fire vegetation monitoring and experimental vegetation plots · Data entry using Microsoft Excel and Access · Assist with additional projects as needed, potentially including treatment of invasive plants, monitoring of sea turtle nests, and public outreach/education Qualifications: · Current student working towards a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Wildlife Ecology or related field, or recent graduate. · Enthusiasm for outdoor work, especially in hot and buggy conditions · Experience conducting biological fieldwork preferred · Knowledge of Florida flora and fauna is helpful, but not required · Experience operating small boats is helpful, but not required · Attention to detail and keen observation skills · Physically fit, with the ability to hike several miles and lift 30 lbs. without assistance To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references in a single PDF document to Sarah Steele Cabrera at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> by May 17, 2016. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. ?
