Internships in Avian Ecology

Four internships are available for an ecological study of the endemic Island Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma insularis) on Santa Cruz Island, California.
Current research under the direction of S. Sillett (Smithsonian), L. Angeloni & C. Ghalambor (Colorado State University), and S. Morrison (The Nature Conservancy) focuses on the jay's life history, population biology, and behavior.
The job will involve finding and monitoring jay nests, assisting with jay capture and banding, quantifying jay behavior, mapping jay territories, measuring vegetation, and insect sampling.

Qualifications
• Prior experience in finding and monitoring passerine nests
• Proficiency in netting, banding, and taking blood samples from passerines
• Good color vision
• Able to work alone and hike long distances in rugged and steep terrain
• Able to live in a communal setting on an island with limited access to the mainland
• Valid U.S. driver's license
• Interest in avian behavioral and population ecology
• Ability to drive a standard transmission 4x4 vehicle on steep, unimproved dirt roads a plus
Term of Appointment
Interships will last 12 weeks. Two will start in mid-February and end in early May; two will start in mid-March and end in early June.
Salary
400-450$ per week, depending on experience
Location
Housing, internet access, and utilities will be provided. The project is based on Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park, off the coast of southern California.
 

To Submit Your Application to Dr. Scott Sillett
Provide your email address in the form below here:  http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/About_Us/hb_field_assistant.cfm and browse your computer to attach a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references.
If you prefer, mail your application materials to:
Dr. Scott Sillett
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
National Zoological Park
PO Box 37012 MRC 5503
Washington, DC 20013-7012
 

Picture of Californian jay from www.fr.treknature.com

www.nationalzoo.si.edu/