Oregon Nature Conservancy Programme, USA
Further Details
This programme provides the ideal opportunity for any student or person to gain a lot of hands on experience working in the field with ecological and botanical issues, increasing knowledge of ecological studies and field sampling techniques, alongside an internationally reputable conservation organisation and conservation professionals in a beautiful setting - an opportunity not to be missed!
We are looking for specific applicants with specific skills and experience and a certain maturity and adaptability to working and living in remote locations in all weather conditions. If you feel that you are a suitable candidate, please read the relevant intern position descriptions below and follow the steps on the following page to apply. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email: Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com
Internship Position DescriptionsPosition Title: Botany Field Technician - (1 place available)
Purpose: Each summer The Nature Conservancy conducts various botanical and ecological studies on its Zumwalt Prairie Preserve in Northeast Oregon. These efforts further our understanding the unique biological diversity of the Zumwalt Prairie and how human actions affect it. Interns with skills in botany, biology and other natural resource disciplines are needed to assist Conservancy staff in conducting these studies.
Location: Zumwalt Prairie, Northeast Oregon
Results: Interns will assist Conservancy staff with a variety of vegetation inventory, monitoring, and research projects in support of The Nature Conservancy’s conservation efforts on the Zumwalt Prairie. Interns will learn a variety of field ecology skills and apply them in collecting and analyzing data on the Zumwalt Prairie and will have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of on-the-ground conservation work.
Report to: Rob Taylor, PhD, Northeast Oregon Regional Ecologist
Duties:
1. Familiarise yourself with terrain, vegetation, and ecology and conservation issues of the Zumwalt Prairie.
2. Learn basic botany and field ecology skills, including use of global positional systems and other equipment.
3. Work as part of a team conducting a variety research and monitoring projects in the field. These include: plant inventory and collection, mapping weeds, monitoring of plant communities, rare plants and plant phenology.
4. Assist with data entry, data analysis, and reporting.
Requirements:
2. Learn basic botany and field ecology skills, including use of global positional systems and other equipment.
3. Work as part of a team conducting a variety research and monitoring projects in the field. These include: plant inventory and collection, mapping weeds, monitoring of plant communities, rare plants and plant phenology.
4. Assist with data entry, data analysis, and reporting.
Requirements:
Intern must be in good physical condition and able to walk at least 8 miles per day over rough terrain and tolerate extreme weather conditions while in the field. Must possess a good work ethic and pay attention to detail. Previous field botany experience desirable. Positions require mature, responsible individuals who can work independently and as part of a team. Individuals must be willing to live in rustic, remote field housing with other crew members.
Length of appointment: Minimum 8 weeks, beginning 1st - 15th June 2012
Time commitment: Willingness to commit to a minimum of 40 hours/week.
Support provided: Shared (“dorm style”) housing will be provided on The Nature Conservancy's Zumwalt Prairie Preserve. The Nature Conservancy will provide transportation to and from the worksite each day and will offer one trip per week to town to purchase food and other supplies. Reimbursement of actual food expenses up to $80 / week will be provided.
Application fee: £180 pounds payable with application.
Benefits: The chance to work closely with conservation professionals and learn about the ecology, conservation values and threats of the Zumwalt Prairie. An opportunity to learn how field studies contribute to real-world conservation work. Training and experience using field ecology techniques, especially those relating to vegetation in a biologically rich, beautiful and remote part of Oregon.
Feedback from ex-interns
If you wish to read about ex-interns experiences at the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve, please click here.
How to get involved?
If you are interested to apply to join the Oregon Nature Conservancy Programme this summer, you would need to fill out the online application form (you can also print it out and send it to us by post), providing 2 references, in addition to sending us your CV/resume by email or post. We will also need to contact you by telephone for a suitable interview - we will email you in advance to arrange a suitable time. An application payment of £180 is also due with your application. If for some reason, we are unable to offer you a place, we would reimburse this fully.
