SCBI-Forest Ecology Internship

Opportunity Website

The National Zoo’s Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is offering internship opportunities with the Smithsonian’s Global Earth Observatory (SIGEO) initiative. The interns should have background in botany and forest ecology and will support staff activities associated with the recensus of the SCBI forest plot, the inventory of all woody plant species in a 25 hectare temperate deciduous forest plot established in 2008. S/he will acquire skills in vegetation inventory, data management, quality control and archiving, and botanical field work. The internship location will be at SCBI at Front Royal, VA. SCBI has an active staff of conservation ecologists, veterinarians and reproductive specialists involved with conservation of plants and animals. Interns will participate in regularly scheduled seminars, journal club and workshops related to conservation and ecology. A brief project report will be required of interns at the conclusion of their tenure.

Additional Eligibility Requirements: Interns should have graduated from a university within the last 12 months and have undergraduate coursework in botany, forest ecology, plant ecology, conservation biology or a closely related field. Some knowledge of the taxonomy and identifying characters of woody plant species of eastern U.S./mid-Atlantic region and experience with plant ID is highly desirable. In addition, the ability to work in hot and humid conditions, follow established survey and mapping protocols, and collect detailed and accurate data is required. Applicants should have plans for continued education or a career in forest ecology or conservation.