Background: The International Crane Foundation is a leader in the conservation of the world’s 15 crane species and is dedicated to providing experience, knowledge and inspiration to involve people in resolving threats to cranes and the ecosystems vital to their long-term survival. Our world headquarters is located just outside Baraboo, WI, one hour north of Madison. Our site is open to the public every day from May 1 to October 31 each year. The International Crane Foundation exhibits the only collection of all 15 crane species.
Description: The North America Program at the International Crane Foundation is currently involved in studies of Greater Sandhill Cranes and re-introduced Whooping Cranes in the upper Midwest. Interns will assist in studying the foraging ecology, movements, habitat use and social behavior of these breeding and non-breeding cranes throughout central Wisconsin. Whooping Crane research will focus on nesting and colt survival, as well as movements and behaviors of juveniles and adults, particularly associated with the release of captive-reared chicks into the wild. In addition, interns will assist in deploying trail cameras on the breeding grounds to monitor potential predators of crane chicks. There will also be opportunities to capture Whooping Cranes for banding and transmitter replacement as well as sampling environmental contaminants. Radio tracking of free-ranging Whooping Cranes will be required mainly in the central/southeastern part of the state; however, travel into other states may also be necessary. Current Sandhill Crane projects include capture and banding adult and juvenile cranes within the study area, observations of colored banded individuals within a wild population to assess productivity, habitat use and breeding pair dynamics.
Other responsibilities include developing and presenting an independent research project, data entry and ecosystem restoration work (prescribed burns, seed collection and invasive species control) on the International Crane Foundation’s site. Opportunities may also be available for volunteering for the conservation education and aviculture staff at the foundation.
In addition, we will be conducting a specific project during 2022 and are seeking applicants with interest in wildlife health and environmental contaminants.
Duration and Salary: March 1 – November 30, 2022, $800/month, plus housing at our International Guest House.
Qualifications: B.S. or B.A. in biology or related field. Previous fieldwork and radio telemetry experience is preferred but not required. Tolerance is needed for working in difficult conditions and long field days (before sunrise to after sunset), often spent in vehicles. Individuals seeking graduate training are encouraged to apply. A valid driver’s license (U.S. or International) and an acceptable driving record are required. Written English and oral communication skills are necessary. All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the time they apply.
If selected, interns must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or request a religious or reasonable accommodation.
To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to: icfinternships@savingcranes.org. Please include “Crane Research Internship” in the subject line.
The International Crane Foundation is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion.
The International Crane Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
