Wildlife Ecology Apprenticeship 2018 (Columbus Zoo and Aquarium)
Internship
Not-Paid
Job Description: The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world, offering diverse training programs for early career professionals. Wildlife facilities include a Hellbender Conservation Center, American Burying Beetle breeding center, and the Conservation Science Training Center which includes a population genetic laboratory. The Wilds has nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mineland and remnant forest patches that present multiple opportunities for field research and restoration of wildlife populations. The Wildlife Ecology department has four focal priorities: Eastern Hellbender head-starting and conservation; American Burying Beetle reintroduction; Inventory and monitoring of wildlife across The Wilds; and Conservation genetics and environmental DNA for wildlife populations. Apprentices typically will focus on one of these areas, but will have opportunities to work across all of these priorities, and it is common for an apprentice project to incorporate more than one of these objectives. For instance, a representative day for an apprentice could include assisting with hellbender care in the morning, participating in a statistical training in the early afternoon, and doing a field survey in the late afternoon.
Apprentices do not receive monetary compensation; however the position allows participants to customize their apprenticeship to gain and enhance skills that will be most beneficial for their future careers, and is particularly well suited to prepare participants for graduate school or work in a conservation organization. Opportunities for school credit are available. On-site housing is available for $250/month.
Job Responsibilities:Apprentices gain hands-on experience, participate in wildlife and vegetation studies and receive field training on a variety of ecological studies in wetland, forest, stream & grassland habitats, typically beyond their specific research focus.
- Wildlife Typical tasks: Survey and monitoring for wildlife populations, habitat measurement, implementing habitat improvements and monitoring wildlife recovery, genetic analysis, population modeling, and report writing.
- Training: field methods (species identification, survey protocols, research methodology), laboratory methods (genetic techniques, microscope work), GPS & GIS applications / map making, biological monitoring and application of wildlife research techniques or land management and restoration techniques
- Apprentices are responsible for an independent scientific research project, and will communicate their findings to Columbus Zoo and Wilds employees at the end of their term.
To apply: To apply follow this link. When applying, please submit your resume with references and a cover letter. In order to upload all requested documents please attach the references to the cover letter. Please outline your interest in the position, what you would hope to gain from it and how your past experience makes you an ideal candidate. Please be sure to specify which focal priority or priorities you are most interested in. All apprenticeships at the Wilds are competitive and we value placing individuals in programs that suit their career goals.
