Hiring Summer Ecology Intern at Mount St. Helens Volcano

POSITION: Seeking an ecology intern to assist with projects including long-term monitoring of small mammal and amphibian populations and assemblages on landscapes severely disturbed by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. This is an entry level position for students to gain ecological field skills. This position can potentially be used as undergraduate internship credit if suitable arrangement can be made between employer, college faculty, and student. 

REQUIREMENTS: Applicants should have relevant education or field experience in ecology or biology. Interest or experience with live-trapping and processing small mammals and pond-dwelling amphibians (e.g., measure, weigh, determine sex, age & reproductive status, and identify captured individuals to species-level) is preferred. Applicants must be physically fit and capable of hiking up to 8 miles each day through rugged, unstable terrain. Interns will be part of a larger research team camping throughout the season at well-equipped base camps. Government vehicles will be provided for transportation to study sites and trailheads. Valid state driver’s license is needed. Legible handwriting is required. 

DUTIES: Intern will receive training on sampling methods and assist a research team to obtain measurements for small mammals, amphibians, and their biophysical habitat features. Interns are required to take careful field notes, record field data accurately on data forms, maintain equipment, and assist in data entry. Interns will have the opportunity to assist with other projects including studies of fish, beavers, arthropods, New Zealand mud snails, and remote wildlife cameras. 

HOUSING: Government housing may be available for interns when they are not camping. 

SCHEDULE: Field season is May through September 2020, but the internship position will last 2-3 months with flexible start and end dates depending on intern’s academic calendar. Work week will be 40 hours, Monday through Friday. In some cases, this schedule may vary in order to accomplish project goals. 

PAY RATE: Daily stipend with potential for hourly rate if funding becomes available. 

HOW TO APPLY: Submit a single PDF document containing: a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three references to nferrari@mshinstitute.org by 18 February 2020. Please put “Mount St. Helens Ecology Intern” in the subject line. Positions will be filled when suitable applicants are found. 

ABOUT US: Mount St. Helens Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing understanding and stewardship of the Earth through science, education and exploration of volcanic landscapes. We work closely with the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument & Pacific Northwest Research Station staff on a regular basis and operate under US Forest Service special use permit.  

OUR COMMITMENT: The Mount St. Helens Institute fundamentally believes that its employees are a valuable source of ideas for improving operations and making the workplace more interesting and attractive. In order to do so, we ensure that all employees work in an environment free of discrimination. All candidates applying for this position will be reviewed without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran or marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. This institution is an equal opportunity provided.