Undergraduate internship for Summer 2021: Lake Ecology

The Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network (PLEON) seeks an undergraduate intern for Summer 2021.

The Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network, or PLEON, is a lake monitoring program based at Lacawac Sanctuary & Biological Field Station, a non-profit biological field station and environmental education center located in NE Pennsylvania. PLEON conducts routine lake monitoring, hosts public education workshops focused on promoting good lake stewardship, and runs a community-led water quality monitoring program on Pennsylvania’s 3rd largest lake, Lake Wallenpaupack.
PLEON seeks an undergraduate intern to assist with all aspects of the PLEON program. Interns will gain experience and training in:

•  Lake ecology and water quality sampling methodology
•  Quantitative laboratory analysis
•  Experimental design and scientific method
•  Laboratory and Field safety
•  Science communication and networking
•  Data and project management
•  Leadership and mentoring

We are looking for enthusiastic interns who work well with others, have excellent attitudes, and a record of academic achievement. Interns must be able to work independently as well as part of a team. Students working towards a degree in the natural sciences and/or an interest in aquatic ecology, conservation, management are encouraged to apply. Previous field or laboratory research experience in freshwater ecosystems is preferred.

Intern duties include conducting field sampling including temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and plankton on PLEON lakes, sample preservation, laboratory analysis including chlorophyll extractions and nutrient analysis, data manipulation and statistical analysis. The PLEON intern will lead the Lake Wallenpaupack Community-led Water Quality Monitoring program which includes assembling sampling kits, leading program trainings, processing citizen science samples, supervising and working with other interns, and analyzing data.

Interns can expect to work 20-30 hours/week including hours on most weekends, work outside in all weather conditions, and encounter wildlife common to Northeastern PA (mosquitoes, ticks, snakes, deer, black bears). Interns must be comfortable working in small row boats, hiking in temperate forests, and with physical labor. Lacawac is located in a remote, rural area with no public transportation, so interns are strongly encouraged to bring their own vehicle. Applicants must be US citizens or have permission to work in the US and have a valid driver’s license.

Interns receive a modest stipend and free housing at Lacawac Sanctuary. Bunk houses have shared living areas, bathroom, and kitchen and dorm-style bunk rooms.

The internship is from May 17th through August 13th, with negotiable start/stop dates. Internship details, including housing commitments, may be amended depending on local COVID-19 conditions, evolving Lacawac COVID policies, and local, state, and federal COVID guidelines and restrictions.

To apply, submit a completed application form (https://www.lacawac.org/internships.html), a letter of interest, resume, and unofficial transcripts via email to Dr. Beth Norman, Director of Science and Research (beth.norman@lacawac.org). Include “2021 PLEON Internship” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin February 22, 2021. For more information about Lacawac and PLEON, see our website: www.lacawac.org