Highstead

Highstead, a regional land conservation and ecological research center, is accepting applications for one field ecology intern in the spring/summer of 2019 to assist with two forest research projects. These projects include (1) a comparative monitoring study of wildland forest (forest in which no logging is permitted) with nearby woodland forests (forest in which resource extraction including logging is permitted) in Connecticut and southern Massachusetts; and (2) a long-term study of moose and deer impacts on forest structure and composition using fenced exclosures in central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. Duties will include (a) some on and off-trail hiking to access field sites; (b) setting up forest plots, (c) measuring and identifying trees, shrubs, and herbs (d) entering data into spreadsheets and databases; (e) limited data analysis and presentation of results.

Time permitting and on rainy days, additional projects may include downloading and entering wildlife camera pictures into a database and writing short informational posts to accompany natural history photos that would be posted on the Highstead website. The 11-week internship will culminate with a 15-20-minute final presentation to the Highstead staff. The internship will be based in Redding, CT, but will include frequent travel to field sites in other parts of southern New England, including overnight stays at the Harvard Forest in central Massachusetts.

Qualifications:

Undergraduate or recent graduate in ecology, forest science, botany, or related field. The ideal candidate will be (1) energetic and enthusiastic and someone who thrives in the field under a variety of challenging conditions (ticks, heat, mosquitoes, thorns); (2) have experience identifying New England flora (trees, shrubs, and herbs); (3) be very detail-oriented and organized; (4) be willing to travel to field sites in southern and central New England; (5) comfortable with datasets and spreadsheets; (6) comfortable working closely with 1 or 2 other people for long hours. A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle is required.

Supervision:

The intern will be supervised primarily by Highstead’s senior ecologist, but will interact and receive guidance from other Highstead staff, including Highstead’s communication manager, as well as researchers at the Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

Position Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Friday, August 8, 2019

Stipend: $6,500.00 and free, furnished housing.

Website: http://www.highstead.net

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume (with relevant experience and contact information for three references) to [email protected]; reference Ecology Intern Application as the email subject. Please submit one PDF document containing all application materials. Accepting applications immediately. Review of applicants will begin in late-February and continue until position is filled in March.

—

Jody Cologgi
Highstead
127 Lonetown Road
Redding, CT  06875
(203) 938-8809
[email protected]