The Institute for Bird Populations offers MAPS bird-banding field biologist positions and internships at various locations throughout the United States (Google Earth required). Interns will receive first-class intensive training and experience in handling, identifying, sexing, aging, and banding wild birds. This invaluable experience in field data collection and recording may satisfy class requirements (ask your counselor) and build impressive resumes. Make your summer interesting and make new friends.
- Learn to identify birds by sight and sound
- Contribute to continent-wide bird conservation efforts
- Develop bird-banding and field data collection skills that will look great on your resume
- Spend your summer outdoors in beautiful places
INTERNSHIPS (2010): We seek motivated, enthusiastic volunteers in good physical condition with a strong desire to learn more about birds and natural history. All successful applicants are expected to face the rigors and unpredictability of field conditions with good humor and flexibility. Prior banding experience or a background in wildlife biology or a closely related field is a plus, but not necessary because all internships include an intensive, two week training course in mist-netting, and the identification, handling, banding, and ageing and sexing of landbirds. In addition, interns receive individual training in these techniques throughout the field season. Join this continent-wide, long-term effort to track demographic variation in North American landbird populations ( www.birdpop.org ). MAPS data from this network of stations are analyzed to quantify the impacts of land management practices on bird populations, and to identify relationships between annual demographics and variation in climate and seasonal weather. The ultimate goal of these investigations is to provide landbird conservation recommendations with considerations of habitat management, migratory behavior, weather patterns, and climate change. Positions are available in the Northwest region (12 total in Oregon and Washington), the Western Midwest/Texas region (8 total in Missouri and Texas), the Eastern Midwest/East region (11 total in Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, and West Virginia), and Yosemite National Park (2 in California). Interns are accepted into a given region and, after training, are assigned to a specific location within that region. Internships begin 1 May (23 April for Midwest/TX) and run through 8 August (some flexibility is possible with start dates). Applicants with reliable field vehicles are especially needed (trucks/SUVs not required) but positions are available for some applicants without vehicles. Mileage will be reimbursed at the rate of $0.35/mile for project-related use. Shared housing and a per diem of $22 - $30 (depending on location) for food and incidental expenses, amounting to $1,848 - $2,700 for the season, are provided. Interns are expected to spend a minimum of 6 of every 10 days in the field, contingent upon daily weather conditions and logistical considerations. Interested applicants should send via email (preferred) or U.S. mail a resume, cover letter, contact information for at least 2 references (including email addresses), and must complete and submit the MAPS Internship Application Form. This form and further information can be found on our website, www.birdpop.org, or contact MARY CHAMBERS, The Institute for Bird Populations, PO Box 1346, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956. FAX 415-663-9482, PH 415-663-1436, EMAIL: mchambers@birdpop.org