Zumwalt Ecolgical Science Intern

Conservation of the last large relic of Pacific Northwest Bunchgrass Prairie relies on sound science. The Nature Conservancy conducts a variety of ecological research, monitoring and inventory projects aimed at improving the viability of species, improving the condition of ecosystems, and abating factors which threaten them. The science intern would contribute to these efforts by working with Conservancy staff and volunteers on existing science projects.

The intern will assist Conservancy staff with a variety of vegetation inventory, monitoring, and research projects in support of The Nature Conservancy’s conservation efforts on the Zumwalt Prairie. Working with land managers and science staff, the intern will learn about the uncertainties inherent in on-the-ground conservation and how science is used to answer critical questions. The intern will learn a variety of field ecology methodologies, such as quadrat sampling and line-point intercept cover estimation. In addition, the intern will further develop his/her science and technical skills by developing and implementing an independent project with assistance from Conservancy science staff. The intern’s work will directly support the conservation of Spalding’s catchfly (Silene spladingii), Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus), and ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) and ecosystems on which they depend.

Responsibilities include:

• Become familiar with terrain, vegetation, and ecology and conservation issues of the Zumwalt Prairie.
• Learn basic botany and field ecology skills.
• Learn about the current technologies used in conservation science, including: GIS technologies, global positional systems and data management and analysis software.
• Work as part of a team conducting a variety of research and monitoring projects in the field. These include: plant inventory and collection, mapping weeds, monitoring of plant communities, rare plants and plant phenology.
• Conduct an independent project in collaboration with Conservancy science and stewardship staff.