Ecological Monitoring Intern

Stone Barns Center•Tarrytown, NY

7h•Onsite

About The Position

This is an opportunity for an individual currently studying Environmental Science, Biology, or a similar field who are interested in participating in and supporting an extensive ArcGIS-based ecological monitoring program on a diversified working farm, primarily on pastures grazed by cattle, goats, and chickens. As an Intern, your work will help build an understanding of how decisions affect the health of the soil, water quality, plants, and biotic communities we steward. Findings will inform creative solutions to food system issues and how our food choices can impact the land. Working under a variety of field conditions (e.g. sun, heat, insects, rain, and dense vegetation), you will work as part of a team to collect soil and water quality samples from across the farm landscape. You will use a diverse array of tools to measure water quality characteristics at 14 stations spread across the farm and surrounding Park Preserve, and physically extract soil samples from transects and experimental plots. This position will also include a laboratory component: processing, measuring, and analyzing the soil samples and preparing them for archiving or further analysis. While soil and water sampling will be your primary focus, all interns will be expected to work collaboratively to achieve the overall goals of the monitoring program. This individual will gain a deep understanding of how ecological data is used in conjunction with various areas of focus on the farm through collaboration and scheduled check-ins with Stone Barns Center leaders and other interns. This cross-departmental opportunity will allow the individual to obtain valuable professional work experience, knowledge and skills.

Nice To Haves

Committed to exploring the intersection between food and farming culture
Able to follow a research project through to the end and to integrate feedback from collaborators and organizational leaders throughout the process
Interested in learning to use GIS and basic database software for data entry and basic analysis
Able to work effectively in a variety of environmental conditions (heat, rain, insects, etc.)
Pursuing studies in Environmental Science, Biology, or related field, with a preference for a strong background in soil science and/or ecology
Interested in a solution-oriented approach
Able to work independently and as a part of an academic pod
Effective in verbal, written and interpersonal communications; able to communicate clearly with various personnel to share/gather information
Experienced with field work, sample collection, and data organization/entry

Responsibilities

Participate in the analysis of Quick Carbon soil samples in the lab
Assist team in collecting a variety of soil health samples and data across the farm environment
Conduct laboratory soil measurements
Assist in performing water quality tests at key sampling points in the Stone Barns watershed
Enter data into an ArcGIS-based database system and store samples in accordance with protocols developed with the ecological monitoring team
Assist with presentation of information to the team and stakeholders in verbal/written format
Participate occasionally in pastured livestock activities with the Livestock team
Other ecological monitoring projects and assignments as needed