Field Research Internship (Seasonal, Paid + Shared Housing)

Memphis Zoo • Memphis, TN

3d

About The Position

Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and energetic individual
for a Field Research Internship support the recovery of the federally Threatened
Louisiana pinesnake (LPS) by monitoring zoo-bred snakes in the wild using
radiotelemetry and camera trapping. The position is available to upper-level
undergraduate students and early post-college graduates. This internship offers
research experience in a zoo/field setting working with scientists conducting
cutting-edge and frontline research to save wildlife, and will provide valuable
training in field techniques, experimental design, and data analysis for many
professional careers in general biology, conservation, ecology, and veterinary
sciences.

The Field Research Internship will assist in improving the conservation and
reintroduction efforts of reptiles born in zoos. Interns will be expected to
work with a supervisor to monitor released zoo-bred Louisiana pinesnakes using
radio telemetry and camera-traps. This may include multiple extended stays (1–3
weeks up to 3 months) at the field station in the Kisatchie National Forest in
Louisiana, with intermittent return trips to Memphis Zoo. In addition to
tracking snakes, interns will assist with installing and maintaining an array of
camera traps on the landscape, collecting and process data, and maintaining and
organizing survey equipment. Interns may assist nearby collaborators with
deploying or maintaining their monitoring equipment or collecting samples. The
intern will be expected to operate and live with other interns and researchers
in a remote, field-based environment, and should be capable of maintaining a
positive and professional attitude in such environments. Additional
opportunities may be available to participate in educational outreach, and to
perform animal husbandry duties for Louisiana pinesnakes.

Requirements

• Upper-level undergraduate student or recent graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office or similar products, especially Excel and Word.
• 18 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with handheld GPS systems.
• Prior experience in field and laboratory research.
• Experience in one or more of the following: radio telemetry, wildlife tracking techniques, camera trap installation and maintenance, animal handling.
• Experience working both independently and as a group.
• Experience with handling and identifying reptiles.
• Experience identifying plants.

Responsibilities

• Radio track zoo-bred Louisiana pinesnakes snakes in Louisiana.
• Recapture released snakes 3–4 times throughout the summer to collect data.
• Install and maintain an assortment of camera traps in Kisatchie National Forest.
• Coordinate efforts with LPS Recovery partners, US Forest Service, and Zoo collaborators.

Benefits

• The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive employee perks package.
• Free housing may be provided in the Memphis Zoo’s condominium located 1.5 miles from the zoo.
• Field housing will be provided when on site in Louisiana.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees