Great Gull Island Data Intern

The Nature Conservancy • New York, NY

4d • $17 - $21 • Remote

About The Position

What We Can Achieve Together: To be successful in our mission, The Nature Conservancy requires a strong scientific foundation for conservation actions. This requires using the best-available data to ensure that our conservation actions are both timely and maximally effective. However, it can be challenging to manage data across a variety of projects, platforms, and data types, and historical records are often difficult to access and use in decision-making. Within a learning environment, the undergraduate database intern will provide a novel and fresh perspective to the management of data from a globally important seabird sanctuary in New York. We are seeking purpose-driven interns to join us in transforming long-term data collection and storage to help maximize the value of the data for conservation decision-making We’re Looking for You: The intern will work remotely with the New York Oceans Team to help compile long-term monitoring records from Great Gull Island, New York into a database to further conservation work. Great Gull Island is one of New York’s most important seabird sanctuaries and the world’s largest breeding colony for the endangered Roseate Tern. Scientific data have been collected from this colony since the 1950s; however, data are currently stored across multiple platforms and formats, and older data sheets are stored only as digital images. The intern will use their background and expertise in data management and database design, as well as innovation and critical thinking, to create an intuitive, searchable data archive for the island that can be used to conduct analyses and develop conservation strategies. This will include building a database to house diverse records on seabird diets, productivity, and return rates; creating a user-friendly system that allows users to search, query, and analyze data and metadata (e.g., observer identity, hours of effort) and generate reports across multiple projects; and introducing new methods and best practices in data recording and maintenance into the day-to-day operations and work of Great Gull Island. This project will leverage the intern’s unique skillset in informatics to serve the conservation needs of a thriving research program for years to come.

Requirements

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate academic program for the duration of the internship.
• Located in New York, U.S.A. for the duration of the internship.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Experience using research tools and computer systems.
• Experience with data management, data archiving, database creation, and quality control.
• Experience supporting complex projects and strategic initiatives in an unstructured environment.

Nice To Haves

• A desire to grow in this role and tackle big challenges through a learning-by-doing approach.
• Willingness to work remotely and independently (with guidance) 35 hours per week from 12 weeks.
• Willingness to commute to any Nature Conservancy office in New York on an occasional or regular basis to connect with local TNC staff and interns.
• Ability to communicate accurately, transparently, and to apply feedback.
• Ability to use technology (Microsoft Suite, Zoom, etc.) for collaboration, or willingness and dedication to learn.
• True interest in bringing your expertise, unique background, and diversity of thinking to a conservation organization.
• Passion for science, conservation, change management, activism, leadership, creativity.
• A strong sense of ethical responsibility.

Responsibilities

• building a database to house diverse records on seabird diets, productivity, and return rates
• creating a user-friendly system that allows users to search, query, and analyze data and metadata (e.g., observer identity, hours of effort) and generate reports across multiple projects
• introducing new methods and best practices in data recording and maintenance into the day-to-day operations and work of Great Gull Island

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.
• Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
• We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees