Overview

Wildlands Network is a nonprofit conservation organization that is committed to reconnecting, restoring and rewilding North America so that life—in all its diversity—can thrive. We have staff in the United States and Mexico working with NGO partners, landowners, elected officials and government agencies to protect, maintain and restore wildlife habitat and movement corridors. Wildlands Network is committed to recruiting, training and retaining talented diverse and creative staff who are passionate about fulfilling our mission.

Position Description

Wildlands Network has been using a variety of science-based approaches to study wildlife conservation across North America since 1991. These different approaches, including camera trapping, GPS tracking, roadkill surveys, connectivity models, and the like generate large amounts of data that are only useful if they have been properly entered and analyzed. With several large field projects underway now and more in the works, we seek to hire a spring science intern to provide data management support for our work around the continent.

Principal responsibilities for the term-limited position will include processing camera trap data (entering data into spreadsheets/databases, choosing favorite images and video, backing data up, analyzing data), organizing and analyzing animal census data (such as bird point counts) collected via other techniques, conducting targeted science literature searches (and collating relevant papers into accessible libraries and annotated bibliographies), and assisting the Chief Scientist with researching the latest scientific tools and approaches. The science analyst will also participate in fieldwork/data acquisition for local projects in North Carolina.

The science analyst will be based at our Durham, North Carolina office and, apart from any travel for field work or pandemic-related shutdowns, will be expected to work primarily in the office. The position will pay $15/hour, with an expectation of 40 hours of work/week. The science intern will be supervised by the Chief Scientist, also based in Durham. The position will run from January 31 to April 29, with an unpaid week of vacation March 21-25 (12 weeks total).

Desired Qualifications

• Undergraduate science degree in wildlife biology, zoology, biology, forestry, environmental science, or closely related field.
• Familiarity with Windows-based computing, and experience with Microsoft Word and Excel (or the Google/Mac equivalents).
• Strong organizational skills, and a commitment to reliable, accurate, and efficient handling of scientific data.
• Energetic self-starter, willing to work hard independently with (at times) minimal supervision.
• Some experience with identifying wildlife (training will be provided) and enthusiasm for quickly learning to identify additional wildlife species across the continent. Interest in conducting fieldwork in sometimes remote, rugged, and humid conditions.
• Strong curiosity about scientific approaches to wildlife conservation, and eagerness to learn more about this developing field.
• Positive attitude and a respectful, courteous approach to interacting with colleagues, along with a decent sense of humor.