Adirondack Loon Conservation Internship

Loon Conservation Intern – Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation & SUNY ESF

Supervisors: Dr. Nina Schoch, ACLC; Natasha Karniski-Keglovits, SUNY ESF

Number of positions requested: 2

Website: www.adkloon.org; https://www.esf.edu/newcomb

Position Description:

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is a scientific and educational nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring passion for the conservation of Common Loons. We conduct research on the status and health of the Adirondack loon population, its nesting success, and threats to loon populations and their habitats.

SUNY ESF Adirondack Ecological Center is a 15,000 acre research station in the central Adirondack Mountains of New York.  The AEC supports year-round scientific discovery, teaching and public engagement.  Our mission is to understand the Adirondack ecosystem through research and education.

The ACLC internship is a conservation outreach position with some field science and monitoring duties. Interns will gain experience with developing and facilitating environmental programs and loon-related outreach and conservation initiatives, as well as some data collection and entry, monitoring wildlife, and understanding loon behavior.

Overview of Projects:

• The Lead Tackle Buy-Back Programseeks to reduce Common Loon mortalities from lead poisoning resulting from the ingestion of lead fishing tackle by incentivizing anglers to make the switch from toxic lead fishing tackle to non-toxic alternatives. Educating the public about the threat that lead tackle poses to loons and other wildlife is a major focus of the program. Working closely with ACLC’s Education staff, the B-120 Intern will help to facilitate all aspects of the program, including recruiting new participating tackle shops, communications with tackle shops, program promotion, outreach at fishing-related events, and partnership building.
• The Loon-Friendly Lake Certification Program(LFLCP) is a collaboration with Adirondack lake associations to promote community-based environmental stewardship to better protect loons and their aquatic habitats. The B-120 Intern will network with participating lake associations to provide guidance in activities to improve Adirondack lake habitats for loons and other wildlife.
• Fishing Line Recycling Program:the B-120 intern will help promote this program, regularly communicate with fishing line recycling container monitors, and seek new organizations and individuals to monitor a container.
• Loon Nest Site Protection: the B-120 intern will monitor loon nest sites 1-2 days/week on assigned lakes to determine if signage or artificial nest rafts should be placed and to monitor the nesting success of the loons on those lakes. The intern will also assist ACLC’s Biologist in the placement of nest rafts and signage on selected lakes.
• Loon Rescues: the B-120 intern will receive training in loon rescues and opportunistically assist with loon rescues.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assist supervising staff in recruiting new participating lead tackle buy-back retail locations
• Maintain communications with participating tackle shops and organizations through in-person visits, phone calls, and/or email
• Assist with promotion of Lead Buyback, LFLCP, and Fishing Line Recycling programs
• Solicit partnerships with local lake associations, fish and game clubs, transfer stations, and Scout troops to provide additional opportunities for responsible lead tackle and fishing line disposal
• Assist with presentation and/or tabling events related to the Lead Buyback, LFLCP, and other ACLC projects
• Attend fishing-related events such as fishing derbies to spread awareness of Lead Tackle Buyback and Fishing Line Recycling Programs
• Other Lead Tackle Buyback-related activities as directed
• Attend loon rescue training and assist with loon rescues as needed
• Monitor Tupper Lake (southern end) and Lake Eaton for nest raft suitability (i.e., kayak the lakes while monitoring nest habitat and loon behavior on the lake).

Candidate Requirements: This is a public-facing position that requires strong interpersonal skills. The position requires an individual who is driven, outgoing, engaging, organized, and passionate about wildlife and conservation. Because this position requires travel to locations throughout the eastern Adirondacks, a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation is a must. Experience with or knowledge of fishing and ability to swim and paddle a kayak is preferred. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word is recommended. Mileage for travel to and from field sites will be reimbursed, and food and lodging (a $5,000 value) will be provided.

Details:

• Interns will live and work out of ESF’s Newcomb Campus
• Focus on locations in the central Adirondack region
• Intern supervisor is Natasha Karniski-Keglovits of ESF’s Adirondack Ecological Center
• Coordinating the program is Dr. Nina Schoch, DVM, and Griffin Archambault, ACLC biologist
• The internship runs for 12 weeks in summer (40 hrs/week)
• Regular weekend and occasional night work is required
• Approximately late May through August
• The internship is not a paid position, but covers full summer food and housing
  • Students will be provided room and board – a $5,000 value
  • Vegetarian, vegan and other meal choices are available
• Interns need their own transportation for the summer.  Carpooling may be an option.
• Information on the Newcomb Campus and Adirondack Ecological Center: esf.edu/newcomb

Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Natasha Karniski-Keglovits (nlkarnis@esf.edu).