Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Conservation Internship (Paid)

Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Internship 

Interns receive housing and a monthly stipend of $1,920 (before taxes) 

Fall Term: September 11, 2024 – March 8, 2025 

Apply Now: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/594518419  

Passionate about Passerines? Join our flock! 

The Florida grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) is one of the most endangered birds in North America. Since 2019, White Oak has bred and released over 1,000 sparrows. White Oak’s minimal handling management model has led to sparrows that survive post-release and thrive, breeding and continuing future generations in the wild. This recovery program has robust partnerships with multiple organizations, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Interns experience this exciting conservation program first-hand at White Oak, working side-by-side with skilled staff. Focusing on ex-situ animal care, interns work with sparrows through breeding seasons and winters at White Oak, maintaining habitats, completing daily care needs and conducting observations. While interns will have exposure to field team members and wildlife biologists during their internship, interns are not guaranteed the opportunity to observe the in-situ aspects of the program that are managed by our partner organizations. 

The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Conservation Internship requires a high degree of flexibility and a commitment to the assigned schedule and duties of the program. We are proud to have graduates who now work in field crews, zoological facilities, or who have pursued higher education in graduate programs focused on conservation. 

Interns can learn a variety of skills, including: 

• Diet preparation, insect management, feeding, and cleaning
• Bird introductions and management
• Observation skills and knowledge of sparrow behavior, including identifying vocalizations and tracking individual birds by colored band
• Safe avian capture, hand restraint, and transportation
• Habitat maintenance including landscaping and fabrication
• Research skills including sample collection, camera trapping, video monitoring, rigorous daily data management, and reporting
• General reintroduction techniques including pre-release conditioning
• Artificial incubation and hatching (Summer only)
• Egg management and candling (Summer only)
• Hand-rearing passerines as needed (Summer only)
• Non-chemical fire ant control methods (Winter only)
• Prescribed fire techniques and participation (Winter only)

Eligibility Requirements 

Applicants must meet all requirements and submit an online application including all required materials to be considered. 

• Previous avian experience required, passerine handling and mist-netting experience preferred
• Keen eyesight to identify small birds and bands from a distance
• Good hearing ability to differentiate soft/quiet sounds and calls
• Hold a valid driver’s license and health insurance
• Able to pass a drug test upon starting
• Legally able to work in the United States (US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold an Employment Authorization Document)
• Able to work well independently and in a team environment
• Able to work evenings, weekends and holidays
• Experienced and comfortable working outside in high heat and humidity
• Strong attention to detail and data management skills
• High drive to learn, take on challenges, and stay motivated
• Be flexible to changing environments, priorities, or animal care needs
• Able to lift 50 lbs. repetitively, and remain standing, walking or crouched over for long periods of time
• Able to work 40 hours per week for the duration of the internship

Living at White Oak 

Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Interns receive free housing during the internship. Housing is not available for any spouses/partners/dependents or pets. Housing includes all basic furniture, linens, and kitchen supplies including cookware, flatware, and dishes. Interns may have a roommate of the same gender.