Wildlife Services and Habitat Program Internship

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Think Wild – Wildlife Services and Habitat Program – Internship

Think Wild’s Wildlife Services and Humane Conflict Mitigation program is excited to offer  wildlife services internships in the spring, summer, and fall. The intern will assist the Wildlife Services Coordinator with a variety of hands-on learning projects, as well as the Beaver Works Program Manager with other habitat based education, outreach, and research based projects. The focal areas include learning how to build and implement habitat improvements and humane coexistence techniques, networking with the public about wildlife coexistence solutions, overseeing an office based data visualization and interpretation project, learning how to lead citizen science/interpretive nature events, as well as leadership skills in an environmental and biological setting.

Learning Outcomes

Throughout the duration of the internship, the candidate will:

• Learn hands-on conservation skills that can be implemented in a local backyard setting. This can include, but is not limited to: humane wildlife conflict mitigation techniques, humane biological pest control techniques, habitat enhancement in a rural/urban setting, nest box construction, raptor perch construction, as well as general problem solving and becoming proficient with hand and power tools as well as relevant light construction and restoration techniques
• Interview Wildlife Services program customers on experience & outcome – gain an understanding of data management, and solution effectiveness and small business dynamics/relations, culminating in a data science project at the end of the internship where the candidate will display coding, scientific analysis, project design and presentation skills
• Develop Wildlife Services curriculum – further practice data analysis as well as graphic design, educational, and presentation skills building slides for future presentations on the wildlife services programs to a variety of audiences
• Lead an interpretive nature walk – practice naturalist, oratory, teaching, leadership skills, and more
• Learn how to plan, organize, and lead volunteer based conservation work projects in conjunction with ongoing Beaver Works projects
• Develop website/social media content that effectively and accurately promotes the wildlife services program – further practicing science communication, research copyright, blog writing, graphic design, web design, public communication, research and fact checking

Qualifications

• Earning a degree in environmental studies, conservation, biology, natural resources, natural history, education, or a related field
• Must work well with staff, volunteers, interns, the general public, and as a member of a team
• Must be flexible and willing to adapt to a fast-paced work environment
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required
• Must present a signed Think Wild liability release waiver
• Knowledge and/or passion for learning about Oregon high desert wildlife and conservation
• Experience in rural or working lands communities is ideal but not required
• Interest or experience working in a physical setting, under varying weather conditions, occasionally traveling long distances to work sites, working at heights or in confined spaces, and with power and hand tools preferred but not required
• Reliable transportation required
• Car and valid driver’s license preferred but not required

EEO Policy

It is the policy of Think Wild to afford equal volunteer opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizen status, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state, or local law.

Interested in applying? 

We are currently hiring for this role. To apply,  please send a cover letter stating your interest, the focal areas to which you are eager to contribute, and your resume to Jacob Sandler, Wildlife Services Coordinator, at jacob@thinkwildco.org.

The winter internship (1) is from February – April, and the spring internship (1) is from May – July (start and end dates flexible).

Throughout the duration of the internship, the intern is responsible for three 8-hour shifts per week (280 hours total).  Please note, this is not a substitute for work, this is an unpaid position. Participants will receive a stipend of $1,000 to help cover living expenses during their internship. Free and/or discounted housing options are available to selected applicants upon request.