Virginia Dept of Wildlife Resources
Virginia
2022-02-19
Coastal Waterbird Summer Internship #covainternships
$14 an hour
This is a great opportunity for a rising college junior or higher, who has a demonstrated interest in developing a strong understanding of the ecology, conservation and management of nongame waterbirds, to work with Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) professionals who share the same passion. The DWR is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are leading wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature.
DWR values Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by striving to become a workforce that is reflective of the population it serves and recognized as the “employer of choice for all” in state government for recruiting, retaining, and sustaining a ready, diverse, and highly-skilled workforce. We will ensure that policies and practices support an inclusive culture, not only in a manner that complies with all applicable laws, but also fosters an environment in which every individual has the opportunity to prosper and contribute to the mission of the agency.
The successful incumbent will travel by boat daily with DWR biologists to undeveloped barrier islands and marshes on Virginia’s Eastern Shore to survey and monitor breeding populations of federally threatened piping plovers, state threatened Wilson’s plovers, American oystercatchers and colonial nesting waterbirds. Duties will include plover, oystercatcher, tern and black skimmer breeding surveys, nest searches, behavioral observations, nest/brood monitoring, predator track monitoring, data entry and some public outreach. It will be common for the positions incumbent to be expected to walk up to 10 miles per day over difficult terrain, carry equipment up to 30 lbs. in weight, and/or be subjected to biting insects under extreme temperatures. The successful applicant may have the opportunity to participate in other cooperating agency studies such as marine mammal and sea turtle stranding data collection and seabird nest management activities at various urban locations in the Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads area. The 12-week internship is from May 23, 2022 thru August 12, 2022 and will require the incumbent to work flexible hours totaling 30 – 40 hours per work week on average, including some weekends.
Opportunities for Professional Development
Intern will have the opportunity to learn how to conduct breeding shorebird, seabird and marshbird surveys on remote coastal islands and marshes and in urban habitats;- Become proficient in monitoring piping plover, Wilson’s plover and American oystercatcher breeding productivity in remote coastal habitats; and
- Work alongside DWR biologists who will provide hands-on mentoring, regarding the understanding of the ecology, conservation and management of nongame waterbirds;
- Learn boat launching, driving and navigational skills; and
- Network with other DWR Interns and learn from shared summer work experiences.
Minimum Qualifications
- Applicant must be at least 18 years of age and be enrolled as a college undergraduate junior or higher, for the fall 2022 semester;
- Must currently be authorized to work in the United states, per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements (www.uscis.gov/I-9);
- Minimum GPA of 2.8 and be able to provide official college/university documentation of current GPA;
- Have a valid driver’s license;
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel);
- Able to work independently, while following supervisor’s instructions and guidance; and
- Good oral and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Student working towards a undergraduate or graduate degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or related field;
- Background in ornithology or general biology;
- Prior field data collection experience;
- GIS experience;
- Experience working with mobile data collection platforms; and
- DWR Safe Boating Certificate
Special Requirements
The successful applicant will be required to earn a DWR Safe Boating Certificate prior to the start date. To find a DWR certified safe boating class near you, go to https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/education/requirement/steps-to-requirement/. Online and classroom options are available.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Cover Letters will not be accepted.
Applicants who submit an incomplete application or an application without an attached resume will not be considered eligible for an interview.
For consideration, a completed application or an application with an attached resume must be received online by 11:59PM on the “Job Close Date”.
Faxed, Emailed, and Mailed applications will not be accepted for consideration.
The Department of Wildlife Resources is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity in the workforce.
All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard for race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics or disability.
Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities, if requested, during the application and/or interview process. If accommodations are needed with the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 804-367-0243.
This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application.
The Department of Wildlife Resources is a proud member of Virginia Values Veterans program.
Applicants who submit an incomplete application or an application without an attached resume will not be considered eligible for an interview.
For consideration, a completed application or an application with an attached resume must be received online by 11:59PM on the “Job Close Date”.
Faxed, Emailed, and Mailed applications will not be accepted for consideration.
The Department of Wildlife Resources is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity in the workforce.
All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard for race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics or disability.
Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities, if requested, during the application and/or interview process. If accommodations are needed with the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 804-367-0243.
This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application.
The Department of Wildlife Resources is a proud member of Virginia Values Veterans program.
Name
Human Resources
Phone
Fax
Email
humanresources@dwr.virginia.gov
Address