Steidinger Scholars Crocodilian Research and Management Internship

This opportunity is curated through the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network. Opportunities posted through the Network may not be affiliated with the Florida Museum or TESI, but are shared with UF undergraduate students who want to learn more about environmental research, education and outreach, and civic engagement.

Opportunity Provider

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Type of Position

Hourly rate of $15/hour.
Part-time opportunity (average 30hrs per week Monday to Thursday; shifting schedule for on-site training during days and surveys during evenings typically ending around 1-2AM)
Housing is not provided.
College credit is possible. Candidates are responsible for checking with your department advisor at your home institution.

Description

The Steidinger Scholars program was established in honor of Dr. Karen Steidinger, a world-renowned pioneering woman in harmful algal bloom research and a formative figure in the history of FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Dr. Steidinger’s career includes numerous significant contributions to dinoflagellate research, which have been acknowledged by her peers through the naming of the organism that causes red tides in Florida, Karenia brevis, after her.

The Steidinger Scholars program aims to inspire students to explore careers in fisheries and wildlife research through experiential learning. Mentored by FWRI scientists, future investigators work on a variety of projects that inform the protection, conservation, and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.

This opportunity is for a highly motivated individual to aid the FWC Crocodilian Research Team with nighttime spotlight alligator surveys. Surveys are conducted during the Spring and Summer field seasons, and interns will be required to travel around the state to different waterbodies (lakes, rivers, and man-made impoundments) to assist our wildlife biologists’ alligator surveys as data recorder from an airboat or outboard motored boat. During a typical survey night, interns would assist with prepping the vessel for launch, recording data correctly into a tablet form as the vessel operator gives alligator size and count data during the survey over the communications headset, and safely storing equipment after the surveys. A typical work week involves surveys Monday to Thursday nights, usually from around 7:30 PM until ~ 1 AM, excluding the drive back to the hotel or office. When not conducting surveys, participants will work towards earning their Florida boaters card, CPR & First Aid certification through the American Red Cross, and complete agency training for Watercraft & Trailering Safely. Interns will also assist with and learn about equipment maintenance and safety.

*This position often requires late nights a flexible schedule that is dependent on the changing weather and unpredictable field conditions, and a valid driver’s license.

Location: Gainesville, FL

Tasks: The primary responsibilities will be assisting with nighttime alligator surveys in the field, including but not limited to:

Travel to and conduct surveys in various freshwater bodies throughout the state
Record survey data 2-3 days per week
Prepare vessels for launch
Maintain and safely store equipment

Eligibility

All applicants must be a recent or expected high school graduate, or 1-2 year college student by the time of internship start. (Applicants at the Junior or beyond years of study, see other opportunities)
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Willingness to learn.
Good interpersonal and organizational skills.
Good written and oral communication.
A passion for and interest in science. Prior learning or experience is not required.
Must be eligible to work in the U.S. including having a valid social security card.

Women and students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates should:

Have an interest in Florida’s crocodilians, wetlands, and wildlife research and management
Hold a valid Driver’s License and clean driving record
Be comfortable working in remote locations at night, often in adverse conditions (high heat and humidity, flying and biting insects, or poor weather conditions should they arise)
Be comfortable lifting up to 50 lbs of gear or equipment
Be comfortable using a tablet to record data accurately as it is called out

Program Dates

May 1, 2024 – August 14, 2024

Application Due Date

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Application

Applicants must complete the application package and submit it to the intern coordinator, including:

A cover letter expressing interest in the specific opportunity being applied for; include:
1. Opportunity #,
2. why the position is of interest,
3. what you hope to gain from it,
4. why you feel you are a good candidate,
5. dates, days, and hours you are available to work,
6. your current year of study, and
7. the date you are available to start work.
Multiple applications are allowed but a separate application must be submitted for each opportunity of interest.
A letter of support from a past or current teacher of why you are a good candidate for the program (include contact information for this reference).
A resume that includes information on experience OR abilities including hobbies, interests, and recreational activities.

Please submit application items as an e-mail attachment to:
Interns@MyFWC.com. Indicate “Steidinger Scholars FWRI SS-SU24-06” in the subject line.

If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to:
Internship Coordinator “Steidinger Scholars”
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020

Website

Steidinger Scholars | FWC (myfwc.com)

Contact

Interns@MyFWC.com