Benefits:

Gratis Lodging, on-site

Paid Holidays

Weekly Stipend

Research Internships in Range Management on Subtropical Grazinglands and Wetlands at Archbold Biological Station (Florida)

Position Overview: The Agroecology program at Archbold Biological Station’s Buck Island Ranch (BIR) is seeking an intern (6 months) to assist with range management research on our 10,500-acre cattle ranch in south-central Florida (Buck Island Ranch). The Ranch is part of the Long-term agroecosystem network (LTAR), as well as DRAGnet and NutNET networks.

The research intern will be supervised by Dr. Betsey (Elizabeth) Boughton & Dr. Grégory Sonnier in a diverse and fun lab.

This position is ideal for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in applied ecology, wetland ecology, rangeland ecology or students who contemplate non-academic positions such as Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Main Responsibilities:

Intern will assist with a new project on the effect of different grazing intensities on wetland ecosystem services, and how new virtual fencing technology can be used to conserve seasonal wetlands in Florida. Duties will include a combination of field and lab work encompassing plant biomass collection and plant community surveys (in wetlands and/or grasslands), soil sampling, water sampling, and groundwater well monitoring. Interns will work on a variety of other projects, including greenhouse gas monitoring, precipitation manipulation to simulate the effects of climate change, and nutrient removal experiment. Interns also develop their own independent project and will be trained in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice, experimental design, and statistical analysis to oral and written presentations.

Location: The position is located at Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch, in Lake Placid, FL, a full-scale working cattle ranch at BIR, which provides a unique platform for long-term agroecology research.

Required qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, ecology, or related field; basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel).

Candidate must have authorization for US employment.

Candidate must be enthusiastic about living and working in a rural field-station setting.

Possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred qualifications: Detail-oriented with respect to following sampling protocols and managing data. Own transportation for personal activities is preferred.

Anticipated start date: September-October 2024

Deadline to apply: August 30th, 2024, applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received.

Applicants should include:

1. a letter of application

2. a resume or CV with relevant coursework and experience

Contact Dr. Sonnier via e-mail for more information (gsonnier@archbold-station.org).

Archbold Expeditions Internship Program:

The Archbold internship offers comprehensive training similar to that provided in educational institutions, including hands-on laboratory and field research experiences. It is directly tied to the intern's formal education program and integrates coursework or academic credit. The schedule of the internship is designed to align with the academic calendar, accommodating the intern's academic commitments. Internship duration is limited to the period in which the intern receives valuable learning experiences. The intern's role is intended to complement the work of paid employees while providing significant educational benefits. It is mutually understood that the internship does not guarantee a paid job upon completion, and there is no expectation of compensation. Any indication of compensation would imply an employer-employee relationship.