Conservation Science Intern
We are seeking a collaborative, dynamic, and passionate entry-level conservation student or professional to join our team as a Conservation Science Intern. The primary responsibility of this position is to plan, coordinate, execute, and interpret results of a scientific survey on the topic of wildlife trafficking and guest perceptions.
The Living Desert hosts an interpretive museum experience to our guests about the challenges and opportunities of the wildlife trafficking crisis. The person in this role will majorly assist with execution of a study to determine how this exhibit may affect guest’s knowledge about trafficking, their attitudes toward the topic, and their inclinations to behave in ways that reduce wildlife trafficking. In other words, the study will assess the ability of the trafficking exhibit to effectively encourage people to act to support wildlife conservation by acting to reduce wildlife trafficking.
The Conservation Science Intern will work roughly 10-20 hours per week, over the course of a 2-3 month period. He/she/they will work closely with our Conservation Social Scientist to create and pursue personal goals and to learn and carry out the responsibilities of the position. Throughout the internship there will be opportunities to assist other Conservation team members with projects ranging from habitat construction, desert tortoise feeding and care, communication and conservation strategies, plant propagation and planting, and more.
Requirements*Duties and Responsibilities:
· Become familiar with the theoretical and practical background of conservation social science, interpretive environmental education, and wildlife trafficking.
· Coordinate and execute guest surveys; this may include working with volunteers from The Living Desert.
· Input & organize survey data in Excel.
· Majorly assist in analysis and interpretation of the survey results.
· Assist with the writing of a study report to share with our partner, the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
· Attend and participate in regularly scheduled department meetings.
· Always deal courteously and effectively with the public and to represent the organization at the highest standard of professionalism.
· Perform general research as necessary.
· Maintain a safe and clean working environment.
· Contributes to desert conservation through reduction of waste, water and energy use, and inspiring guests and team members to take conservation actions.
· Participate in other related responsibilities as necessary to accomplish department objectives.
· If desired, participate in other (unrelated) responsibilities of the Conservation Department or The Living Desert.
Desired Skills (not required):
· An eagerness to listen to, learn from, and collaborate with team members.
· Familiarity with the scientific process.
· Knowledgeable about wildlife trafficking, wildlife conservation, interpretive environmental education, social or conservation science, and/or public communication, to name a few areas of relevant focus.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
· Comfortable approaching and interacting with members of the public/guests at The Living Desert.
· Continuously seek process and performance improvement.
· Software literate in Microsoft Word and Excel.
· Possesses strong organizational skills.
· Ability to record observations intelligently and maintain accurate documentation.
· Ability to give and comprehend written and oral instructions, and to accurately carry out instructions.
· Ability to work with others in a team setting.
Required Qualifications: Must be enthusiastic with good communication skills. Must be a motivated self-starter who needs minimal supervision. Must have a passion for wildlife and natural resource conservation, social science, conservation science, interpretive education, museum science, AND/OR desert ecosystems.
Please submit your resume and one-page cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to Katie Shaw: kshaw@livingdesert.org
Students may enroll in a Work Experience course to receive college units for this opportunity. Please contact the Work Experience Office for complete details on how to enroll in the course 760.862.1344.