Summer Internship: Diversity in Field Conservation

This internship program is designed to provide learning opportunities and practical experience, while gaining valuable knowledge relating to a career in wildlife conservation. Working in the Conservation Department alongside the Utah Conservation Programs Supervisor and the Conservation Action Coordinator, this internship offers a hands-on opportunity to work in a conservation program in a zoological setting and aims to give applicants insight into the field of conservation biology with case study and practical experience within the conservation efforts of Utah’s Hogle Zoo.

Most field work will focus on amphibian conservation, with a focus on high elevation species, such as the boreal toad. Our aim is to conduct visual encounter surveys across the state to monitor populations, as well as; determine presence at sites historically known to be inhabited, identify breeding ponds and discover potential habitat for future reintroduction programs.

Other field work will include: restoration activities along the Jordan River, running a trail camera mammal survey project, including camera maintenance, photo sorting and animal identification, as well as helping with on grounds community science activities such as Caterpillars Count. Outreach activities will include staffing conservation tables at Zoo events and drafting social media posts highlighting the Zoos conservation work.

As is the nature of field work, do not expect a 9-5 Monday- Friday schedule. Multiple overnight trips are planned along with a few weekend trips, including Sundays. As an intern we expect you to be working 32-40 hours a week but we also understand your other commitments and will accommodate flexibility within reason.

 

This internship is based at Utah’s Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, but work will frequently take us all over the state of Utah. Transportation and food in the field will be provided. The Zoo will also provide all necessary field equipment (boots and camping gear). There is no housing provided with this internship.

 

For a conservation strategy to be effective it must be diverse and comprehensive in its nature. Often involving multiple stakeholders with differing values and ideas, without a cohesive and inclusive management plan conservation simply cannot be done. The field of conservation does not currently reflect the communal voice of those championing for it. Please see below for information on our Diversity in Conservation Scholarship.

·        Applicants must be currently enrolled in, or considered a recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate program (sophomore standing or above).

·        Internship open to all STEM majors.

·        Students must be in good academic standing (>2.5 GPA).

·        Applicants must be able to stand for at least 3 hours, safely lift 40lbs and be capable of hiking an incline (1000ft/mile).

·        Applicants must be comfortable driving a truck, camping together unsupervised, and be familiar with camp cooking

·        Applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and current tetanus vaccine as well as pass a drug test and background check.

·        Must be eligible to work in the United States.

·        Scholarship can only be awarded to individuals identifying as female, and all genders who are of one or more of the following ethnic minority classifications: African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Asian, Latino, Hispanic or Pacific Islander, as defined by The Beagle Conservation Scholarship.

 

COMPENSATION: This intern position is unpaid. Professional development opportunities will be available. Possible college credit is available for those able to receive it through their college/university. No housing is provided.