Schaefer Research Internship

About the Position: 

Dr. Vincent and Lois Schaefer established the Schaefer Internship “to introduce students to the fascination and almost infinite variety of the natural world by providing the setting, exposure to dedicated scientists, and opportunity to sample a wide variety of nature study.” 

This internship is within the Conservation & Education department, specifically focused on Conservation Science, and is ~8-9 weeks (~June-August, flexible start date). 

Conservation & Education staff carry out a broad program of ecological research projects and educational programs including long-term studies on: 

• Climate
• Natural history of plants and animals 
• Water quality and limnology
• Phenology
• Breeding bird communities

Essential Functions:

The 2024 Schaefer Research Internship at the Daniel Smiley Research Center provides an opportunity to work with Preserve research staff, scientists, and land managers on:

• Salamander and Bird community assemblage within hemlock-northern hardwood forest
• Soil & Microclimate assessment
• Invasive species (insect and plant) surveys
• Assessing vegetation impact from white-tailed deer browse
• Detailed data collection & management

The selected intern will develop an individualized research project, complete a written report, and present their findings in an oral presentation at the end of the summer.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Students currently enrolled in their sophomore or junior years of college (or equivalent credit hours) who are majoring in Biology, Ecology, Geology, Environmental Studies/Science, or related natural science majors. 
• Must be able to provide personal gear for the day (rain gear, appropriate clothing, hiking boots).
• Capable (and enthusiastic!) to occasionally walk several miles in a given day carrying a backpack over uneven terrain in potentially adverse field conditions (biting insects, rain, heat, humidity, etc.)

Physical Demands:

• Frequently uses a computer keyboard, reads, writes 
• Frequently works outdoors
• Requires standing, walking, hiking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, carrying equipment
• Occasional events indoors or outdoors outside standard office hours and in other locations around the Preserve

Classification:

Full time (40 hours per week), Seasonal, Temporary 

Compensation: 

$15.00/hour for a maximum of 400 hours; on-site housing available

Location:

Mohonk Preserve’s main offices are located at our Visitor Center in Gardiner, NY. This position will be based out of the Preserve’s Daniel Smiley Research Center (DSRC) on the grounds of the Mohonk Mountain House resort. Mohonk Preserve offers hybrid work schedules at this time – coordinated with their supervisor and depending on the job, staff may be able to split time working remotely, as well as in the office and in-person on the land. Generally standard working hours, with some flexibility, to be coordinated with supervisor.

Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.

Benefits:

• Direct Payroll Deposit
• Mohonk Preserve membership for duration of internship
• Access to lands and some activities of Mohonk Mountain House resort

Eligibility for certain benefits is dependent upon a variety of factors including employment status.

How to Apply: 

Applications accepted via e-mail only. Email the following as a single pdf to research@mohonkpreserve.org  by Thursday, February 22, 2024:

1. A cover letter that clearly states your reasons for pursuing this internship and what you hope to gain toward achieving your career goals

2. Your current resume

3. Your current transcript (unofficial is OK)

• Include the applicant’s last name in the file name of your application. 
• Include “Schaefer Research Internship” in the subject line of your email. 
• Arrange to have two letters of recommendation emailed to research@mohonkpreserve.org by the application deadline. 
• Only on-time, complete applications, which includes reference letters, will be considered. 

  The anticipated start date of this position is early June 2024. No phone calls please

Additional Information:

More information about Mohonk Preserve can be found at https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/