Seabird Animal Care and Research Internship

There is an opening for a fall unpaid internship position at the U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, MD, starting in late August/Early September and continuing for the duration of the fall semester.  This internship involves assisting with  animal care and research at a captiv ecolony of sea ducks, diving ducks, and red-throated loons. 

Primary responsibilities include:

• assisting with daily care of birds and performing maintenance/cleaning tasks, 
• using behavioral training techniques to shape research behaviors, 
• doing behavioral observations, and 
• assisting researchers with study trials. 

In addition to the primary responsibilities listed, the intern may be asked to assist with other captive animal colonies including raptors, quail and cranes. 

The ideal applicant: will have experience working with animals, be interested in biological research, and be willing to work outside in all weather conditions. The internship is part-time during the work-week, and requires a minimum of six (6) hours a week. Course credit through the university may be possible with approval from your academic department. The applicant must provide their own transportation to the center.

These positions offer an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain animal care experience under the mentorship of both University of Maryland graduate students and U.S. Geological Survey researchers. Both students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. If you are interested, please send a resume and brief letter of interest to Kate McGrew at: kmcgrew@usgs.gov