2013 Summer Internships
Orientation to Restoration Ecology
Duration:
May 20 - August 9, 2013
Location:
Madison Audubon Society’s Faville Grove Sanctuary
(40 minutes east of Madison)
Closing Date:
February 25, 2013
Compensation:
$10/hr, Students may also earn academic credit if arranged through their university.
Description:
As an intern in this supervised practical experience, you will spend the summer in the field where you will learn by doing a number of tasks in broad-scale landscape restoration and management, including work in prairie, savanna, woodland, and wetland habitats. The primary focus of activities is the control of invasive species, but some time will be spent on seed collecting and endangered species monitoring. The internship will give you the opportunity to become familiar with both native and alien plants and to learn about their life cycles and ecological requirements; to observe what natural conditions and processes have been altered in a landscape; and to gain an understanding of restoration and management goals and objectives. Interns work in small groups at sites within 30 miles of Madison. Two teams will be hired for the summer of 2013: one to work at Madison Audubon’s Faville Grove Sanctuary east of Madison, and one to work at several sites north and west of Madison. Applicants will be considered for both teams unless otherwise requested.
Qualifications:
Applicants must be continuing students or accepted for enrollment as undergraduates or special students at a University of Wisconsin System institution. All applicants must be able to perform sustained physical work outdoors and tolerate a variety of inclement conditions such as rain, heat, and biting insects. Strong work ethic and an interest in environmental studies.
Other:
Interns are responsible for their travel, housing, and other living expenses, and are encouraged to carpool between home and worksites. Sturdy work boots, gloves and clothing, as well as sun, rain and insect protection are required. All tools will be provided.
How to Apply:
Application deadline to ensure consideration is February 25, 2013. Later applications may be considered.
Apply by e-mail. Please attach a single file that includes a cover letter describing your interests and background, including any relevant coursework, followed by your resume. Begin the file name with your last name.
Madison Audubon Society, Inc.
E-mail: johnmaudubon@yahoo.com
Phone: (608) 327-0129
2008 Interns from left to right Maggie Wagner, Mitch Levenhagen, and Nick Sievert battle wild parsnips, one of the nastiests weeds the interns help to eradicate.
Comments from Former Interns:
"...I wanted to thank you again for the awesome intern experience this summer. The summer was loads of fun and tons of learning. All the knowledge I have gained about species and prairie and woodland ecosystems is unbelievable. I can already see the difference between other classmates and myself. The thing is, the more I learn, the more I find there is to be learned. I just can't express how much this past summer has meant to me and how far ahead it has put me. I thought I had a good connection to the land, but as you answered my question in our interview, I have come out of this job with an even greater appreciation. Being able to make the connection from classes to real life work is so valuable."
-2009 Intern
"Summer in the Sanctuary" Sept 2009 newsletter article by 2009 intern John Pinzl
"Summer internships: Making a difference" Dec 2008 newsletter article
A productive morning of collecting spiderwort seeds at buddy's prairie has the crew feeling good.
"...that summer in the prairie changed my perspective on a lot of things. I knew at the end of it that I had grown quite a bit, and felt a little less lost in the world. I had always thought that I needed to escape Wisconsin and get out on my own; while I still do need to go explore for a while, I realized how much this state, this place, these people, and this heritage suits me and how proud I am of it. Hardly a day goes by when I don't reflect on this. Thank you. For so many things. For allowing me the experiences of pulling weeds on a 95 degree humid day with no shade, getting burns from wild parsnips, clipping more aspens than I care to count, and bonding with the people next to me. Though it was a less than desirable situation at times, I will forever be thankful for the lessons I learned that summer."
