Region 4: Atlanta, GA (States Served: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)
Location: Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge, 5000 Wildlife Dr. NE, Townsend, GA 31331
Housing: Provided by the Refuge
Start Date: Beginning between March 1st -15th, 2016
Title: Fellow (Wildlife)/ DFP16R4NWR02
Project Description: wildlife biology, ornithology, waterbird monitoring, endangered species;
The Fellow will survey wood storks in at least five nesting colonies in southeast Georgia and northeast Florida, quantifying the overall survey effort in accurately re-sighting color-banded birds and developing cost-effective survey protocols. In a technical report, the Fellow will consolidate all wood stork banding data for Georgia, identifying the origins of banded birds. Wood storks were listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act in 1984 and have recovered to threatened status today. This project is supporting the full recovery of the species by improving our knowledge of the expanding population and how storks can be most effectively surveyed and monitored. Wood storks are considered a species of highest priority in the South Atlantic Migratory Bird Initiative and have been identified by the South Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative as a surrogate species.
Minimum Education Level and Major Requirement Required:
Undergraduate rising senior completing a degree in natural resource management, wildlife biology, ecology, or environmental science.
Key Requirements:
Excellent bird identification skills
Skills in solving issues with equipment in the field
Skills in verbal and written communication
Ability to read maps and operate GPS devices for navigation.
Desired Skills/Experience:
Strong background working with state and federal natural resource agencies
Ability to communicate with private landowners, federal and state biologists, academic scientists and law enforcement.
Familiarity with state and federal regulations
ATV/UTV Training Course; Experience working with small boats and engines, including canoes; Motorboat Operators Certification Course; and experience with trailering equipment
Ability to lift objects weighing more than 50 lbs.