The Fire Ecology Program seeks to provide field and laboratory experience for college students and recent graduates in the areas of plant ecology, ecosystem ecology, and fire ecology. Our research focus includes effects of fire regime on plant communities, soil chemistry and carbon sequestration, long-term pine and hardwood forest dynamics, and natural history of the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain and Red Hills Region.

Duties:

Most internships last 8-16 weeks and are largely fieldwork based but include some lab and computer work. Specific activities vary from year to year.

Summer interns: (May-August): Summer interns are usually focused on fieldwork in pine savannas with emphasis on identifying, measuring, and collecting plants to characterize changes in vegetation in response to fire regime or land-use history. Summer interns also often help conduct prescribed burns. Fall interns (October-December): We hire fall interns focused on measuring trees for a long-term census in an old-growth beech magnolia forest, longleaf pine savanna, and a shortleaf pine-oak-hickory upland community. We will consider having summer interns continue to work through the fall if interested.

In addition to the above tasks, interns may also help with mapping burned areas with a GPS unit, entering and processing data using database and GIS software, entering data in Excel or Access, collecting and processing soil samples, adding information to a database on local native plants, and drying and weighing fuels. Interns also typically have educational experiences, including an intern exchange with other regional research and conservation organizations, and opportunities assist with research in other programs at Tall Timbers.

Qualifications:

Applicants should be college students or recent graduates in biology, wildlife, forestry, natural resources, environmental studies/science, or related fields and have an interest in a career in natural resources. Applicants will be evaluated based on the potential benefit of the experience to his or her career plans and satisfactory references regarding work habits, professionalism, attitude, and physical fitness, as work is sometimes strenuous and conducted in difficult outdoor conditions. Employment will be contingent upon passing a driver’s record background check (no points on driver’s record for the past 3 years) for insurance purposes, although exceptions are sometimes made. We encourage students of varying backgrounds to apply. Deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants are welcome.

Compensation:

Internships are technically unpaid but provide a stipend of $295 per week. Limited on-site housing is available at no cost to full-time interns. For interns that commute, some compensation is provided. Interns will be expected to work full 8 hour days (8-4:30, with a half hour lunch).

Deadlines:

Summer internships: Review of applications begins March 1 each year and are filled as appropriate candidates are found.

To apply

please submit:

• A resume
• A 1-2 pg. cover letter describing your qualifications, interests, and how you expect the experience to benefit your career. At the end of the cover letter, please be sure to state the beginning and ending date of your availability and note whether or not you require housing on station.
• Updated academic transcript (does not have to be official).
• Full contact information for two or more references from previous employers or educators.

Email application materials to: Brandi Griffin

Brandi Griffin, Fire Ecologist
Tall Timbers
13093 Henry Beadel Road
Tallahassee, FL 32312