FWRI Steidinger Scholar Intern, Wildlife Research and Information Science and Management (Gopher Tortoise Translocation)

The Steidinger Scholars, launched in 2023, celebrates the life and impact of Dr. Karen Steidinger, a pioneering scientist harmful algal bloom research and a formative leader in the history of FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Her groundbreaking work is recognized worldwide, and the organism that causes red tides in Florida, Karenia brevis, is named in her honor. Just as Karen mentored generations of scientists, the program continues her legacy by creating opportunities for future scientists.

The goal of the Steidinger Scholars program is to inspire students to explore careers in fisheries and wildlife research through experiential learning. Successful applicants participate in 3-month long part- to full-time paid internships mentored by FWRI scientists. Interns work on a variety of projects that inform the protection, conservation, and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.

The program is open to all recent high school graduates or new college students (years 1-2) of all genders from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Successful candidates will have the ability to work in a team environment, adapt to changing work environments and priorities, and work in a range of settings including office, laboratory and outdoors in all weather conditions. 

Duties/tasks are position specific to the opportunity (see below) but include:

• Direct project activities such as training in and assisting with field and laboratory duties to ongoing research and management projects and programs.
• Shadowing staff and researchers in a variety of research areas.
• Participating in training, workshops, and other education and career development planning activities.
• Presenting on the experience.

Qualifications:

• A recent or expected high school graduate, or 1-2 year college student; must be 18 years of age or older by the start of the internship
• Willingness to learn
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills
• Good written and oral communication
• A passion for and interest in science. Prior learning or experience is not required
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. including having a valid social security card

Women and students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.

Wildlife Research and Information Science and Management - Tallahassee or Gainesville

Opportunity #: FWRI SS-SU26-07 (Gopher Tortoise Translocation Research)

We are seeking an inquisitive and driven early career scientist to aid with a gopher tortoise relocation study on a private recipient site located approximately 70 miles from Gainesville. Work will include setting camera traps around tortoise burrows, processing camera trap photos and identifying tortoise behaviors and commensal species, assisting with burrow scoping and trapping efforts, and handling tortoises during health assessments and tracking device attachment. Interns will gain experience with data entry using mobile data collection applications and have the opportunity to learn to fly small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to collect detailed habitat information. All work completed by the scholar will be recognized in peer-reviewed publications and presentations. The scholar will have the opportunity to participate in the creation of posters, presentations, and manuscripts based on their desired level of involvement. 

*Gopher tortoise trapping can be unpredictable and may require a flexible, on-call schedule depending on the scholar’s level of interest in participating in the trapping effort.

Tasks.Primary responsibilities will include:

• Processing camera trap photos
• Setting camera traps
• Assisting with burrow scoping
• Assisting with tortoise handling
• Entering data

Successful candidate attributes:

• Be willing to learn to identify animals and animal behaviors in photos
• Be comfortable working online and with computers
• Be able to work independently or as a member of a team
• Be prepared for fieldwork in hot (100F+), sunny areas
• Be prepared for fieldwork in areas with biting insects

Specific requirements:

Depending on level of fieldwork experience desired, the successful applicant may be required to commute to the field site with a personal vehicle, though it’s likely they could arrange to commute in a state vehicle with FWC staff. 

Dates: May to August (3 months)

Supervisors: Brittany Bankovich

Hours: Part-time (flexible)

Location: Gainesville