Alpine Wildlife Field Internship

We are looking for field interns for a project on alpine wildlife in Denali National Park, Alaska. Interns will work with a graduate student, assisting in the collection of field data on alpine vertebrates (focusing on pikas, marmots, ground squirrels, dall sheep, and ptarmigan) and plants. The project objectives are to determine where the different species live and how they might respond to climate change, via altered temperatures and plant phenology. The animals will be surveyed visually and acoustically, but not captured or handled; we will also deploy camera traps and time-lapse phenology sensors in different parts of the park.

Fieldwork will involve arduous hiking in rough, steep, slippery terrain or dense growth in all weather conditions up to 15 miles per day carrying a 30-50 pound pack. Work hours will vary and can include early mornings and late evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays. Overnight travel can occur. Backcountry wildlife investigations may involve hiking in wilderness. Close encounters with grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and other wildlife are likely at work and living locations. Safety training will include living and working in grizzly bear, moose, and wolf habitat and traveling in remote wilderness locations.

Salary:  $350/wk, $1000 travel stipend, housing provided, possible Americorps Education Award

Start Date: May 20, 2019    End Date:  August 30, 2019

Application materials:

Please send (1) a CV detailing your relevant experience and training, and (2) a short (1 page max) cover letter stating why you are interested in the position and describing your experience working or traveling in backcountry settings, for example field work, backpacking, camping, etc. to jennifer.wall@umontana.edu.