Internships

To apply for an internship, send a cover letter and resume to the contact person listed. Internships are unpaid but hours are flexible and course credit is possible. Minimum commitment is generally six hours per week. Mailing address: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, New York, 14850.

COMMUNICATIONS, OUTREACH, EDUCATION

Education and Outreach Intern

Assist with creation and dissemination of educational and public relations materials. Knowledge of desktop publishing helpful but not required. Assist with design of materials associated with educational programming (i.e., activity sheets, booklets, and posters; flyers), including interactive displays for the Lab’s largest outreach event, Migration Celebration, in May. Depending on background and interest, intern may also help to write articles for dissemination to local media. 5-6 hours per week, January-June, 3-month minimum. Contact Anne Rosenberg, baj3@cornell.edu, (607)254-2109.

Naturalist Intern

Lead educational nature walks; lead or assist with educational programs and activities. Assist in creating and assembling educational materials. Interest in nature and comfort working with children, especially those in grades K-5, required. Variable hours, depending on programming schedule, but primarily April-June. Contact Anne Rosenberg, baj3@cornell.edu, (607)254-2109.

Events Planning Intern

Assist with organization of the Lab’s largest local outreach event, Migration Celebration, as well as several smaller events. Duties include helping to assemble educational materials, setting up a database to organize staffing for the event, and tracking progress of numerous details related to event planning. 5-10 hours per week January through May. Contact Anne Rosenberg, baj3@cornell.edu, (607)254-2109.

Marketing Research Intern

Assist in compiling identity and value information of target audiences and lists of their associated social networks in assigned geographic regions. 8-10 hours per week, spring and fall semesters. Contact Flisa Stevenson, fms8@cornell.edu, (607)254-1135.

Web Intern

Help with two Lab of Ornithology web sites: the Education site (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/education/) and the BirdSleuth site (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdsleuth/student-publications). The intern would assist with creation of new web pages designed to convert existing educational materials into online resources. Duties include: adding and organizing content, posting news stories, and making site updates. Depending on background, the intern might also assist with developing and editing content. Creativity helpful and attention to detail required. 5-6 hours per week, indefinitely, 3-month minimum. Contact Jennifer Schaus, (607)254-2403, jms327.@cornell.edu.

English/Spanish translator

The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology is looking for an intern to aid in the translation of bilingual English/Spanish educational and outreach materials for a set of citizen-based research and educational projects. The Urban Birds Studies program aims to promote science literacy in urban locations primarily among under-served audiences. For more information on the program, please visit our web site: www.urbanbirds.org

We are looking for scientifically accurate yet broadly accessible translations. Translations need to be in "universal" Spanish--accessible to Spanish speaking individuals from a broad range of backgrounds. Work remotely or at the Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity.

Internships are unpaid but hours are flexible and course credit is possible. Minimum commitment is generally six hours per week.

To apply for an internship, send a brief cover letter and resume to Natalie Hardnett, Urban Bird Studies, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. (607) 254-2123. nlh22@cornell.edu

Education Assistant, Home Study Course in Bird Biology

Help prepare detailed written responses to questions about bird biology submitted by students taking the Lab's Home Study Course in Bird Biology, using general reference materials and information from the primary scientific literature. Help develop interactive Web-based learning tools to supplement the existing course curriculum. Assist with general web site updates and the creation of new web pages. Help organize student inquiries for the Frequently Asked Questions component of the course web site. Assist the course coordinator with grading student exams, logging results, and sending course materials as needed. Knowledge of HTML (Dreamweaver MX), FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Office, and Adobe InDesign are helpful. Library research skills and a strong background in Ornithology and/or Biology are desirable. Contact Dr. Jason Mobley at (607) 254-2121 or jam276@cornell.edu.

Print Graphic Designer, Communications Department

Gain valuable experience in print production in a busy environment. Under the supervision of the Lab's senior graphic designer, assist with projects ranging from simple one-page advertisements to detailed flyers and newsletters. The opportunity to attend press checks at printers in the region is possible, depending on the length of internship. This internship is unpaid, but flexible, and we are interested in your ideas and what you hope to gain from being at the Lab of Ornithology--opportunities for special projects exist. Some image scanning or digital photography may be required. Skills: Expertise in Adobe InDesign (CS2), Illustrator, and Photoshop is required, Flash skills a plus. Experience in 4-color design helpful. Background in ornithology or an interest in birds and/or the natural world desired. Contact Diane Tessaglia-Hymes at (607) 254-2417 or dlt1@cornell.edu. If responding by email, please include a copy of your resume and three samples of your work.

Nature Guide

Conduct tours of our nature trails and visitors' center. Conduct behind-the-scenes tours of our facilities for special groups. Knowledge of birds essential. Contact Ronald Rohrbaugh at (607) 254-2444 or rwr8@cornell.edu.

NestCam Archivist

View fascinating behavioral images of nesting birds and identify images that document interesting and biologically important breeding behavior. Assist in researching and producing the descriptive commentary that accompanies the nest cam images. Skills: Strong observation skills with attention to detail. Knowledge of bird biology and behavior, and experience in science writing or science communication preferable. Experience with multimedia editing software a plus. Start date: February 15. End date: July 31; extensions possible. Hours per week: 6 to 10, flexible. To apply, send a brief cover letter and resume to Tina Phillips, cbp6@cornell.edu. Phone (607) 254-2482.

Science Writer, Communications Department

Write news and feature stories for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's magazine, newsletter, and All About Birds web site. Topics may include stories about bird research, bird watching, citizen-science project results, technology, and conservation. Interns will gain experience interviewing scientists, translating scientific literature into lively articles for the general public, and working with an editor to produce published clips. Prior coursework in journalism or some experience with news and feature writing is strongly recommended. Knowledge of birds or background in biology is a plus. The application requires a resume, cover letter, and three writing samples, preferably about scientific topics written in an engaging and accessible style. In the cover letter, please explain how the internship fits in with your career goals and why you would like to work at the Lab of Ornithology. Send applications or inquiries to Miyoko Chu, science editor, at mcc37@cornell.edu.

Video Archival Assistant, Macaulay Library

Visually scan our video collection of birds and create "edit decision lists" that staff members can use to organize film segments of birds and other animals. Write summaries of tape contents. Bird identification skills required. Coordinate logistics for video recordists. This is either an unpaid internship or a work-study opportunity. To apply, contact Benjamin Clock at bmc24@cornell.edu and James Goetz at jeg43@cornell.edu

Web Designer, Conservation Science

Help edit and redesign web sites for the Birds in Forested Landscapes project and the Conservation Atlas projects. An ambitious candidate may have the opportunity to design a new web site for the entire Conservation program. This position can be tailored to the intern's interests and skill level. Arrangements for work study possible. Contact Sara Barker at (607) 254-2465 or sb65@cornell.edu.

Writer/Communications Assistant, Macaulay Library

The Macaulay Library, the largest archive of animal sounds in the world is looking for a student intern to work with the team that produces audio field guides and other materials. Responsibilities would include creating Web content (no technical experience required), doing research tasks for staff, working with tracking and service databases and other duties as required. Applicants should have demonstrated research and writing skills, ability to handle meticulous detail and a good sense of humor. We are a fast-paced environment that would welcome the person with good team spirit, whether they are experienced birders or not. Contact Mary Guthrie at (607) 254-2157 or msg21@cornell.edu.

Other Opportunities

If you have a special interest in communications that you think fits in with our work at the Lab of Ornithology, contact Miyoko Chu at mcc37@cornell.edu.

RESEARCH

eBird and Avian Knowledge Network Assistant, Information Science

Chief duty is to enter historical observations (1930s-1980s) from the Cayuga Lake Basin into eBird for analysis within the Avian Knowledge Network. These data include observations collected by Arthur Allen, founder of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and other leading ornithologists and birders. Opportunities to assist with other aspects of eBird and the Avian Knowledge Network may also be available to exceptionally skilled and motivated candidate. Exceptional knowledge of bird distribution and seasonal timing within New York required. Strong knowledge of bird identification and distribution throughout North America preferred. Contact Chris Wood 607 254-2195 or clw37@cornell.edu.

Research Assistant, Bird Song Analysis

The banded wren (Thryothorus pleurostictus) native to Central America, is the most conspicuous early morning songster in the lowland Pacific tropical forest. Its songs are strikingly loud, beautiful, and varied. We are looking for at least two students per semester (Fall 2006 and Spring 2007) to help us analyze recordings collected this year, and to examine questions such as how do males decide which song-type to use, what is the frequency of song-type matching between neighbors, what is the significance of different parts of songs, and are males singing to a male or female receiver? Students will receive training in the latest sound analysis techniques. We are very flexible about which days and times students wish to schedule for work, however, students must be able to work in 3+ hour blocks, and be willing to work out at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Interested and motivated students may have the opportunity to join us in Costa Rica next summer. For more information about the ongoing wren research project, visit our web page at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/BandedWren.html. Assistants may receive either course credit or work-study pay. Contact Prof. Sandra Vehrencamp (slv8@cornell.edu)

Research Assistant, The Birdhouse Network

Observe the details of female parental behavior from the time the first egg is laid until the young leave the nest. This position involves documenting and analyzing the behaviors of Eastern Bluebirds viewed from images in the Nest Box Cam archives. Visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/ and click on Nest Box Cam for details about the video cameras. This project has the potential to become a senior thesis or class project. Interest in avian natural history desirable and experience with behavioral observations valuable. Basic computer skills and experience with MS Excel useful. Interested students should contact Caren Cooper at (607) 254-2401 or cbc25@cornell.edu.

Research Assistant, Bluebird Behavior

A volunteer intern is needed at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to assist in a study of the incubation behavior of bluebirds. The position involves using several software tools to process and summarize the details of female incubation behavior as recorded by temperature probes that were placed in birds? nests across the country. The work requires attention to detail and decision-making initiative. Rides on a direct shuttle van between Corson Mudd and Sapsucker Woods will be available to interns. Interns may use this project to develop their own undergraduate research project for credit (BIO 299 or 499). Basic computer skills, advanced organizational abilities (i.e., working with linked computer files in organized subdirectories), and experience with MS Excel are required. Familiarity with bioacoustics software is advantageous. Send an email message expressing your interest and including contact information of two references to Caren Cooper cbc25@cornell.edu.

Research Assistant, Backyard Habitat for Birds

A volunteer intern is needed at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to compile information about managing backyard habitat for birds, translate the information for public audiences, and design and place the information on the My Yard Counts website. Experience with web development, Plone, as well as habitat management and bird biology desirable. This internship is ideal for students interested in environmental education and/or conservation. Rides on a direct shuttle van between Corson Mudd and Sapsucker Woods will be available to interns. Interns may use this project to develop their own undergraduate research project for credit (BIO 299 or 499). Send an email message expressing your interest and including contact information of two references to Caren Cooper cbc25@cornell.edu.

Research Assistant, Pigeon Color Morphs

A volunteer intern is needed to analyze data regarding pigeon color morphs and courtship behavior from a Citizen Science scheme called Project PigeonWatch, administered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The intern will summarize results, translate the conclusions for public audiences, and place the information on the PigeonWatch website. Rides on a direct shuttle van between Corson Mudd and Sapsucker Woods will be available to interns. Basic understanding of statistics, experience creating graphs, and knowledge of bird biology, environmental education, and web development needed. Interns may use this project to develop their own undergraduate research project for credit (BIO 299 or 499). Send an email message expressing your interest and including contact information of two references to Caren Cooper cbc25@cornell.edu.

Conservation Research Assistant

Help the Lab's Conservation staff administer their citizen-science programs by joining the research team. The position may include field work throughout New York State; surveys for Golden-winged and Blue-winged warblers, work with an acid rain deposition study, data collection and entry, and general project administration. Contact Sara Barker at (607) 254-2465 or sb65@cornell.edu.

TECHNICAL/CURATORIAL

Curatorial Assistant, Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates

The Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates is in an unprecedented and exciting period of growth in its more than century-long history. Learn about the behind-the-scenes nuts-and-bolts of a functioning scientific collection as you help us curate our bird, mammal, fish, and/or herp specimens. Identify, prepare, catalog, install, or reorganize specimens, do background research, organize inventory, develop a catalog, create publication lists, and search databases. Contact Kim Bostwick at (607) 254-2160 or ksb6@cornell.edu.