Wildlife Intern

The Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forests is currently seeking two wildlife interns this summer to assist with surveys and habitat improvement projects.  Job duties include: 1) conducting inventory surveys for endangered, threatened, and sensitive wildlife species such as northern goshawk, red-shouldered hawk, golden-winged warbler, eastern box turtle, Blanding's turtle, eastern massasauga rattlesnake, Persius duskywing, dusted skipper, American bumblebee, northern flying squirrel, and American marten; 2) conducting habitat suitability assessments; 3) conducting counts to estimate abundance of Karner blue butterflies, a federally listed endangered species, within designated management areas; 4) improving wildlife openings by manually cutting woody vegetation and planting native wildflowers and grasses; 5) protecting sensitive habitats for wildlife by manually installing barrier posts, fencing, gates, and signs; 6) completing trail maintenance on designated trail systems by manually clearing debris, undesirable vegetation, and repairing erosion; 7) maintaining developed recreational sites by manually cleaning facilities, removing trash, ensuring proper signage, and managing potential hazards; and 8) participating in outreach activities to educate the public about conservation issues.  Interested applicants should be able to work in variable field conditions, navigate using a compass, GPS, and/or maps, complete physically demanding tasks, and have an interest in pursuing a career in natural resources.  Minimum requirements include successful completion of one year of study that includes at least 6 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics.  Previous experience with wildlife surveys, wildlife species identification, and/or habitat improvement projects is preferred but not required.  The field crew works mid-May to mid-August weekdays between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.  Interns working full-time receive a daily stipend and free housing.  Part-time schedules are also available (e.g., 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, two days a week).  

The Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District is located in the northwest portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan in Lake County close to the shores of Lake Michigan.  Baldwin has a population of approximately 900 people and is centrally located between the communities of Big Rapids, Reed City, White Cloud, Fremont and Ludington.  The area abounds with four season outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Pere Marquette Wild and Scenic River.  For more information on the Baldwin area, please visit the Lake County Chamber of Commerce at www.lakecountymichigan.com.  
 

If you are interested in becoming a wildlife intern, please send your resume along with a proposed work schedule to Anna Ryan at anna.ryan@usda.gov.