Diving Bird Research and Animal Care Internship and Volunteer Positions – There is an opening for an unpaid internship position at the U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, MD, starting in early September and running through the fall semester. This internship involves assisting with sensory biology and foraging research and animal care at a captive colony of sea ducks, diving ducks, and red-throated loons. Primary responsibilities include: assisting with daily care of birds, using behavioral training techniques to shape research behaviors, observation of research trials, data entry and analysis, and maintenance/cleaning tasks. The ideal applicant will have experience working with animals, be interested in biological research, and be willing to work outside in all weather conditions. The internship involves a commitment of a minimum of 8 hours per week. Course credit through the university may be possible. The applicant must provide their own transportation to the center.
 
If you are interested in this internship position but do not have the minimum time commitment of 8 hours per week, we are also looking for volunteers that can commit 2 hours per week. These volunteer positions involve feeding the colony and assisting with the animal care and research, but to a lesser degree than the internship.
 
These positions offer an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain research and animal care experience under the mentorship of both University of Maryland faculty/graduate students and U.S. Geological Survey researchers. If you are interested, please send a resume and brief letter of interest to Sara Therrien at [log in to unmask]