Monday, January 27, 2020

Fermilab Natural Areas Betz Internships

We are looking for help in getting the work out about our Betz Internships.  

Attached are descriptions of our Summer and Fall Betz Internships.  Interested students should send a letter of intent and a resume to fermilabnaturalareas@gmail.com.  Students can apply for either or both.  The deadline for the Summer internship is April 1 and the Fall internship is July 31.  Our internship team will review the submitted resumes and select candidates for interviews.

We encourage students to consider the Fall internship.  There is only one position open in Summer, but there are two in Fall. In addition, we do not receive as many application for the Fall internship.

The Robert F Betz internship is sponsored by Fermilab Natural Areas, a not-for profit corporation operating exclusively within the boundaries of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois.  The intern will be assisting in habitat management at the 6,800 acre site and can expect to gain a broad understanding of ecological restoration practices and applications as well as theory.
Duties will include: native seed collection and processing, invasive species control using mechanical and chemical practices, botanical surveys of restored prairie, forests and wetland communities, tree and shrub care, assisting with volunteer workdays and research projects, aspects of wildlife monitoring and use of ESRI Arc GIS.  Off-site visits to nature preserves, attending professional meetings and summarizing your internship in a formal presentation are also possible. If you have an interest in a small ecology research project, please include your idea(s) in the cover letter. The Robert F. Betz Summer internship is 12 weeks at 40 hours per week but has a flexible start date to accommodate the candidate.



A background in biology is required with an avid interest in field ecology, especially in the area of ecosystem restoration.  Effective oral and written communication skills in English are a necessity. The candidate must be able to work with their hands, on uneven terrain, and in a variety of weather situations such as heat, sun, rain, wind as well as in the presence of biological hazards such a mosquitoes, poison ivy, and chiggers.  A successful candidate must be self-motivated, able to lead others and work as a team, follow directions, ask questions, and be detail-orientated. Ability to pass a state pesticide license exam is required. Familiarity with all-terrain vehicles is a plus.


Job Type: Paid Internship
Teen Opportunity: Yes (but keep in mind for hiring, must be at least 18 years old)
Time Frame: Autumn (September, October, November)
Salary:
$4,800 stipend

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Robert F. Betz Autumn Internship is sponsored by Fermilab Natural Areas, a not-for-profit corporation operating exclusively within the boundaries of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois. The intern will be assisting in habitat management at the 6,800-acre site and can expect to gain a broad understanding of ecological restoration practices and applications as well as theory.  Duties will include: native seed collection and processing, invasive species control using brush saws and herbicides, botanical surveys of restored prairie, forest and wetland communities, tree and shrub care, assisting with volunteer workdays and research projects, aspects of wildlife monitoring and use of ESRI ArcGIS. Off-site visits to nature preserves, attending professional ecology meetings, and summarizing your internship in a formal presentation are also possible.  The Robert F. Betz Autumn Internship is 12 weeks at 40 hours per week with an ideal start date at the beginning of September.
Working dates are September through November.


Qualifications:
A background in biology is required, with an avid interest in field ecology, especially in the area of ecosystem restoration. Effective oral and written communication skills in English are a necessity. The candidate must be able to work with their hands, on uneven terrain and in a variety of weather situations such as cold, heat, sun, rain, snow, wind as well as in the presence of biological hazards such as mosquitoes, poison ivy and chiggers.  A successful candidate must be self-motivated, able to lead others and work as a team, follow directions, ask questions, and be detail-oriented. Current or former pesticide license holder is preferred.  Familiarity with all-terrain vehicles is a plus.