Research Internships 2019
The Sanctuary is a non-profit biological field station and environmental education center located in NE Pennsylvania. Lacawac’s Research Internship Program offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the fields of environmental research and education.
Lacawac interns participate in the Sanctuary’s missions of Research, Education, and Preservation. Interns spend considerable time participating in field work and laboratory analysis, educational and public programs for all ages, and various outreach activities.
Interns will gain experience and training in:
- Lake ecology and water quality sampling methodology
- Quantitative laboratory analysis
- Experimental design and scientific method
- Laboratory and Field safety
- Science communication
- Data and project management
- Leadership and mentoring
We are looking for enthusiastic interns who work well with others, have excellent attitudes, and a record of academic achievement. Interns must be able to work independently as well as part of a team. Students working towards a degree in the natural sciences and/or an interest in ecology, conservation, or environmental education are encouraged to apply. Previous field or laboratory research experience is preferred but not required.
Specific intern duties include but are not limited to assisting Lacawac scientists with monitoring water quality of Pocono lakes, assisting visiting graduate students and faculty with their research (covering a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic ecology, conservation, and resource management), maintaining research infrastructure, conducting laboratory and/or field experiments, mentoring high school interns, maintaining hiking trails, assisting with K-12 field trips, hosting public programs, and performing light general maintenance. Interns can expect to work 20-30 hours per week with occasional weekend hours.
Interns should expect to work outside in all weather conditions and encounter wildlife common to Northeastern PA (mosquitoes, ticks, deer, black bears). Interns must be comfortable with being in small row boats and working on the water, hiking in temperate forests, and with physical labor. Lacawac is situated in a remote, rural area with no public transportation, so interns are strongly encouraged to bring their own vehicle.
Interns receive a modest stipend and free housing in a historic Adirondack-style lodge with shared living areas, bathroom, and kitchen and dorm-style bunk rooms for the duration of the internship. The internship is from June 3rd through August 2nd, with negotiable start/stop dates.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest, resume, unofficial transcripts, and a list of 3 professional references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to Dr. Beth Norman, Director of Science and Research via email (beth.norman@lacawac.org). Please put “2019 Internship Application” in the subject line.
Review of applications will begin March 1, 2019.
