Intern, Prairie Dog Conflict Resolution - job 1 of 2

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$17.50 per hour, working 16-20 hours a week

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s most effective animal advocacy organization, is seeking a Prairie Dog Conflict Resolution Intern for its Wildlife Protection department. As an intern you will learn hands-on techniques and skills needed to successfully run and maintain an active and collaborative prairie dog translocation. Additionally, this internship includes assistance with outreach, development and implementation of Coexistence Clinics: Strategies to Reduce Conflict with the Prairie Dog Ecosystem and the examination and application of 1-2 social factors interfering with non-lethal prairie dog management. This internship is a critical component of the Prairie Dog Conflict Resolution Team’s work sharing and protecting the prairie ecosystem within our community.

The internship will start on 7/15/2023 and end 5/31/2024

You will be responsible for:

• Participating and learning about, the day-to-day process-start to finish-of wild to wild prairie dog translocation trapping and releasing a colony of imperiled prairie dogs to a protected colony during a 3-5 month field season. Strategies implemented include: Learn the techniques and processes for: behavior observations, active trapping trap setting, monitoring, small mammal handling, data collection, release site preparation, artificial burrow installation (as needed), dye-marking, and placement at release site (note that passive relocation may be used in place of or in addition to active relocation);
• Collaborating and networking with government and non-government agencies and organizations employing wildlife coexistence and landscape planning for the prairie dog ecosystem;
• Studying, designing, and developing Coexistence Clinics for prairie dogs, led by our organization and offered to local, state and federal wildlife managers throughout the state;
• Discovering, research, experience and implement coexistence strategies and habitat maintenance for the prairie dog ecosystem;
• Learning about basic prairie dog policy and protections, and operating dynamics for wildlife protection programs in the West;
• Learning and sharing how conservation social science applies to wildlife conservation;
• Assessing and sharing support for and research related to prairie dog management, coexistence and non-lethal wildlife management;
• Assisting with non-lethal trainings for individuals & agencies and associated outreach;
• Gaining knowledge about non-profit management and gain experience in key management areas such as administration, team-building, event planning, outreach, and advocacy;
• Participating in a wild to wild translocation of prairie dogs from an imperiled site to a protected habitat to include:
• Handling traps, i.e. setting up, baiting, breaking down, and monitoring traps during active trapping;
• Retrieving prairie dogs in traps, mark and dye fur, and travel to release sites within Colorado & South Dakota and beyond to release prairie dogs;
• Setting up acclimation caps;
• Monitoring with a scope or binoculars for trapped prairie dogs or non-target mammals;
• Feeding prairie dogs at the release site;
• Hauling, hay, feed, and equipment on a truck or gator;
• Helping with maintenance and equipment prep.
• Assist in implementation of non-lethal model sites in Colorado. (30%) Duties and responsibilities include:
• Participate in site analysis, evaluation and implementation of non-lethal and coexistence strategies including;
• Habitat management
• Vegetation strategies and;
• Barriers and buffer zones or other related activities
• Assisting in the outreach or implementation of Homes on the Range project (and Coexistence Clinics as needed). (30%) Duties and responsibilities include:
• Assisting in the production of Coexistence Clinics when/if planned
• Participating in the organization, development and implementation of grant-writing, curriculum or strategic analysis of Homes on the Range report implementation on the ground and in the office
• Assisting in on-going administration related to the program;
• Participating in professional development related to the internship as opportunities allow;
• Using own method of transportation to attend local outreach presentations and to join in-person meetings and field activities;
• Maintaining a professional demeanor while partnering with agencies and other NGOs;
• Following guidelines and policies of the HSUS and Wildlife Protection department, and follow directions given by staff.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must be enrolled in a graduate school of social work, social science related to animal welfare or the environment, conservation communication or have related experience or education;
• Able to meet the requirements specified in the Essential Capabilities document with or without reasonable accommodation;
• Must have a driver’s license and an excellent driving record;
• Able to cope in emotionally-charged environments and work with animals who may be dead, injured, abused, and/or highly stressed;
• Able to remain calm and quiet under stressful conditions;
• Able to tolerate and work with a variable and changing schedule based on unpredictable weather and wildlife behavior;
• Critical thinking and strong communication skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word;
• Able to work outside in the heat and walk long distances over uneven terrain;
• Not fearful of handling wildlife;
• An interest in wildlife field work, or some basic education on wildlife;
• Must have access to a phone and computer with Microsoft Office and access to the Internet;
• Tetanus and rabies immunizations recommended;
• Must be a good team player, can work independently, and use good judgement.

This internship is in the Boulder/Denver Metro Area, Colorado

When filling out the application please use the additional document section to submit your cover letter, resume, completed Essential Capabilities, and three letters of recommendations/references with the application.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE

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