10 jobs found

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia Household and Personal Debt Intern   The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is looking to recruit a Household and Personal Debt Intern for working at Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, Eastern Plains Landscape. Background WCS assists the Royal Government of Cambodia to conserve species and habitats in four landscapes across Cambodia, namely, the Eastern Plains (consisting of the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary (KSWS) in Mondulkiri and Kratie provinces), the Northern Plains, the Tonle Sap, and the Freshwater Rivers. Taken together these landscapes support all of the major habitat types in Cambodia, as well as vital population of most of Cambodia globally threatened species. These protected areas are also extensively used by human populations that reside in and adjacent to the protected areas. Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of almost 3,000 km2, and is home to more than 350 species of bird, 60 species of ray-finned fish, 90 species of mammal, and 80 herptile species. More than 70 of the 900+ species of flora and fauna found in KSWS are threatened or endangered. Around 32,000 people live in and around the protected area and are key stakeholders in the long term success of the area. Traditionally, the area was inhabited by the Bunong indigenous group, practicing shifting agriculture and extensive forest use. The area, especially the borders, is becoming increasingly populated by people of Khmer ethnicity, and practices are shifting towards cash crops such as cassava. KSWS is support by a REDD+ project, providing sustainable financing to protected area management. This REDD+ project is validated under two standards, the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS), and the Climate, Community and Biodiversity (BCC) standards. This latter standard certifies that communities in and around the protected area benefit from the REDD+ project. In order to track the project’s impact, KSWS management authorities undertake a suite of monitoring programs, including a 5-yearly Social Impact Assessment (SIA). Recent surveys have highlighted the problem of household and personal debt – an issue that is becoming increasingly severe across Cambodia. Land is used as collateral for loans from financial institutions including MFIs, driving increased land clearance which can illegally leak into the protected area. With interest high rates and variable cash crop markets, households are often unable to keep up payments, ultimately leading to land alienation, in turn driving increased land clearance. Household and Personal Debt Intern WCS seeks a quantitatively strong Household and Personal Debt Intern with familiarity with debt and microfinance, in order analyze and interpret existing household and personal debt data. This existing data can be supplemented by a survey of communities in the target area, investigating perceptions of debt, of risk, and other factors. This position represents an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher interested in the interface between economics, development, and wildlife conservation to gain experience in: Data analysis Survey design and implementation On-the-ground realities of complex systems The intern will also have the ability to impact program design through provision of management-critical insights. Qualifications and Experience Minimum of a Master’s degree in a related subject, including economics or finance Familiarity with data analysis, ideally including experience with R or similar statistical environment Responsibilities Analysis of social impact assessment data, focusing on debt, with the support of the Data Analysis and Operations Technical Advisor Production of summary report highlighting key findings and insights. Deliverables and outputs Summary report Schedule The project duration will be 4 months, ideally starting in January 2020. Remuneration Work costs related to this positon will be covered by WCS, in cash or in-kind, including travel to the site, food during field work, accommodation. Field equipment will be provided for the duration of any additional survey work required. Salary range starts at $750 and will be dependent on candidate experience and suitability. Duty station The Household and Personal Debt Intern will be based either at KSWS headquarters in Sen Monorom or in Phnom Penh. Reports to Data Analyst and Operations Technical Advisor Senior Technical Advisor Employment period 1st January 2020 – April 31st 2020

Summary This position is located in the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering (RACE) Division with one vacancy in Newport, OR.  This position is also announced under vacancy number NMFS-AKC-2019-0065, which is open to Status Candidates. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both. Learn more about this agency Responsibilities As a Research Ecologist, you will perform the following duties: •Lead research on how interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment determine physiological condition, fitness, and recruitment potential of fish and crabs in Alaska’s five marine ecosystems. •Design studies using fatty acids and other trophic markers to dissect food webs, determine condition, and identify essential habitat. •Develop new methods and guidelines in analytical techniques to determine fatty acid or isotopic composition and statistical and other analyses to apply to these data sets. •Write specialized reports, peer-reviewed papers, and other publications and presents research products to scientists and stakeholders. •Serve as the Division’s technical representative on panels, committees, and conferences, requiring domestic and international travel to attend meetings, workshops and make presentations. Note: The duties described are at the full performance level of the ZP-4 grade and the duties at the ZP-3 are developmental leading to the ZP-4 level. Travel Required Occasional travel - Up to 20% of domestic and foreign travel may be required. Remember to say you found this opportunity at EnvironmentalCareer.com

Position Overview Associates are responsible for conducting research and analysis, writing, logistics planning and other support on BSR advisory services for the benefit of BSR members, funders or other clients. This will include participating in business consulting and training work as required.  Responsibilities Support project managers in implementing projects with member and other companies, particularly through research, writing and consulting on a range of sustainability issue areas. Support BSR teams in research, knowledge management, tool creation and PowerPoint development to enable improved project execution and effective business development Conduct primary and secondary research and analysis on sustainability leadership practices, and emerging issues and trends in a range of industry sectors utilizing a wide range of sources, including web searches, interviews and other methodologies. Support senior colleagues in the development of work plans, schedules and budgets for the delivery of projects.  Contribute to the content and design of working group meetings, training and workshops, and ensure the accuracy of all materials.  This position may include a focus on sustainability futures, conducting research and supporting projects that identify new business models, tools and methodologies, and also emerging voices reshaping approaches to sustainable business. Provide assistance on special projects and assignments as requested to help BSR accomplish its mission and goals. Qualifications NOTE:  Only candidates with these specific requirements will be considered:  Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience), or a Master’s degree with a minimum of 3 years experience. Knowledge of strategy development, innovation, trend-spotting and/or scenario planning, and ability to identify new voices and approaches to shape future-oriented approaches to sustainable business. Exceptional research, writing and analytical skills. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to meet stringent deadlines, communicate progress on projects or event planning, and work with managers to coordinate multiple projects concurrently.  Excellent interpersonal skills, for working with both internal and external clients.  High degree of fluency in English, with fluency in Spanish or French a plus.  Capacity to work and thrive in a growing, fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization with a collaborative environment.  Willingness to undertake business travel. High ethical standards and commitment to BSR core values of leadership, respect and integrity, and a commitment to BSR’s mission. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation. Diversity As part of our dedication to diversity, BSR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals seeking employment at BSR are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, registered domestic partner status, caregiver status, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other legally protected category. Remember to say you found this opportunity at EnvironmentalCareer.com

POSITION SUMMARY The Environmental Research Engineer will lead USDA ARS research projects focusing on converting aquaculture waste streams to usable and valuable products to support the development and sustainability of land-based, closed containment aquaculture. S/he will oversee and participate in research related to reducing the environmental impact of fish farming while assisting the aquaculture industry with developing novel revenue streams through converting waste to value. The Environmental Research Engineer will also serve The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute (TCF/FI) through conducting off-site visits and consultation, research, and report writing through technical consulting services, and will engage in technology transfer through publications, lectures at conferences and workshops, and direct interaction with stakeholders. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Works cooperatively with the Director of Research and other TCF/FI personnel to develop and/or investigate strategies for improving the environmental impact and economic viability of intensive land-based aquaculture production • Provides waste management and waste conversion expertise for external projects • Develops collaborative relationships and projects with government and university scientists and industry stakeholders • Oversees selected scientists and technical staff at TCF/FI • Assists industry with problems related to waste management and waste conversion, and provides industry with practical solutions to these problems • Engages in technology transfer through publication in peer-review journals and trade press, lectures at conferences and workshops, and personal interaction with stakeholders • Serves as co-investigator for USDA ARS grants, and engages in reporting for USDA ARS grants and other funding, as needed • Identifies and investigates external funding opportunities for program development DESIRED BACKGROUND AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Engineering degree (with PE status preferable) • Ph.D. in discipline relevant to agricultural waste management and waste conversion with experience in biochemical conversion processes including anaerobic digestion and aerobic decomposition. • Track record of published peer-reviewed research is advantageous • Demonstrated leadership, management, and organizational abilities, a strong commitment to TCF/FI aquaculture research program and staff, solid communication and interpersonal skills, and personal integrity and reliability PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Requires i) sufficient fitness to engage in prolonged and physically demanding on- and off-site research tasks; ii) the ability to travel domestically and internationally on a regular basis for work; iii) the ability to spend extended periods at a computer conducting research and writing; and iv) sufficient comfort in presenting scientific material to large audiences. The Conservation Fund, a Non Profit Corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer who fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or practice in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination. Contact Information Qualified/interested candidates should submit the following: Cover letter CV including peer-review publication record Official transcript from Ph.D. granting university Remember to say you found this opportunity at EnvironmentalCareer.com

Location:  Washington, DC or Seattle, WA Duration:  19.5 hours per week for 9 months Context:  Supports all polling and research activities to help guide communications strategy for conservation and political campaigns. Identifies research gaps and opportunities, advising communications staff on research methods to advance our mission. Scope:  The Polling & Research Fellow works closely with the Senior Polling & Research Analyst to support all polling and research projects and to expand the Department’s research capacities using experimental research methods and analysis.   Job Responsibilities: The Polling and Research Fellow is primarily responsible for supporting all aspects of the Communication Department’s survey research activities, including assisting with developing questionnaires, writing, fact-checking, number-checking and editing reports. Performs research and uses data (media, consumer, voter, census, etc.) on a regular basis to identify opportunities to support the activities of the Communications Department. Provides on-going analysis and archiving of survey data and translates into reports, newsletters, and presentations. Performs data analysis and report writing. Drafts and edits research newsletters and other communications. Gives or assists with presentations on research findings. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.   Knowledge & Skills: Preference for candidates currently enrolled in a masters or doctoral program in the field of statistics, political science, or other relevant social science discipline OR are a fourth-year undergraduate student in a similar discipline with prior internship/work experience in the field of statistics, market research, and/or public opinion research. Candidate should have experience with quantitative and qualitative research, and taken relevant statistical and methodological courses or trainings. Survey research experience or education a major plus. Demonstrated interest in environmental issues, public policy, politics or campaigns a major plus but not required. Self motivated and proactive. Strong analytical, data visualization, and writing skills. Strong Excel proficiency and familiarity with statistical software (Stata, SPSS, and/or R) is desirable. Detail oriented and highly organized. Ability to work independently and in teams.   Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Sierra Club employees are not eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.  Sierra Club does not sponsor H1B visas. The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. Remember to say you found this opportunity at EnvironmentalCareer.com

Summary This position is located in Natural Resources Stewardship and Science, in the Inventory and Monitoring Division. Please visit   find a park   for additional park information. Learn more about this agency Responsibilities The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing the national landscape dynamics and/or climate monitoring protocols National Park Service administered lands included within the 32 Inventory & Monitoring Networks. In accomplishing this task, the incumbent will work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, data management staff, and park managers to identify high priority resource issues, develop integrated and comprehensive approaches to monitoring and reporting the status and trends of resources for the purpose of establishing baseline reference conditions of park ecosystems. Specific duties include: Developing and carrying out statistically valid data collection methods, conducting analysis of complex data, and determining and documenting the significance of findings. Preparing scientific reports regarding the results of inventory and monitoring efforts, and summarizing new information for use by the scientific community, park staff, cooperators, and partners. Coordinating park-based ecological monitoring strategies and programs with those on adjacent lands for the purposes of achieving broad ecosystem protection and conservation strategies. Assisting natural resources management staff in parks, centers, and support offices by providing direct professional and programmatic advice and support. Remember to say you found this opportunity at EnvironmentalCareer.com

General Purpose of Job: The Post-Doctoral Research Scientist – Air Quality Monitoring and Modeling is responsible for performing basic or applied research, research management, and proposal development in support of projects pertaining to air quality monitoring, modeling, emissions inventories, and data analysis. Work involves a high degree of expertise, creative insight, and technical skill.   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.   Major Duties: Assist with the design and implementation of large-scale air quality monitoring and modeling studies focused on neighborhood to regional scales, including the development of associated emissions inventories and meteorological parameters.  This includes support with the design and implementation of studies attributing observed air quality impacts to specific emission sources, including the quantification of these emissions through inverse modeling and other analytical techniques. Manage, visualize, and analyze large time-series datasets with air quality models and geospatial and statistical analysis software; prepare charts, maps, or tables that synthesize the large datasets into useful succinct representations. Implement HARC air quality field studies and campaigns. This includes the management, maintenance, outfitting, operations, and deployment of HARCs Mobile Air Quality Laboratory. Operate a Proton Transfer Reaction—Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS) and other sophisticated chemical and meteorological instrumentation to measure ambient concentrations of pollutants. Design, develop, and implement a LabVIEW-based real-time data acquisition and control, cloud-based data visualization and storage, and SMS and E-mail based alerting system for the HARC Mobile Lab. Assist in the development and implementation of advanced air quality measurement and modeling techniques (e.g., remote sensing, distributed sensor networks, data assimilation techniques, air quality or multi-media simulation).   General Research Support Assist principal investigators in the identification of funding opportunities and in the development of research proposals. Assist project teams with the timely completion of project deliverables. Employ current concepts and principles to achieve project objectives and sustainable outcomes in creative and effective ways. Help plan and execute or manage research or technology development; including assisting with the management of project teams, budgets, and ensuring timely completion of project deliverables. Develop, implement, and document quality assurance procedures for programs/projects containing data management and analysis components as and when required.   Internal Responsibilities Collaborate with other HARC researchers and administrative departments on multidisciplinary projects. Communicate project findings in oral and written form for HARC outreach products. Initiate and promote teamwork, shared learning and integrated approaches to sustainability. Use professional knowledge and skills to contribute to the achievement of HARC’s mission. Participate in HARC internal meetings as assigned; may serve on HARC committees or working groups as assigned.   External Responsibilities Make contributions to discipline through the creation of peer review publications, technical reports, public outreach documents, presentations, web content, and external presentations. Represent HARC and communicate results at professional conferences, workshops, symposia and networking events. Assist with HARC external communications, including development of content for newsletters, web pages, and social media. Initiate and promote external collaboration and integrated approaches to sustainability; communicate with public agencies, research institutions, funding organizations, nonprofit and private sector stakeholders and the public in support of project work and development of funding proposals.   Professional Development Maintain broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles, theories, and practices in discipline. Engage in professional development to obtain additional relevant skills such as proposal writing and networking. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education/Experience Ph.D. in a scientific or engineering discipline.   Desired skills Proficiency with air quality and emissions models, statistical software, data analytics, database management, temporal and spatial data analysis and visualization, and other advanced computer science techniques. Collegial, mission-driven researcher with well-developed interpersonal skills. Strong written and oral communication skills. Background or interest in environmental issues. Capability of performing work with no instructions on routine work, general instructions on new assignments. Acute attention to detail. Strong creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Exercises strict confidentiality of all communications, verbal and written.   Computer Skills To perform this job successfully, an individual must be computer literate in word processing, spreadsheets, Internet and email software as well as the requisite air quality and emissions models and software platforms. Strong programming capability in Python, Igor, and/or JavaScript are highly desirable.   WORK ENVIRONMENT Desire to work independently in a fast-paced, creative environment, and ability to work on several projects at once. Work may subject the employee to outdoor weather conditions in addition to working in a typical office environment. Employee will be required to work in indoor, outdoor and mobile environments. Air quality/transportation fieldwork is required. Must have a keen awareness to safety.   PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. Remember to say you found this opportunity at EnvironmentalCareer.com

WHAT YOU'LL DO This position is an opportunity to work within a unique nexus of environmental sustainability and land development, to efficiently manage clients, investors, engineers, and scientists in successfully executing large-scale projects. This position is an exciting opportunity to work on a fast-paced, international team of experts toward effective environmental risk management. WHO WE ARE  Deborah Brosnan & Associates is a science and environment consulting company. In a world of problems, we are your source for solutions. We craft innovative science-based solutions to environmental challenges for discerning clients worldwide who want the best for their project, environment and community. Our personal approach, ability to target the issues, assemble the best team, and work as a trusted advisor and partner with you from start to finish, while rapidly delivering solutions, sets us apart. While a small group, we have a broad reach and extensive experience working in the USA, Caribbean and internationally. Our team combines the best available science and technical knowledge with the practical realities required for communities, businesses and our interconnected "just-in-time" world to thrive.  Our professionals can navigate the most complex science and translate it into solutions that save clients’ money and time, will move projects forward, and help to build resilient environments and communities.  We engage highly accomplished professionals. Basic Job Requirements Understand project scopes and objectives Evaluate and synthesize data for preparing high-level environmental reports and work plans Awareness of deliverable deadlines and ability to produce deliverables amid a dynamic project scope Coordinate tasks with clients, contractors, government agencies, investors, and other project stakeholders for efficient project planning Prepare internal project reports for DB&A to manage progress of timelines and budgets within the scope of larger projects Prepare external weekly client updates and monthly project reports for clients and investors Coordinate interdependent scheduling of clients, contractors, agencies, etc. Use appropriate judgement in managing project scope, schedule, and costs Organize and maintain comprehensive project documentation Maintain good working relationships with clients Key Competencies Willingness to work in a fast-paced, dynamic office environment with rapid deadlines Previous experience in project management for consulting firms, engineering firms, architecture firms, or real estate development Ability to track projects and contractors to keep project on a fast-moving timeline Flexibility in schedule, willing to work some evenings to keep with project deadlines Strong organizational skills Familiarity with file-sharing tools such as Dropbox and Google Drive Ability to work independently Motivated and positive attitude COUNTRY  United States  CITY   Washington, D.C.  Some travel may be required. JOB FAMILY   Project Management YOU'RE GOOD AT   Providing project management and updates at a consistent and exceptional level including, but not limited to:   Develop working relationships with external clients and their assistants to facilitate the information flow and scheduling process Maintain and develop working relationships with various Deborah Brosnan & Associates project and operations staff members to maintain information flow and scheduling process Organize and maintain filing system (both electronic and paper) Type and prepare client proposals, letters, memoranda, and correspondence Provide production support including slide generation, graphics, proofreading, editing, copying and book binding Receive, screen, sort and prioritize all incoming mail and email; respond to inquiries as needed Maintain highest level of internal and external confidentiality Ability to meet or exceed project deadlines

About the Fellowship This Fellowship is part of the Oil & Gas Water Fellows Trio and is an opportunity for an individual embedded in a community with oil & gas industry impacts to work with Public Lab on local water quality concerns related to the industry.    Starting: September 16th  Commitment: roughly 15-20 hours/week (200 hours over approx. 8-12 weeks) Fellowship Stipend: $2,500 Where: Applicants interested in this Fellowship must be embedded (from, living in, or working in) a community with oil & gas industry impacts on water. Preference will be given to applicants from Gulf Coast states, particularly Louisiana.     The major goals of this Fellowship are:   1.) To work on local water quality monitoring projects related to the impacts of the oil & gas industry, 2.) To document their user experience with current and emerging monitoring tools available at PublicLab.org, 3.) To work in collaboration with the Hardware and Monitoring Methods Fellows to draft and compile materials for a “Research Area Review” on water quality monitoring on PublicLab.org.   You will: Identify and work with a local community group concerned with oil & gas issues on a new or existing water quality monitoring project. Use and explore tools and methods shared on PublicLab.org for water monitoring.  Create documentation on PublicLab.org on your experience using different tools and methods, and provide feedback for how these resources can be used by yourself and others. Host at least two water monitoring events with local community members. (Some event funding support available)  Engage the Public Lab community in-person and remote on questions and resources related to tools and methods used in water quality monitoring.  Share information about your community’s work on water monitoring, including the tools and methods being used. Work with the Hardware and Monitoring Methods Fellows to run a “Research Area Review” for water quality monitoring, including soliciting input from peer groups on the state of water quality monitoring, updating documentation on PublicLab.org related to current water quality monitoring methods available through the Public Lab store, seed and help answer questions for others to help answer on water quality monitoring, and organize and participate in an OpenHour interactive seminar on the state of water quality monitoring in relation to Oil & Gas concerns. Join the Public Lab Oil & Gas Slack channel.  When possible, attend a weekly Fellows call or check in with weekly project updates. Maintain and adhere to nonprofit policies and procedures, Public Lab values, and the Code of Conduct .   This role may be for you if you are: An exceptional written and oral communicator: You have excellent interpersonal skills - you’re a collaborator and a problem-solver who is often praised for your organization and attention to detail. Team-oriented: You work collaboratively, both in-person and with remote colleagues, to envision and promote positive change, and to be supportive of others; A helper who includes everyone: You’ve taught or facilitated workshops and can facilitate activities amongst a highly diverse community of people from many different fields and experiences. A locally-minded networker : You engage people on local issues regularly and can talk with people about local environmental concerns, programs, and ideas;  An active learner: You take on challenges in learning new skills including technologies, and ways of gathering and sharing information. This Fellowship will be hosted through Public Lab. Public Lab is committed to a diverse, multicultural work environment. We encourage people with different ability sets, people of color, and people of diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions, and identities to apply.   To Apply Send a resume and the answers to the questions below in a single document to jobs@publiclab.org by August 29th. **Please specify which fellowship you are applying for in the subject line of your email.  No phone calls, please. 1.) Why are you interested in this Fellowship? What about working on this issue intrigues you? 2.)  Please describe your local community and how it has been affected by the oil & gas industry.  3.) If you have a community group in mind you seek to work with on this Fellowship, please provide some background information on them. If you do not have a community group in mind, please provide information on whom you plan to reach out to and how. 4.) If awarded the Fellowship, what would you hope to learn, and what would you hope to accomplish?

Where the great Paraguay River meets the even larger Parana river, the water rebounds and overflows the banks.  The amazing delta system spreads for miles as two rivers converge and the water carves a giant network of underground tunnels, large sandy lakes, and slow flowing streams spread across the country side. The name of this area is the Ñeembucú Wetland Complex. Located in Southwestern Paraguay, this area has been heavily understudied. Home to squirmy eels, tiny minnows, hundreds of cichlids, and giant stingrays, this mosaic habitat is certainly hiding new species for science. Para La Tierra is searching for talented and hardworking research interns to join our team in Paraguay for 3 to 6 months. Our internship program provides young biologists an opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the field, gaining hands-on experience running a research project of their own design. Before arriving, our interns are challenged to come up with a research topic, review the relevant literature, and create a methodology with the support of our intern-supervisor. Towards the end of the stay, all our interns give a final presentation in which they share the results of their study with the rest of the research team. The internship program is designed to give young scientists the opportunity to take control of every step of a scientific project. From conception to completion, our interns are in the driver seat. When was the last time that your professor gave you the option to choose what you wanted to study? When was the last time your boss told you to follow your own passion? At Para La Tierra, we specialize in training young biologists in the skills they need to enter further education or the job market. Based in Paraguay, the ‘heart of South America,’ we are the country’s only year-round research station. Over the past 9 years, we have published over 60 peer-reviewed articles and discovered a few new species for science. Along the way, over 250 interns have helped contribute to the better understanding of Paraguay’s understudied habitats. Our ichthyology team is focusing on establishing a bio-geographical inventory of species to define just how much the species communities vary by micro-habitat. By comparing the community structure found in the different areas of the delta system we hope to find areas of interest to evolutionary biology. This confluence is a meeting place of many species and the network of temporary floodplains often leads to extended isolation events. Whether you’ve a proven interest in ichthyology or just beginning your career as a conservation biologist, this internship gives you the opportunity to design your own project and execute a methodology of your own design. Our research base is located in the city of Pilar, a beautiful location in the south of Paraguay, and the gateway to the Ñeembucú Wetland Complex (NWC). The NWC is composed of a mosaic of habitats, including grasslands, marches and humid Chaco. Deep forests lining the rivers and streams running through the area are bursting with wildlife, while river monsters the size of small cars lurk in the murky waters. Come discover for yourself what Paraguay has to offer. Our interns finish the program taking away a long list of newly learned skills, a professional reference, and one heck of an experience to share at their next interview. But they also leave behind a great deal. All of our intern projects are directly involved in conserving this threatened habitat. The scientific investigations of the area help raise awareness of the ecological importance of Ñeembucu at both the national and international levels. The most successful projects are published in scientific journals, further raising the profile of Paraguay, and many interns make their way onto the author line for the first time in their early careers through their work with Para La Tierra.     The application period is rolling and there are no start or end dates, so the trip can be organized to suit the project and the person. Interns must be available to stay for a minimum of three months. Applicants must be over 18 years old and have or be working towards a degree in a biology related subject. Conversational English is required. To apply please email your CV to  paralatierra.py@gmail.com . Costs – Because the best things in life aren’t free.  $925 per month for the 1st 2 months and $875 for each subsequent month.   Para La Tierra charges interns to cover costs of room and board. The price includes all living costs during their stay with us. Interns receive three meals a day, a bed in shared accommodation with hot showers and access to WiFi. The fee also covers the use of PLT’s scientific equipment, minor administrative costs associated with the stay, and a small contribution to Para La Tierra's conservation and education projects.   Weekly basis pro rata payments are accepted in special cases. There is a 25% discount for South American nationals.