Global Reptile Assessment Internship -- International Union for Conservation of Nature
An intern is needed to prepare Red List extinction risk
assessments and digital species distribution maps as part of the ongoing Global
Reptile Assessment, an initiative to evaluate the conservation status of every
species of reptile. Beginning in late August, this internship will support work
underway to assess the nearly 1,000 species of snakes and lizards found in
Australia.
LOCATION: The internship
will be based in the IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit at 2011 Crystal
Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202, USA.
STIPEND: The intern will be paid a monthly stipend of USD 1,000.
STIPEND: The intern will be paid a monthly stipend of USD 1,000.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Identify and extract data from field guides and academic literature on individual species’ distribution, population status, natural history and threatening processes.
• Using IUCN’s Species Information Service database, in which training will be provided, enter data into species accounts.
• Using ArcMAP software (in which training will be provided as necessary), prepare digital maps for a subset of the snakes and lizards of Australia, and calculate estimates of distributional extent.
• Providing additional support for ongoing Global Reptile Assessment work as requested, including calculating distributional extent and completing attribute fields for assessments and maps prior to final publication on the Red List.
• There may be some opportunity to liaise with specialists (mainly authors of academic papers) as necessary to follow up on issues that may be uncertain from text or maps.
• Identify and extract data from field guides and academic literature on individual species’ distribution, population status, natural history and threatening processes.
• Using IUCN’s Species Information Service database, in which training will be provided, enter data into species accounts.
• Using ArcMAP software (in which training will be provided as necessary), prepare digital maps for a subset of the snakes and lizards of Australia, and calculate estimates of distributional extent.
• Providing additional support for ongoing Global Reptile Assessment work as requested, including calculating distributional extent and completing attribute fields for assessments and maps prior to final publication on the Red List.
• There may be some opportunity to liaise with specialists (mainly authors of academic papers) as necessary to follow up on issues that may be uncertain from text or maps.
REQUIREMENTS
• A basic understanding of ecological science is desirable; familiarity with scientific writing will be helpful.
• Prior experience in using GIS software is advantageous, but training will be provided in the necessary mapping standards and software.
• Good general knowledge of Australian geography will be helpful; knowledge of the region’s herpetology will be particularly well-regarded.
• Good attention to detail
