Thursday, July 23, 2015

Global Reptile Assessment Internship with International Union for Conservation of Nature

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Intern - Global Reptile Assessment (GRA)



Status:Open (currently receiving applications)

Vacancy #:1128
Unit:Global Species & Key Biodiversity Areas Programme
Organization:International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:IUCN Washington DC Office, Washington D.C., United States of America
Reporting to:Manager, Biodiversity Assessment Unit
Work percentage:100%
Function group:-
Expected start date:01 September 2015
Type of contract:Fixed-term (3 months)
Closing date:31 July 2015
BACKGROUND

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
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific Objectives


• 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.


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.
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  
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST).
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/

About IUCN

IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges.

IUCN works on biodiversity, energy, human livelihoods and greening the world economy by supporting scientific research, managing field projects all over the world, and bringing governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.

IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,200 government and NGO members and almost 11,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world.

www.iucn.org