Plant Ecology Internship

Assist with tasks related to maintaining a common garden experiment being conducted by Smithsonian Institution.  The 11-year old experiment is composed of thousands of native tree species planted in plots along a diversity gradient (monocultures, 4 species, and 12 species mixtures).  Intern would assess survival and growth of trees; check temperature sensors on each plot; remove any invasive tree species; and summarize data.  The Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute is 3200 acres located in Front Royal, VA and serves as an endangered species breeding station for the National Zoo, as well as the headquarters for ecologists researching conservation of wildlife and plants. Applicants should have a background in ecology, interest in forest ecology, and plans for a career in conservation, forestry, land management or ecology.  Stipend is $1400 per month plus housing is available at a communal residence on-site ($270 per month fee).  Expected tenure 3-4 months, with a start date in May.