Intern, Prairie Dog Conflict Resolution

$18.55 per hour, working 15-22 hours a week.
The internship will be from approximately  7/6/2024- 5/1/2025

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s most effective animal advocacy organization, is seeking a Prairie Dog Conflict Resolution, Team Field Outreach Intern for the Wildlife Protection department. As an intern, you will learn hands-on techniques and skills needed to successfully contribute to prairie dog coexistence in the field and management plans. This internship includes assistance with outreach, development and implementation of Coexistence strategies in the field, non-lethal prairie dog management planning and implementation for key prairie dog colonies throughout their range.  Strategies to Reduce Conflict with the Prairie Dog Ecosystem and the examination and application of social factors interfering with and contributing to non-lethal prairie dog management are also examined. This internship is a critical component of the Prairie Dog Conflict Resolution Team’s work sharing and protecting the prairie ecosystem within our community and throughout the Central Grasslands landscape.

Learning Opportunities:

• Be a part of, and learn 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 2-4 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).
• Collaborate and network with government and non-government agencies and organizations employing wildlife coexistence and landscape planning for the prairie dog ecosystem; share these findings in the development of a Case Studies Guidebook with the Program Director
• Discover, research, experience and implement coexistence strategies and habitat maintenance for the prairie dog ecosystem. 
• Learn about and participate in developing basic prairie dog policy and protections, and operating dynamics for wildlife protection programs in the West.
• Learn and share how conservation social science applies to wildlife conservation. 
• Assess and share support for and research related to prairie dog management, coexistence and non-lethal wildlife management 
• Assist with non-lethal trainings for individuals & agencies and associated outreach.
• Gain knowledge about non-profit management and gain experience in key management areas such as administration, team building, event planning, outreach, and advocacy. 
• Study, design and develop Coexistence Clinics for prairie dogs, led by our organization and offered to local, state and federal wildlife managers throughout the state as needed.

You will be responsible for:

•Participating in a wild-to-wild translocation of prairie dogs from an imperiled site to a protected habitat.  Duties and responsibilities 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.

• Assisting in implementation of non-lethal model sites in Colorado. Duties and responsibilities include: Participating 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; Duties and responsibilities include assisting in the planning, implementation and analysis of prairie dog conservation activities with partners and 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 your own method of transportation to attend local outreach and field opportunities and join in-person meetings.;
• 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 or a graduate of a college program (graduation must be within two years of application for internship) in wildlife biology, conservation, animal welfare or the environment, conservation communication, natural resources, wildlife or have related experience or education;
• Able to meet the requirements specified in the Essential Capabilities document with or without reasonable accommodation;
• 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, wildlife behavior and variable project needs;
• Critical thinking skills;
• Strong communication skills; 
•  Able to work independently and use good judgment;
•  Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word; 
•  Able to work outside in the heat;
•  Able to 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 and also have the ability to work independently 

This internship is in Colorado

When applying, please submit your cover letter and resume together as one document.
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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