INTERNSHIP

INTERNSHIP
OPPORTUNITY!
OPPORTUNITY!
UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO - RIO PIEDRAS
TROPICAL FOREST RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES –
SEEDLING CENSUS
April 2 through June 29, 2018
Complete applications must be submitted by February 15, 2018

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION: The University of Puerto Rico will carry out a seedling census in the 16-ha
Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot (LFDP), and in nearby 1-ha chronosequence stands of variable age,
located in the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. The LFDP is a member of the Smithsonian
Center for Tropical Forest Science network. For this project we are seeking four (4) volunteer interns to
help identify and measure seedlings in marked plots in the LFDP and chronosequence stands.
Following training in census protocol and database management, the volunteers will work in the forest
in teams, spending long hours in the field (8 am until 4 pm, Monday-Friday, with weekends free), often
in wet and muddy conditions and on challenging topography. Volunteers will enter all collected data,
using database software. While in Puerto Rico volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about
diverse aspects of tropical ecology from scientists involved in the Luquillo Long-Term Ecological
Research Program.

PERIOD: April 2 through June 29, 2018.

STIPEND: $600 per month to cover food and general living expenses.

ACCOMMODATION: Free accommodation at El Verde Field Station in Puerto Rico. Housing is

communal using shared resources. The field station is relatively isolated and transportation is available
on a limited basis.

TRAVEL: Refund of up to $750 towards a round-trip plane ticket from mainland USA, if not already
living in Puerto Rico.
NOTE: We are unable to provide any medical insurance.

REQUIREMENTS: College graduates with background in biology, ecology, environmental science, or

related field, preferably with field-work experience, knowledge of plant identification, and excellent
organizational skills. Tropical experience useful, but is not required. We are currently only considering
US citizens and permanent US residents for these opportunities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested applicants must fill out the online Application Form (if the link
to the left does not work see
http://sites.google.com/a/ites.upr.edu/el-verde-field-station/internships/luquillo-forest-dynamics-plot-
internship-opportunities/lfdp-internship-application).
The following additional materials must also be submitted via email to the LFDP Research Manager,
Jamarys Torres-Díaz, at lfdp@ites.upr.edu by February 15:
1) A letter of interest indicating why you wish to work in a tropical forest and describing your relevant
experience. Include a statement that you understand your application is for a volunteer position;
2) Full resume;
3) University transcripts (scanned unofficial transcripts are fine);
All email attachments must include the name of the applicant as part of the file name. Please include
“seedling census” as part of your subject line, as we may be hiring for multiple positions.
Please email further inquiries to lfdp@ites.upr.edu.
Following phone interviews, we will inform successful applicants in late February, 2018.
For more information, please see http://luq.lternet.edu/