Wildlife Science Major
I worked as a biological field technician in the Big Sandy Unit of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge this summer. We studied the effects of different silvicultural practices on the populations of neotropical migratory songbirds on the refuge. Duties included spot mapping of singing males to determine their territories, nest searching and monitoring of all species present, vegetation sampling, and herp surveys. The job was both challenging and exciting; I definitely learned a lot and gained unforgettable experience in my field. It was so rewarding to wake up at 4:00 am every day and know that I was going to be in the woods for yet another beautiful sunrise and get paid for it!
Q: What
is your major?
A: Wildlife Science
Q: When
do you plan to graduate?
A: May 2003
Q: What
was your job (internship, co-op, seasonal position)?
A: Seasonal position. We studied the effects of different silivicultural
practices on the populations of neotropical migratory songbirds
Q: How long
did the position last?
A: From about May-late July, Summer of 2002
Q: What
was your title?
A: I
worked as a biological field technician for a phD student
Q: Where
were you located?
A: Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, Big Sandy Unit.
Q: What
were your main tasks/duties?
A:
Nest searching and monitoring for at least 20-30 different species,
spot mapping of singing males, vegetation sampling, herpetile surveys,
data entry
Q: What
did you like most about your job/internship?
A: The privilege of working in the woods and seeing the sunrise
every day; nest searching was my favorite duty because it's very relaxing
and mentally stimulating
Q: What
(if anything) did you like least about the internship?
A: Some of the crew members were difficult to work with; getting
up at 4 a.m.
Q: Describe
a typical day on the job:
A: Wake up at 4 a.m., breakfast, spot mapping from about 5:30
till 10 or 11am, lunch at your own convenience, nest searching and monitoring
until 3pm or so, return to do data entry and hang out (go canoeing,
visit locals, read, etc); early bedtime!
Q: Were
you heavily supervised, or left to get things done on your own?
A:We were trained for the first few days, then left on our own.
It's difficult to do bird work with more than one person.
Q: How did
you find out about the job/internship?
A: Dr. Stauffer sent out the announcement on a class listserv
Q: What
is your best advice for others who want to find out about co-ops/internships?
A: Apply to many jobs because chances are you'll only get offered
one or two. Read job announcements from listservs, visit our college
Career Services office (Sharon), check out the Texas A&M job website,
ask grad students if they need help, research what you're interested
in.
Q: How did
you find housing (or was it arranged for you)?
A: It was arranged; we rented a little farmhouse about 2 miles
from the refuge.
Q: Did you
receive academic credit or were you paid?
A: I was paid about $2100 for the summer
Q: What
kind of career-related experience did you gain?
A: I learned how a project works, how to lead certain aspects
of a project, how to work with crewmembers who are less than desirable;
I gained valuable field experience that I can use in the future. It
gave me an idea of the kind of career I'd like to have and what I can
pursue in graduate school.
Q: Were
there other "perks" or privileges that you received?
A: No, but I am offered a raise and a slight promotion if I return
next year.
Q: Do you
plan on working for this company/agency again in the future?
A:Yes
Q: Are your
career goals the same after your job/internship? If not, how have they
changed?
A: I'm still not sure what I want to do as a career, but I know
that I have a passion for birds and have more knowledge of how to go
about pursuing a career in Wildlife. I know that I will not be able
to conduct field work forever.
Q: Would
you recommend this position to other students?
A: Yes, very much so; especially if they are interested in birds
and don't mind getting up at the crack of dawn. ;)
Q: What
is your best advice for students considering co-ops/internships?
A: Keep your eyes open and consider everything! Start early,
don't wait till the last minute! Don't give up when you don't get your
dream job. Don't assume you'll get that dream job and therefore not
apply for any others because when you don't get it then it will be too
late and all the good jobs will be filled. (that happened to me). Apply
to as many as you can! Send in your resume and cover letter, call employers,
and be assertive and confident.