Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station
Cape Tribulation (Queensland), Australia
Australia-001
Internship Description
About the Organization:Cape Tribulation, on the Coral Sea of Queensland, Australia, is about 120Km north of Cairns. The area has a wide variety of habitats from coastal reefs to tropical rainforest. The Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station was established as a research station in 1988 to provide a locus for researchers and students to carry out both pure and management oriented research in the region. The Research Station is a research and conservation organisation specialising in lowland tropical ecosystems, in particular those of the Daintree lowlands. The Station is operated by the Australian Tropical Research Foundation (AUSTROP), an independent, not-for-profit, tax-deductible institution. The station is strategicially positioned where two World Heritage sites meet: the Great Barrier Reef and the the Daintree Rainforest.
Local Activities:
Job Description:
Interns may work with visiting scientists on research projects or they may work by themselves with some input from the Director.
The research projects may be new or they may be ongoing projects.
Previous research at the Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station has included: development of techniques for assisted regeneration of rainforests; development of appropriate technology for living in the wet tropics (particularly energy conservation); productivity and pollination of cluster figs; ecology of flying foxes (giant fruit bats) and their relatives; conservation biology of flying foxes - particularly development of non-lethal deterrent systems and the development of a GPS collar logger for flying foxes and cassowaries (applied science/ electrical engineering), rainforest and reef conservation plus a variety of projects by researchers inside and outside the Station.
In addition to the research projects, interns may also spend up to half their time assisting with other duties on the research station, including radio-tracking bats, counting figs, stomping grass for forest regeneration, constructing Station buildings, staffing the visitor center (the “Bat House”), etc.
As everyone at the station pitches in on daily tasks, interns will also be expected to assist with these.
Students interested in projects in sustainable energy, building and design (such as solar power, energy efficient building design and composting/gasification technology) are welcome at the station as well. Students with computer skills – especially GIS –mapping, C++ and visual basic –are wanted for the flying fox GPS project.
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Additional Information:
http://www.austrop.org.au/
Pictures, Final Reports, or PPT will also be linked if available.
Start Date:
Any time by arrangement
Duration:
10 weeks-6 months
Number of Positions:
1-2 positions every term
Intern Qualifications
Academic Background:Environmental science and related disciplines, engineering and sustainable development
Skills/Experience:
Practical and/ or hands-on research skills preferred. Flexibility and ability to work in close environment with diverse people from around the world essential, as is the ability and desire to work independently/ take initiative to complete tasks and projects.
Language Requirement:
English
Other Requirements:
Good interpersonal skills. Ability to live and work with others in close quarters.
Internship Costs
Program Fees:The program fee includes tuition, internship site development and placement, pre-departure orientation, international health insurance, internship monitoring and follow-up.
Click here for application information, including the program fee, for your school.
Note: The program fee does not include airfare, housing, living expenses or any other estimated costs noted below.
Note:
Any financial or in-kind support provided by the host organization is explicitly indicated.
Compensation:
None.
Accommodation:
Communal living, small cottages in the rainforest. Room and board on the Research Station costs $US900 per month for interns. Interns pay room and board costs directly to Cape Tribulation upon arrival.
International Travel:
$1900
Cost of Living:
Approx. $1100 per month (including room and board).
Budget Note:
Applicants should use these estimates for preliminary budgeting purposes.
IE3 will issue an official budget after acceptance by the host organization.
Application Information
Academic Credit:
Up to 12 credits available as per arrangement with supervising department.
Application Materials:
IE3 is a program of the Oregon University System.
Students from participating
partner universities are also eligible to apply.
Click here for application
information and select your school from the list.