Internship Description

About the Organization:
Most internship opportunities will be organized through staff of ecological organizations such as the Department of Conservation (DoC) which often require volunteers and interns to assist with their conservation projects. The Department of Conservation is the central government organization charged with conserving the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future New Zealanders. Its mission is "to conserve New Zealand's natural and historic heritage for all to enjoy now and in the future".

Local Activities:
The Department manages or administers on behalf of New Zealanders:
· national parks and forest parks
· reserves and conservation areas
· protected indigenous forests
· protected inland waters and wild and scenic rivers
· indigenous/native wildlife
· non-commercial freshwater fisheries
· historic places on conservation land
· marine reserves and protecting marine mammals offshore islands set aside for conservation.

The location of internships will vary depending upon the project, and may be on either the North or South Islands of New Zealand.

Job Description:
Student interns will be selected to work on diverse conservation projects located throughout New Zealand. The types of conservation projects available vary from year to year and may include the following (NOTE: interns will be selected to work on only one project): mainland island projects, native bird recovery programs, freshwater surveys and wetland restoration, plant surveys and weed control, lizard surveys and predator control, marine reserve research, and bat surveys.

Current Field Opportunities:

Native Bird Recovery Programmes/ Plant Surveys and Weed Control at Boundary Stream:
Boundary Stream Mainland Island encompasses the 800 hectare Boundary Stream Scenic Reserve situated on the eastern flanks of the Maungaharuru Range, about 60 km northwest of Napier. It spans and represents a whole altitudinal sequence from lowland forest to montain forest environments. The management of Boundary Stream Mainland Island as a nature restoration project began in 1996. This includes:

*control of introduced mammals to low levels - includes deer, pigs, goats, possums, rats, cats, stoats, ferrets, weasels and hedgehogs;
*control of introduced plants;
*monitoring of forest health;
*re-establishing native plants and animals formerly present;
*scientific research;
*maintaining and upgrading recreational facilities
*providing interpretation and publications.

Visit the Boundary Stream website for more details.

Conservation and Advocacy Programming/ Native Flora and Fauna Research at Nga Manu Nature Reserve:
Nga Manu is a 40 acre nature reserve located in Waikanae, New Zealand just north of Wellington. The reserve holds one of the largest remanent lowland coastal swamp forests in the Kapiti Coast region. The Nature Reserve has a range of over 700 plant species along with a diverse range of native animals. The reserve provides a unique educational experience for the general public and school groups. Intern may assist with the following:

* Assist with research of native flora and fauna at Nga Manu Nature Reserve
*Help run conservation advocacy programmes based at the Reserve.
*Assist with daily activities of running the reserve such as working with the public, assisting with education groups, helping care for the reserve's wildlife.

Visit the Nga Manu Nature Reserve website for more details.

Additional Information:
New Zealand Department of Conservation Web Site:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/index.asp
Pictures, Final Reports, or PPT will also be linked if available.

Start Date:
Internships must be a minimum of 10 weeks, and will occur during New Zealand's summer field season (US winter).

Duration:
Boundary Stream: Ten weeks to 3 months, available Winter term only.
Nga Manu Nature Reserve: 10 weeks to 5 months, January through May only.

Number of Positions:
Up to six students will be selected each year, October through March.

Intern Qualifications

Academic Background:
Most internship opportunities are biological in nature and students should have some science background. Basic biology and previous field experience would be helpful.

Skills/Experience:
It is extremely important that participants have a high level of physical fitness and agility and be able to accurately record data. Previous camping and backpacking experiences a plus. Interns should have knowledge of map and compass use. Students must be capable of strenuous work and long days. Duties are very demanding and physical in nature. Interns may be walking long distances carrying heavy packs. Projects involve being out in all weather conditions. Interns may be camping at times or staying in small huts, thus they must be able to get along with several people in tight living conditions.

Language Requirement:
English

Other Requirements:
Open-mind and interest in working in a variety of areas of conservation.

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:
No stipend will be paid.

Accommodation:
Boundary Stream: accommodation will generally be provided. Conditions may vary, but most likely will be in tents or huts.
Nga Manu: Assistance locating accomodation will be provided.
Interns must be able to handle camping conditions for either site.

International Travel:
$900-1400 for round-trip airfare (to Auckland, NZ)

Cost of Living:
Estimated cost of meals, incidentals, local transportation and recreation: US$300-400/month. Interns must provide their own bus or ferry transport to the field site (relatively inexpensive: NZ $30-100 between cities). Interns will need to provide own food ($400-$600/ month).

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.

Created/Revised:07/20/2007