BACKGROUND
An intern is needed to prepare Red List extinction risk assessments and digital species distribution maps as part of the ongoing Global Reptile Assessment, an initiative to evaluate the conservation status of every species of reptile. Beginning in late August, this internship will support work underway to assess the nearly 1,000 species of snakes and lizards found in Australia.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific Objectives
• Identify and extract data from field guides and academic literature on individual species’ distribution, population status, natural history and threatening processes.
• Using IUCN’s Species Information Service database, in which training will be provided, enter data into species accounts.
• Using ArcMAP software (in which training will be provided as necessary), prepare digital maps for a subset of the snakes and lizards of Australia, and calculate estimates of distributional extent.
• Providing additional support for ongoing Global Reptile Assessment work as requested, including calculating distributional extent and completing attribute fields for assessments and maps prior to final publication on the Red List.
• There may be some opportunity to liaise with specialists (mainly authors of academic papers) as necessary to follow up on issues that may be uncertain from text or maps.
LOCATION:
The internship will be based in the IUCN-CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit at 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202, USA.
STIPEND:
The intern will be paid a monthly stipend of USD 1’000.
REQUIREMENTS
• A basic understanding of ecological science is desirable; familiarity with scientific writing will be helpful.
• Prior experience in using GIS software is advantageous, but training will be provided in the necessary mapping standards and software.
• Good general knowledge of Australian geography will be helpful; knowledge of the region’s herpetology will be particularly well-regarded.
• Good attention to detail.
Closing date: 31 July 2015
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