Needed to support avian monitoring with the National Park Service on the Maryland portion of Assateague Island National Seashore. These 16 week positions have a negotiable preferred start date of 30 Mar 2009. A great opportunity to build monitoring and management skills by working with a high density plover breeding colony on an evolving barrier beach habitat. Piping Plovers are small, ground nesting shorebirds that are federally listed as a Threatened species. Limited work with other migrant and breeding birds and with predator management. Position requires: a strong interest in bird conservation; ability to locate and monitor cryptic shorebirds by sight, call and tracks, and precocial chicks at 100-300 meters; use of optical equipment; the ability to work in close-knit groups and independently with minimal supervision; must be attentive to details; ability to accurately complete data sheets, a 0600-1430 work day; walking in loose sand under direct sunlight carrying moderate loads; exposure to high humidity, blowing sand and occasional biting insects; operation of ORV's (valid driver's license required). Interested applicants should either have or be working towards a B.S. degree in biological science, ecology, natural resources management, conservation biology or related field. A subsistence reimbursement and free on-site housing are provided to interns. Applications and additional information about these positions will be posted on the Volunteer.gov website (URL:http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/) Contact TAMI PEARL, Biological Science Technician, Assateague Island National Seashore, (PH: 410-641-1443 ext. 217, EM: tami_pearl AT nps.gov) with any questions.