The Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit nature preserve, biological field station, and environmental education center located in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Lacawac’s 545-acre property includes a pristine 52-acre glacial lake and its watershed, bogs, forests with hiking trails, and a Great Camp listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since its inception in 1966, the Lacawac Sanctuary’s mission has been to preserve Lake Lacawac, its watershed, the surrounding forest and historic structures; provide a venue for ecological research, scholarly interaction and the training of scientists; and offer public education on environmental and conservation issues.

The Lacawac Sanctuary has an opening for a self-motivated Master’s level intern with a focus on creation of a database for information on biological, physical and chemical parameters for lakes, rivers and streams. This project is part of a grant received from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wild Resource Conservation Program. The intern will work closely with the Lacawac Sanctuary’s Director of Research and Education to compile data sources for freshwaters across the state of Pennsylvania. The database will be used for future projects aimed at understanding how climate change is shaping freshwater ecosystems and will be important for state agencies tasked with understanding how climate change is impacting freshwaters. The intern will also have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research and educational projects.

Responsibilities include (1) Communication with potential sources of data including federal, state and county agencies, academic researchers, and non-profit institutions working within the state of Pennsylvania.(2) Collection and organization of long-term metadata. (3) Dissemination of findings to the scientific community.

Job Requirements: (1) A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology or related field. Master’s degree preferred. (2) Previous experience in data compilation efforts and proficiency in information technology/computing. Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required. (3) Ability to work independently. (4) Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. (5) Broad training in ecology with a thorough understanding of freshwater ecosystems. (6) Preference will be given to candidates with experience in biological/environmental research projects.

Starting Date is as soon as possible.  Intern is expected to commit 24 weeks of work for 32 hours/week. Competitive hourly wages will be provided. Free lodging is available at the Lacawac Sanctuary for a proportion of the commitment time. Work can be completed remotely with weekly meetings with Director of Research and Education.

To apply: Submit a CV, letter of interest, unofficial copies of transcripts and at least one letter of reference to Dr. Sarah Princiotta, Director of Research and Education ([email protected]) with “FW Intern Application” in the subject line.