Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to contribute to cutting-edge research on endangered species? The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is seeking motivated and passionate individuals for our Crane Conservation Fellowship. This unique opportunity offers hands-on experience working with North America’s iconic crane species – Greater Sandhill Cranes and Whooping Cranes – primarily in central Wisconsin. Fellows will be deeply involved in studying crane behavior, ecology, habitat use, and more, contributing directly to conservation efforts that are vital for the long-term survival of these remarkable birds.
The position runs from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026, with some flexibility for start and end dates, and includes a stipend of $1,500/month plus housing. Would you like to be surrounded by people who are passionate about our mission, dedicated to the organization, and engaged with their fellow staff and associates? Then read on.
About the Role
As a Conservation Fellow with the International Crane Foundation, you will play an essential role in a variety of research, fieldwork, and outreach efforts to support crane conservation in the upper Midwest. In the field, you will assist in observing color-banded cranes to gather data on their productivity, habitat use, and breeding pair dynamics, while also monitoring risks posed by avian and mammalian predators and evaluating the effectiveness of habitat management actions. You will also help track free-ranging Whooping Cranes via radio-tracking, primarily in Wisconsin but potentially in other nearby states as well. Additional fieldwork involves deploying and maintaining trail cameras to capture behavioral data that contributes to research on crane movements and interactions with their environment. The role will also support the capture and banding of both adult and juvenile cranes, collecting environmental samples to aid in the monitoring and conservation of these species.
In addition to fieldwork, you will engage in outreach and education efforts, sharing the importance of crane conservation with a variety of audiences through virtual and in-person programming. This includes engaging with conservation partners and individuals (hunters, landowners, etc.) to promote awareness and protection of cranes and assist with monitoring cranes in the area. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with ICF staff to design, conduct, and present an independent research project that contributes to the broader scientific understanding of crane populations and their conservation needs. Fellows will gain hands-on experience in ecological restoration, including techniques such as prescribed fire and invasive species control, contributing to the restoration of critical crane habitats. Additionally, you will work closely with local communities, including hunters and landowners, to foster partnerships that support crane monitoring and conservation efforts throughout the region.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Gain experience in and contribute to crane research efforts, including observing color-banded cranes within a wild population to assess productivity, habitat use, and breeding pair dynamics.
- Collect data to assess a crane’s risk of predation by avian and mammalian predators and efficacy of habitat management actions; enter data into online platforms.
- Assist with radio tracking of free-ranging Whooping Cranes mainly in the central and southeastern part of Wisconsin, however, travel into other states may also be necessary.
- Deploy and maintain trail cameras to monitor potential predators and incubating cranes and record behaviors of family groups of cranes, process photographic data with guidance.
- Assist with capturing adult and juvenile Whooping Cranes and Sandhill Cranes for banding and sampling of environmental contaminants.
- Support virtual and in-person outreach programming to a broad array of audiences.
- Further develop writing skills and contribute written articles to pertinent media sources.
- Develop and present an independent research project with the guidance of staff.
- Support ecosystem restoration efforts and learn relevant techniques (including prescribed fire and invasive species control) on the foundation’s lands.
- Maintain partnerships with hunters, landowners and other citizens who monitor or keep watch over the cranes in their areas.
- Work cooperatively with individuals across departments, making valuable contributions to shared projects and assisting with the outputs of others.
- Commit to the free sharing of information and technical expertise as needed, communicating clearly and effectively within a team.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field.
- Ability to tolerate working in difficult conditions and long field days (before sunrise, after sunset), often spent in vehicles.
- Excellent oral communication skills, including communicating conservation messages to various audiences, from individuals to lecture halls, and across online platforms.
- Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to effectively proofread and edit reports and correspondence in a clear, concise, logical and effective manner while utilizing proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.
- Attention to detail regarding the quality of their own and others’ work, ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of large and small projects and products.
- Manage multiple concurrent and competing priorities in a fast-paced workplace, using appropriate manual and electronic resources to ensure timely completion.
- Very strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with key stakeholders, demonstrate respect and sensitivity for others, inspire trust, and work with integrity.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, including experience independently leading projects, providing metrics of milestones, and meeting deadlines.
- Individuals seeking graduate training are encouraged to apply.
- A valid driver’s license (USA or International) and an acceptable driving record are required.
- All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States when they apply.
Preferred experience and knowledge:
- Background relating to wildlife conservation, wildlife education, or biology preferred.
- Previous fieldwork experience, including radio telemetry, behavioral observation, and trail camera deployment.
- Previous outreach experience.
- Proficiency with basic Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint.
- Experience working with volunteers to achieve desired results; able to train and encourage skill development; able to access and provide feedback on individual performance.
- Exceptional public speaking skills and the ability to teach diverse audiences in a non-formal setting.
- Demonstrated a strong interest/background in the fields of interpretation, science communication, environmental education, conservation biology, ornithology, education, film/documentary production graphic design, or other related fields.
Physical abilities:
- Ability to operate computers and phones.
- Ability to communicate with fellow staff and the public. Communication will include both one-to-one communication, small, and large group communication.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for five to seven hours a day.
- Occasionally required to lift and move items up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to work outdoors in difficult conditions for long periods of time.
How to Apply: Apply in minutes by sending a single document containing a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three references to icfinternships@savingcranes.org with the subject: “NAP Fellowship.” The deadline to apply is December 8, 2024.
“ICF is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We hire great people.” ICF is an equal opportunity employer.