Field Work Opportunities for College Students
Internship Program Details
Duration: Approximately 4-5 weeks between early-May and mid-June.
Work Environment: Work is conducted on-trail and off-trail throughout Isle Royale. This is a physically demanding position; the climate, insects (mosquitoes and black flies), and terrain are often difficult. Volunteers may be required to carry up to 60 lbs. for varying distances (up to 10 miles per day) over trail and cross-country conditions. The primary mode of living is backpacking. Most travel is by foot.
Work Schedule: Typically spend 6-8 days in the field followed by 1-2 days at base camp. Work schedule varies depending upon conditions, project needs and logistics.
Compensation: Food stipend of $20.00/day to help defray the cost of field food you must bring with you. (There are no housing or transportation expenses once you arrive to Isle Royale.)
Primary Duties:
measure new growth on balsam fir trees
collect moose pellets for diet analysis
collect bones from wolf-killed moose carcasses
other duties as assigned
NOTE: You are extremely unlikely to see a wolf during this job, but are likely to see moose.
Qualifications:
Documented experience backpacking and camping for extended periods of time in remote settings.
Proficiency with orienteering (use of map, compass & GPS for navigating) required.
Tree identification skills are helpful.
Good physical condition.
Possess the ability to get along with others in backcountry settings for 10-day periods of time.
Enrollment in college/university in a Life Sciences curriculum (US or international schools).
Application Period: Applications must be received by March 10. Potential candidates will be asked for a phone interview by March 20. If you have not heard from us by March 31, we have selected another assistant.
How to Apply:
Please fill out this form to apply (or click the button below). Please also send a PDF copy of your CV/resume (max. 2 pages) to srhoy@mtu.edu. Any questions about the internship also should be directed to Dr. Sarah Hoy
FAQ About the Intern Program
1. What equipment is provided?
A. All research equipment is provided, including data notebook, pencil, map, compass, GPS unit.
B. Field work is usually most comfortable using one’s own equipment, so consider bringing your usual backpacking equipment. However, we can provide a tent, stove, fuel bottle, fuel, cook kit, binoculars, water bottles and water filter if needed.
2. What equipment must I provide myself?
A. All your food and equipment for the current trip must be carried in a single backpack, so choose light weight items. Temperatures may range between 30 and 85F, and you may experience rain or snow. Bring clothing that can be layered to suit the conditions. Plan carefully so you have enough clothing, but not more than you need. There are no medical facilities on the island; be sure to bring any medications you require. Alert us and your field partner to any medical conditions that may require attention.
B. Any required medications, sleeping bag, rain gear (pants & hooded jacket), sturdy hiking boots, comfortable camp shoes, socks, warm hat, gloves, turtle-neck shirts, t-shirts, fleece jacket, pants (warm & light weight), long underwear, shorts or zip-off pants, “baseball” hat, mosquito head net, camp towel, small soap, shampoo, toothpaste, insect repellent, personal notebook, packable daypack, headlamp, sunscreen, pocket knife, watch.
3. How will I get to the island?
Summer Interns will travel to Isle Royale via boat, departing from either Grand Portage, MN or Houghton, MI. The departure location will be confirmed at the time of interview. You are responsible for getting yourself to either Grand Portage or Houghton the night before the internship begins. We will make and pay for your boat reservations to and from the island. We will also cover the cost of accomodation the night before the internship begins, as the boat leaves early in the morning.
4. What type of weather can I expect?
Temperatures will likely range between 30F and 85F. You will experience rain, and possibly snow. Bring clothing that can be layered to suit the conditions. Plan carefully so you have enough clothing, but not more than you need.
5. What is field life like?
Work is conducted on and off trail throughout Isle Royale. This is a physically demanding position; the climate, insects (mosquitoes and black flies), and terrain are often uncomfortable. Volunteers may be required to carry up to 60 pounds for varying distances (up to 10 miles per day) over trail and cross-country conditions. The primary mode of living is backpacking. Most travel is by foot.
6. May I contact past volunteers?
If you are a shortlisted candidate (i.e., invited for an interview) you can email Dr. Sarah Hoy srhoy@mtu.edu to request contact with past interns.
7. Will follow-up contact to my application improve my chances of being selected?
A. No; please do not follow-up your original application. We will notify volunteers who have been selected between 15 and 20 March. If you do not hear from us by March 31, you have not been selected for this season.
8. What types of food should I bring?
A. All your food and equipment for the current trip must be carried in a single backpack, so choose light weight items. No open fires are allowed. Backpacking stoves and fuel must be carried. Choose items that are easy to cook quickly (< 10 min), mainly by boiling in water, and clean up easily. You may have one (or more) other people with whom to share/coordinate food. There is no refrigeration, so choose items that will not perish quickly. You must pack out everything you pack in - including wrappers, cans, boxes, etc., so consider removing extra packaging at home (bring cooking instructions). Be sure to include items that need no cooking for easy lunches in the field and on the boat to/from the island. If you are selected for the internship, you will receive a list of recommended foods to bring.
9. Will I be able to do laundry?
There are no-frills laundry facilities at base camp. We can provide laundry soap.
10. Must I bring/carry all my food with me?
You should bring all the food with you that you expect to need while on the island. You will need to carry all your food for up to a 6-8 day backpack outing. Extra food may be stored at base camp. There is minimal refrigeration, so non-perishable items are best.
11. Is there a place to store extra food?
Extra food beyond that needed for a 6-8 day backpack outing may be stored at base camp. There is minimal refrigeration, so non-perishable items are best.
12. Is there a place to store extra clothes/equipment?
You may store extra clothes/equipment at base camp, but space is limited, so be sure to clear any storage requests with us before coming to the island.
13. Will I be able to send/receive telephone calls?
There is no reliable telephone contact to/from the island.
14. Will I be able to send/receive postal mail?
You will be able to send/receive letters at base camp.
15. Will I be able to send/receive email?
There is no reliable email contact to/from the island.
16. What if I get sick or injured?
There is no medical facility or pharmacy on the island. Bring any required medications with you. Upon returning to base camp, it is possible to arrange boat transportation off the island. Leaving the island for medical reasons will likely require ending your field work for the season.
17. What can I do on my days off of work?
On your days off of work, you are free to hike, read, rest, do laundry, go birding, write letters, etc.
18. Will I work with a partner?
You will usually work, camp and backpack with one other person.
Safety & Inclusion
The following behaviors will not be tolerated:
♦Physical or verbal abuse and assault
♦Sexual misconduct
♦Discrimination, harassment, or bullying on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, disability, or veteran status
♦Intimidation, threats, retaliation, and coercion
♦Behavior that endangers the health and safety of oneself or others
♦Illegal activity, including possession or use of federally illegal substances
Concerns about harassment or discrimination occurring in an off-campus or off-site working environment should be reported via established University reporting channels or via one of the forms linked below.
♦Incidents or concerns related to discrimination based on sex, sexual misconduct or sexual harassment may be reported online using the Title IX / Sexual
♦Misconduct Reporting Form or by contacting the Title IX Coordinator at <titleix@mtu.edu> or 906-487-3310.
♦Students may report incidents or concerns through the Dean of Students Incident Reporting web page.
♦Employees with concerns other than those covered by Title IX may be reported online using the Discrimination and/or Harassment Reporting Form, by contacting the Equal Opportunity Officer, Beth Lunde-Stockero <blunde@mtu.edu> or 906-487-3310, or by contacting the Chief Human Resources Officer, Dan Carney at <dpcarney@mtu.edu> or 906-487-3309.
♦Following an investigation of sexual misconduct, harassment or discriminatory behavior, Michigan Tech will report to NSF, NIH, and other granting agencies the findings of the investigation as well as any administrative actions resulting from the violation of this policy by a PI or co-PI.
