Pathways Intern: Waterfowl Parasitology

Position Title:

Pathways Intern:
Waterfowl Parasitology

Job Category:
Student

Hourly Job Profile:
Student Help

Scope of Responsibility:
The Waterfowl Parasitology Intern is responsible for following all approved biosafety protocols in the laboratory. The Intern will be expected to handle waterfowl carcasses donated by hunters, state or federal wildlife officials. The Intern will assist with identification of specimens (species, age, sex) and conduct complete dissection procedures and surveys for external and internal parasites. Detailed record keeping and organization of parasite specimens is also expected.

• Follows all approved biosafety protocols in the lab at all times.
• Plans and develops research objectives for individual projects and ensures that project deadlines are tracked and met.
• Coordinates collection and transport of waterfowl specimens donated from approved sources.
• Provides accurate identification of waterfowl specimens based on morphological characteristics.
• Follows standard operating protocols for examination of waterfowl specimens for complete survey of external and internal parasites.
• Collects host tissue samples for future examination of blood parasites and host genetic analysis.
• Locates and critically reads pertinent scientific literature and taxonomic keys for identification of parasite specimens.
• Administrative duties:
  Creates and maintains consistent work schedule by the first week of the semester.
• Completes and submits all personnel information as required by deadlines, including timecards and schedule changes.
• Manages digital photo records for waterfowl specimens in accordance with museum record keeping standards.
• Ensures accurate and complete record keeping of host data and parasite specimens collected, identified and submitted to the parasitology museum collection.
• Maintains electronic records of parasite data and digital microscope images.
• Assists with compiling data for state and federal permit reports.
• Communicates professionally with other interns, students, faculty mentors as well as specimen donors and wildlife officials.

• Professional interest in biology or natural resources research, including ecology, evolution, wildlife disease, parasitology, waterfowl biology or museum collections.
• Requires knowledge and ability to properly handle animal carcasses and basic dissection tools.
• Requires knowledge and ability to use dissecting (stereo) and compound light microscopes.
• Requires knowledge and ability to use basic laboratory chemicals and cleaning and disinfecting procedures.
• Must have the ability to maintain detailed, accurate records for procedures and specimens.
• Must have the ability to work individually as well as in a team environment.

To qualify for this internship, applicants must be enrolled in at least twelve undergraduate credits per semester, be in good academic standing with the University, and maintain a 2.5 GPA. The position requires the ability to work approximately 6-12 hours per week during the semester. Majority of scheduled hours will fall between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday) with occasional weekend hours as needed.

Compensation: $15 per hour - This Internship position is funded through the UWSP Pathways Internship Program.

• Develop time management and organizational skills to complete projects by established deadlines within a professional setting.
• Gain research, experimental design, and data analysis experience.
• Gain hands on skills with scientific instruments and protocols.
• Develop natural history collections specimen and data management skills.
• Make connections with other professional agencies and organizations.
• Develop independent research goals (in collaboration with faculty mentor) to support individual career pursuits.

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