Indian River Mosquito Control District Scientific Programs & Operations Internship managed by FAU School Environment, Coastal Ocean Sustainability

**Please note that this is NOT an on-campus job opportunity. The funding for this position is paid for by the College of Science Department of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability.

Indian River Mosquito Control District Scientific Programs & Operations Internship

Internship Overview

This program is a dual department partnership between the Science and Operations Departments, working towards understanding the effects of mosquito control efforts on non-target species and their habitats plus investigating new environmentally conscious practices. Intern(s) will get hands-on experience in the lab and field on various projects targeted at investigating how current mosquito control practices are affecting non-target species and assisting in establishing healthier habitats in aquatic areas.

Requirements 

For consideration, a student must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate scientific degree program, emphasis on biology, ecology and/or entomology is preferred.

 Responsibilities for the Internship Program 

• Assist in collecting native female butterflies in the field.
• Assist in establishing native butterfly populations.
• Investigate insecticide effects on non-target species and their respective environments.
• Evaluate natural repellants and/or new control methods for important mosquito vector species.
• Assist in operational science department duties including setting surveillance traps, larval/adult mosquito identification, insectary care of adult mosquito populations, and insecticide resistance testing of field collected mosquitoes.
• Water quality testing will be led by the Ecologist and will take place at impoundments utilized by mosquito control year-round.
• Assist in the development of living shoreline of impoundments.
• Insecticide testing will involve bucket testing of aerial larvicides in coastal areas.
• Adult mosquito testing with ultra-low volume adulticide applications.
• Conduct population surveillance in the field with an experienced inspector that will teach interns common practices on monitoring larval and adult populations.
• Intern(s) will have the opportunity to assist in scientific writing based on their respective projects for future publication in the Journal of Florida Mosquito Control Association and/or presentation at the annual Florida Mosquito Control Association conference.
• Intern(s) will have the opportunity to present projects at local symposiums at Harbor Branch.

Qualifications 

• Basic computer and data entry functions, keep detailed, accurate records both in digital and hard-copy formats, and accurately enter detailed information into a database.
• Physical strength and agility to work outside, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.
• Develop a positive working relationship with employees and the public through effective verbal and written communication
• Please note: Students selected for this internship, must register their internship for 0 credit or academic credit with Florida Atlantic University

Work Environment/Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Physical Requirements: 

Moderate physical activity is required on a regular basis including lifting to 50 pounds, reaching, and pulling with arms, stooping, kneeling, and bending frequently and walking for long distances and climbing over and around natural obstacles. Excellent vision, both close and distance, is frequently required. 

Work Environment: 

This position involves work in both inside and outside environmental conditions. Frequent indoor duties are required for using a microscope, computer data input, processing, and analysis. Working outside under adverse weather conditions, possibly encountering wildlife, noise,vibration, proximity to moving parts, working in high places, exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, and oils and may be required to wear a respirator. The work environment varies but includes warehouses, office buildings, vehicles, mangroves, and fields. Regular exposure to all types of weather is required as the position is required to work outside, exposed to sun, rain, mud, and insects. Frequent local travel is required. Noise level is usually low but occasional exposure to moderate noise levels when around pony motors. Working with and around chemicals, which are stored, handled, applied/used, and disposed of according to exact labeling instructions, is frequently required.