Hawk Mountain: Conservation Science Traineeships (Fall)

Hawk Mountain has trained over 450 young people from 75 countries, and thanks to the Trainee Endowment, supplemented by general operating funds, every trainee receives a full scholarship. Without this commitment, the large majority of our trainees, particularly those in developing nations, would never receive training of any kind.

Trainees in conservation science participate in ongoing field work, the migration count and nesting raptor studies. A seminar series on raptor biology and migration occurs several times a week along with instruction in statistics and use of GIS. Each trainee is given the opportunity for an individual project working with staff. Some have used the time to write grant proposals, analyze historical datasets, develop educational materials or analyze data they have collected in the past. All trainees participate in visitor programming on weekends, learning how to share concepts in science and conservation with the public.

Trainees are selected from Pennsylvania, the United States, and abroad. Applications for Spring Traineeship opportunities are due November 15 and applications for Autumn Traineeship opportunities are due April 15. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance as trainees can be accepted in advance of the deadline.

• Live on-site for 4 months (March-June or Aug-Nov)
• Receive a monthly stipend
• Learn basic techniques in conservation science and education
• Experience monitoring and environmental education in a wildlife sanctuary
• Learn how to work with volunteers, visitors and school groups
• Learn how to apply for grants and fund their own research projects
• Work on both an independent and a group project
• Practice nature interpretation at the Sanctuary
• Practice the latest methods in migration monitoring techniques
• Use satellite telemetry, banding, and GIS mapping
• Develop multicultural awareness and international partnerships