Description
Background: The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is a leader in the conservation of the world's 15 crane species and is dedicated to providing experience, knowledge, and inspiration to involve people in resolving threats to cranes and the ecosystems vital to their long-term survival. ICF's world headquarters is located just outside Baraboo, WI (one hour north of Madison, WI.) ICF is open to the public every day from May 1st to October 31st each year. ICF exhibits the only collection in the world of all 15 species of crane. For more information about our conservation programs, please visit our website at www.savingcranes.org
Duration and Salary*: May – October 2026; $5,000 total for the duration plus housing at our International Guest House.
*This position will be filled in conjunction with the Wisconsin Kirtland’s Warbler Field Technician position (see separate job posting at this same job board).
Description: The North America Program at the International Crane Foundation is currently involved in research and outreach focused on Greater Sandhill Cranes and re-introduced Whooping Cranes in the upper Midwest. This position will assist in studying the foraging ecology, movements, habitat use, and social behavior of breeding and non-breeding Whooping Cranes throughout central Wisconsin. Whooping Crane research will focus on colt survival, as well as movements and behaviors of juveniles and adults, particularly associated with the release of captive-reared chicks into the wild. This position also involves engaging individuals and conservation partners willing to assist with the awareness and protection of cranes. This position will develop an awareness for Whooping Cranes and the ecosystems they depend on and a commitment to safeguard their future. Opportunities may also be available to participate in outreach and Sandhill Crane research within the North America Program. This position provides an opportunity for professional growth through participation in applied conservation efforts.
Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Tracking free-ranging Whooping Cranes mainly in the central/southeastern part of Wisconsin.
- Processing photographic and video data from Whooping Crane nest cameras and monitoring with guidance.
- Further develop writing skills and contribute written articles to pertinent media sources.
- Gain experience in and contribute to crane research efforts. Including assisting with capturing adult and juvenile Whooping Cranes for banding as well as sampling of environmental contaminants. Observing color-banded cranes within a wild population to assess productivity, habitat-use, and breeding pair dynamics. Entering data into online platforms.
- 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 outputs of others. Commit to the free sharing of information and technical expertise as needed. Communicate clearly and effectively within a team.
Qualifications:
- B.S. or B.A. in biology or related field.
- Tolerance is needed for working in difficult conditions and long field days (before sunrise to after sunset), often spent in vehicles.
- Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate conservation messages to a wide range of 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 in regard to the quality of their own and others’ work, ensuring 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.
- Demonstrate 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 at the time they apply.
Preferred experience and knowledge:
- Background relating to wildlife conservation, education, or biology preferred
- Previous fieldwork experience including radio telemetry, behavioral observation, and trail camera deployment.
- Proficiency with basic Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and PowerPoint
- Experience working with volunteers to achieve desired results; train and encourage skill development; access and provide feedback on individual performance.
- 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 computer and phones.
- Ability to communicate with fellow staff and the general public. Communication will include both one to one communication, small, and large group communication.
- Occasionally required to lift and move items up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to work outdoors in difficult conditions for long periods of time.
- Ability to reach, balance, crouch and kneel.
- Ability to sit, stand for reasonable periods of time.
If selected, the candidate must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or request a religious or reasonable accommodation.
