Forests are the single most important nature-based solution that can help avert dangerous warming due to climate change. However, due to deforestation, degradation, pollution, invasive species, and climate change, forests are in the midst of their most extreme transformation since the last great extinction.
ForestGEO is an organization led by the Smithsonian that studies the growth and survival of the world’s forests. The ForestGEO network is unparalleled in both size and scope - a global network of 78 research sites across 29 countries monitoring approximately 7 million trees and nearly 12,000 species. Despite already achieving this massive scale, immediate action is needed to improve the efficiency of ForestGEO data collection and management.
This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the ecology intern will work closely with both scientists and software engineers to accelerate the pace of research for ecologists around the world. The intern will work with software engineers on the ForestGEO App, a web application that enables researchers to record, validate, and publish ForestGEO census data. The ForestGEO app is new software in development, and the intern will play a critical role in testing, enhancing user experience, and onboarding new researchers. Full specification for the app is available here: github.com/Smithsonian/ForestGEO/wiki/ForestGEO-App-Specification.
The intern will review, clean, and analyze data from the ForestGEO tree growth database, identify data integrity issues, and work to resolve them under the supervision of David Kenfack, ForestGEO Africa Program Coordinator, and Stuart Davies, ForestGEO Director.
As the ecology intern for this project, you will make a global impact on an urgent and meaningful mission. You will learn from a diverse range of collaborators while shaping the future of forest science.
Learning Objectives: Through this internship, the intern will:
- Develop core technical skills from assisting the development of new forest research software, including testing and UX design.
- Learn about the diversity and the ecology of tropical forests.
- Develop understanding of biodiversity databases and research workflows.
- Develop computational skill on data analysis.
- Gain exposure to a non-profit, international program by collaborating with STRI and global partners.
Experience: Experience will be best suited for candidates to whom the following applies:
- Students who are enrolled in a four-year college or university or recent college graduates
- Familiarity with the basics of ecology and forest science.
- Experience with ArcGIS, MySQL, UX design, and the R programming language would be an advantage.
Office Location: ForestGEO Headquarters, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Position is up to 100 percent remote.
Desired Hours: Full-time or part-time, ideally 20 hours per week minimum.
Timeframe: 3-6 months.
To apply: Send a single PDF file containing a cover letter and CV/resume to Lauren Krizel, ForestGEO Program Manager, krizell@si.edu. Closing date for applications is 7 July 2025.
