American Conservation Experience & National Park Service – Natural Resource Management Intern
CLOSING DATE: 2/1/2018
DEPARTMENT: ACE & NPS
JOB TYPE: Internship
SALARY: $180/week
POSITION OVERVIEW:
American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service at Montezuma Castle National Monument and Tuzigoot National Monument are seeking ONE Natural Resource Management Intern interested in dedicating 26 weeks in support of the various natural resource management and conservation projects to improve and sustain the native biodiversity of the desert monuments. This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic young professional who is deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks. Applicants must have strong interest in a career in natural resource management, restoration, and conservation. Start Date: Late March/Early April 2018 (some flexibility for the right candidate) End Date: 26 weeks from the start date * A 26-week commitment is required * Location: Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments. The Monuments are located near Camp Verde, Arizona Project Website: For more information regarding Montezuma and Tuzigoot National Monuments, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm and http://www.nps.gov/tuzi/index.htm For more information regarding ACE and the Internship Program, please visit: usaconservation.org and check out the EPIC page. Compensation: The ACE intern will contribute 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $180/week, paid bi-weekly. On-site NPS Park housing will be provided at no cost to the individual. Due to the remoteness of the park, individuals will need to provide their own vehicle to travel from park housing to the work site. The intern will have use of a government vehicle for on-site service related travel. A personal vehicle is required for off-time and transportation to-and-from the parks. AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour ($2,199.92) education award AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of ACE AmeriCorps internship service hours. Project Background: Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments lie in the Verde Valley at the junction of the Colorado Plateau and Basin and Range physiographic provinces. Although the climate is arid with less than 12 inches of rainfall annually, several perennial streams thread their way from upland headwaters to the Verde Valley below, creating lush riparian ribbons of green against an otherwise parched landscape of rolling, juniper-covered hills. The monuments contain numerous species of plants, such as mesquite, catclaw, and saltbush, which have adapted to life in an arid environment, but due to the microhabitats provided by the riparian corridors, also hosts populations of moisture-loving plants such as monkey flower and columbine. The tall, large-leaved mesic species of trees, such as sycamore and cottonwood, found only in the riparian corridors, stand in stark contrast to the xeric species found on neighboring lands. Although the landscapes within Montezuma Castle National Monument may appear harsh and unchanging, the desert ecosystem is continually evolving. Weather, climatic shifts, and geologic processes continue to shape this environment as they have for millennia. More recently, human-caused factors such as air, noise, and water pollution, as well as introduced species, have had a much greater impact on natural resources worldwide. The undeveloped landscapes of Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot provide an ideal place to study how various environmental factors affect desert ecosystems, and predict what changes might be expected in the future. Position Description: In support of the mission of the National Park Service, the fundamental duties performed by ACE Natural Resource Intern will include: Establishing and maintaining a safe working environment Conducting stream monitoring and measurements Conducting various wildlife surveys and monitoring Actively participate in a variety of restoration projects spanning from invasive species management to habitat and vegetation management Facilitating field trip (often middle-school aged) programming with the parks Being an engaged and enthusiastic member of a diverse and professional natural resource management team This position will also direct assist the NPS YCC Leader with the coordination, facilitation, and mentorship of the park’s summer YCC crew and individual projects. YCC crews typically consist of high school-age youth who complete projects on natural and cultural resource parks for several weeks in the park during June and July. Projects for the YCC crews are sourced from a variety of programs within the park including stream monitoring, trail maintenance, facility maintenance, wildlife surveys, exotic plant monitoring and treatment, site maintenance and natural site restoration. The YCC crew also participates in ongoing educational programs, such as safety training, programs on the cultural and natural history of the Monuments and general topics in environmental education, conservation, and the National Park Service. Project Conditions/Physical Demands/Intern Schedule: Service conditions will be variable. A substantial amount of project duties will be conducted in a field setting with significant exposure to the natural elements. Applicants should carefully consider that field projects are challenging. This internship will serve for a 4/5/9 schedule meaning the intern would serve eight 9-hr days and one 8-hr day for a total of 80 hours in a biweekly pay period. To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with three professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website here: usaconservation.org NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact the ACE EPIC Recruitment Specialist, Zoe Moskwa at (801) 707-7832 or [email protected].
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants for the position will hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and/or experience in biology, environmental education, wildlife, interpretation, environmental studies or science, ecology, biological sciences, natural resource management, education, park management, or a related discipline. Required: Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident. Must be 18 to 25 years old. Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS. Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences; ability to serve alone and in a group. Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; personal vehicle required so you can access Camp Verde, AZ. Must be organized, accountable and outgoing. Willingness to handle non-venomous snakes for on-going gartersnake research projects. Must be able and willing to serve outdoors, in varying weather conditions, and capable of participating in physical labor. English proficiency is imperative. Strong leader and equally strong team member. Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required. Preferred: Knowledge and skills in conservation and restoration stewardship projects. Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills. Excellent public speaking skills. Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome. The interns must be willing to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.
Contact: Zoe Moskwa @ [email protected]
Website: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/197563.html