Internship - ACE EPIC USFWS Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: ONE Bio Tech
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking ONE / Bio Tech Intern to help with a diversity of projects such as assisting with wildlife and habitat surveys, using and maintaining highly technical survey equipment, conducting habitat management activities, and light maintenance projects.
This Internship is a unique opportunity to challenge and enhance your conservation training by working on several maintenance and restoration projects on a Coastal Ecosystem. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a background in coastal geology, biochemistry, maintenance, or restoration ecology and a deep interest in advancing their career goals in natural resources stewardship on our public lands. Working as a member of the refuge team, the Intern will be helping with a diversity of projects.
Start Date: May 2019 (flexible)
End Date: (16 weeks from start date)
Location: Bombay Hook NWR
Project Website: For more information about Bombay Hook NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bombay_Hook/
For more information regarding ACE, please visit www.usaconservation.org.
Housing: There is no housing provided. Interns who do not reside within the commuting area would be responsible for finding housing.
Compensation: The ACE Intern will complete 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $300/week paid out biweekly.
Americorps: Intern MAY be eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award for up to $1566.14 upon the successful completion of 450 hours of service. Additional Enrollment paperwork is required.
PLC Competitive Hiring Authority: This position is authorized by the Public Land Corps (PLC) Act of 1993 and expanded by the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2013. Interns who meet basic requirements during their term of service may be eligible to receive their Noncompetitive Hiring Eligibility Certificate to be used when applying to future federal jobs. Requirements are: (1) Intern must be between the ages of 18 to 30 and (2) Intern must complete at least 640 hours on a federally approved PLC Project. More information can be provided upon request.
Position Description:
Primary duties of the Bio Tech will include:
- Assist with marsh bird and other wildlife surveys
- Assist with evaluation of habitat cover type and condition in both wetlands and uplands
- Use Excel, ArcGIS, and online database systems for data entry and management associated with survey activities
- Assist with marsh elevation surveys, including the use of high precision GPS and RTK equipment
- Maintenance and upkeep of survey grade GPS equipment, such as performing software updates, keeping batteries charged, and organizing associated accessories
- Assist nearby refuges with field work as requested and available
- Assist with mapping of invasive plants in forest restoration areas on the refuge
- Perform light maintenance (painting, trail clearing, boardwalk repair, lawncare, etc) and assist maintenance staff with larger scale projects as needed
- Assist with special events, public outreach, and interpretative programs as opportunitiesand interest allows
Physical Requirements: This internship position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.
Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday-Friday. This intern may have projects that begin very early and/or go late into the day and may have weekend duties as well. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Time off will be granted. Periodic short-term (1-2 days) travel to nearby refuges to provide field work assistance will be likely, and any travel costs will be covered by the refuge.
Equipment Use: The Refuge will provide a vehicle and the tools required to accomplish the tasks the Intern is asked to do. Training will be provided for all equipment that the Intern is asked to use, such as ATVs, UTVs, boats, or lawn tractors. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. A valid state driver's license is required.
Position Environment: Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors. Temperature and weather extremes can be encountered in the performance of outdoor duties. The intern is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/interns or resources. The intern will be working outdoors and may be exposed to heat or cold, high humidity, stinging and biting insects, and inclement weather.