ACE EPIC BLM OR: AREMP Stream Survey Technician Internship- AmeriCorps
Summary:
American Conservation Experience, a nationwide Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, the US Forest Service, and the National Park Service, is seeking applicants for Stream Survey Technician INTERNSHIP positions to dedicate 17 weeks to the research, monitoring and management of the interagency Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program (AREMP) based out of Corvallis, Oregon. Field projects will take place in various locations on Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Park Service (NPS) lands in northern California, Oregon, and Washington, west of the Cascade Mountains.
These opportunities are intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in biology, wildlife and fisheries management, ecology, environemntal science, natural resource management or other related disciplines.
Start Date: May 2018 (Start date is TBD but is not flexible due to mandatory training)
End Date: September 2018 (17 weeks from the start date)
A 17-week commitment is required
Compensation:
Intern will receive a weekly living stipend during their term. Intern will responsible for their own housing in Corvallis, Oregon since Government Housing is not available. Intern will camp during their 8-days on while conducting field surveys.
AmeriCorps:
This position is also eligible for a 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award for National Service ($2,150) upon successful completion of internship service hours.
Position Description:
In this field position, the ACE Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program (AREMP) interns will work directly with BLM and Forest Service Fish Biologists and Biological Technicians to monitor watershed condition on USFS, BLM, and NPS lands. This will be accomplished by conducting stream habitat surveys including:
- Channel morphology,
- Habitat typing,
- Substrate measurements,
- Large wood surveys,
- Benthic macroinvertebrate collection, and identifying invasive species.
Intern will work on a crew with three BLM Biological Technicians. Intern will spend 95% of their time in the field during their internship.
Intern will receive three weeks of training prior to heading out into the field to conduct surveys including technical aspects of completing AREMP surveys and comprehensive safety training. You will learn to use data recorders, survey equipment, GPS units, and how to navigate to remote sites.
After training (Starting June 15), intern crews will work 8 days on followed by 6 days off (Wednesday to Wednesday) to monitor and conduct stream surveys. During this time crews will camp in rustic dispersed campsites (no bathrooms or running water) and occasionally campgrounds in remote areas. A few sites will require backpacking in to watersheds to set up a remote camp where surveys will be conducted. Field surveys will involve extensive hiking and bushwhacking off-trail to reach survey sites on streams. Once at the stream interns will work in cold water, walk on uneven surfaces, and climb over logs while carrying field equipment. Interns can expect to work in variable weather conditions including cold, rain and 90+ degree days throughout the summer and may even see some snow at the end of the season. THIS IS A PHYSICALLY DEMANDING POSITION.
While working, interns will be provided with camping gear including tents, sleeping pads, and cooking gear. Interns will be responsible for providing their own sleeping bag and rain gear. Wading boots and waders will be provided. Interns will be responsible for buying their own food prior to leaving for field stints. During work, Federal vehicles will be used. Interns will take Defensive Driving training so that they can drive federal vehicles as needed. A valid state driver's license is required for this position.
Project Website:
For more information about the Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program (AREMP), please visit their website at: http://www.reo.gov/monitoring/watershed-overview.shtml. For more information on the ACE Internship Program, please visit: http://www.usaconservation.org/programs/epic-internship/
Qualifications:
Applicants must have a degree in ecology, wildlife biology, fisheries and wildlife management, natural resource management, biology or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the internship announcement. We are looking for determined, strong and developing natural resource managers who are looking for experience working with land management agencies.
Required Skills:
- US Citizen or Permanent Resident;
- Between the age of 18 and 35;
- A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide such documentation; Driving Record check will be completed during on-boarding process. (Interns must be 21+ to drive agency vehicles);
- Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check;
- Effective communication skills with resource specialists, colleagues, and the public
- Able and willing to alone and in a group
- Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in sustained physical labor
- Interest and knowledge of fisheries and/or wildlife management
- Knowledge, interest and/or experience in riparian ecosystems
- Knowledge, interest and/or experience conducting aquatic field work
- Experience in various field data collection methods using standard protocols
- Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in steep terrain
- Must have camping experience and be willing to camp for several days in remote areas
- Interest and ability to work in remote field areas
- Strong leader and equally strong team player
- Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check
- Strong desire to enter the conservation field as a natural resource professional
The interns must be willing to represent ACE and the AREMP in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE and AREMP reserves the right to require drug testing.
To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website here: https://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/
Should you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact the ACE EPIC Recruitment Specialist, Melissa Early at 801-573-8984 or mearly@usaconservation.org
Please note that this position description may change/close at anytime and ACE will begin the application review process as applications are received.