Internship: Professional Development Forestry Internship ACE (Flagstaff, AZ)
American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, recruits a diverse mix of participants to join crews working on a variety of environmental projects around the American Southwest.
ACE is seeking Professional Development Forestry Interns dedicated to working three to six months on a combination of trails and restoration projects with land management agencies (National Park Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, etc.) and various other land management agencies.
This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young adults with a background in an environmental field and a dedicated interest in pursuing a career in conservation and environmental stewardship. These Forestry Internships provide the opportunity to learn and train among professional mentors and participate in the execution of significant conservation and land management objectives throughout the Southwest.
Professional Development Forestry Interns will also gain leadership skills while helping to supervise, train, and generally support ACE volunteers who are rotated through long term projects.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ and St. George, UT with travel to various project locations. Interns will be given accommodation at one of ACE’s volunteer houses in Flagstaff, Arizona or Hurricane, UT where they will return for their off days when not staying in the field. The actual location of project sites will vary throughout the internship.
Qualifications:Applicants for ACE’s Professional Development Forestry Internship must be over 18, have an established interest in conservation issues and/or a background in Forestry or similar field, and should take evident joy in tackling challenging situations with a positive mindset.
Applicants must be willing to undertake arduous physical work in all types of weather and terrain, and to participate as a team member, dedicated to ACE’s mission. Preference will be given to former and graduating ACE corps members, graduated members of other conservation corps, and those with a history of committed engagement in similar volunteer and outdoors activities
ACE’s Professional Development Forestry Program is meant as a stepping stone to environmental careers and as a gateway to potential advancement within ACE, not only as an interesting and rewarding way to spend up to 6 months working in beautiful locations. Drug users, including recreational smokers of marijuana, should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing and generally abhors the presence of drug users in our program.
Internship Major Duties and Expectations:
• Perform physically demanding labor on environmental and conservation projects under the guidance of ACE crew leaders.
• Support ACE staff and crews, project sponsors, and all agency staff on projects.
• Assisting ACE and agency staff with the construction of a variety of advanced trail structures such as stone staircases, dry stone retaining walls, rock check dams, water-bars, etc. Interns will also assist ACE staff in routine trail maintenance duties such as brushing trails, outsloping tread and clearing drainage structures.
• Ability to hike 1 mile carrying 10 KG of weight, ability to stay on your feet for 10 hours a day, ability to bend repeatedly, ability to perform physically demanding labor a variety of weather conditions ranging from 40 degree Celsius heat, to – 5 Celsius cold, high winds, direct sunshine, rain, and snow, ability to camp in remote locations without access to showers or developed toilet facilities for up to 9 days at a time.
• Assist ACE crew leader and assistant crew leader in logistical details of transportation, tools, equipment, living arrangements, field communication, and work project completion.
• Communicate closely with ACE staff concerning the overall implementation of the project.
• Complete work tasks as instructed by ACE staff, keeping daily work log and demonstrate proper work procedures and methods while working in the field with or near other volunteer groups.
• Follow strict guidelines in making safety a priority, including the responsible use of personal protective gear and insuring that all tools, equipment, vehicles and other co-workers are working safely in all conditions.
• Corps Member Forestry Intern may be requested to participate in additional outdoor skills trainings.
Desired Knowledge and Skills:
• Familiarity and/or desire to learn how to operate tools to perform trail work including, but not limited to rock bar, single jack, shovel, fire rake, axe, brushing sheers, and other trail maintenance tools.
• Ability and/or desire to experience trail maintenance work, including but not limited to; cribbing walls, turnpikes, drainage dips, swales, installation of water bars, retaining walls, removal of brush and vegetation.
• Desire and ability to work outdoors and hike long distances, at times in inclement weather and terrain. Willingness to perform strenuous physical activity such as frequent bending and lifting and caring heavy weights
• Willingness to spend up to six consecutive weeks in the backcountry.
Other Requirements:
• Internship is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only.
• Interns must have personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE.
• ACE will provide tents to all interns (upon request) but all other camping items such as sturdy boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, and raingear must be provided by successful applicants.
Start date: Positions will be available until filled.
Please include your availability in your application.
Benefits:
• A living allowance of $110 per week is provided by ACE
• Dorm-style, shared room housing is provided on off days with up to 6 weeks of consecutive camping on project sites as a possibility.
• Food is provided on project days.
• Opportunity to gain a working knowledge of stone masonry, rigging applications, trail construction, pesticide application, and potential chainsaw training.
• Opportunity for upward mobility within ACE and/or obtain an AmeriCorps Education Award.
• Opportunity to pursue training and education opportunities through ACE, USFS, and other land management agencies.
• Opportunities to work with ACE volunteers from diverse backgrounds (including Europe and South East Asia).
• Opportunity to become a steward of America’s public lands.
• Opportunity to work alongside fellow outdoor enthusiasts that share common interests in preserving and protecting our natural lands.
Application deadline: September 8, 2012
To Apply:Please email a resume and cover letter to Jeff Bousson at jeff@usaconservation.org with “Professional Development Forestry Internship – ACE Website Referred” in the subject heading of your email. In addition, please take a quick moment to register on our website located at: http://usaconservation.org/Registration/american_register.html
Check out our Facebook page for photos and feedback!
Contact:
Jeff Bousson
Community Outreach Coordinator/AmeriCorps Mentor
928 814 3071
Brad Hunter
Community Outreach Specialist
928 814 6558
http://usaconservation.org/Home/positions.html
Internship: Exotic Vegetation Management in Everglades National Park (Florida)
American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with Everglades National Park, is seeking one Exotic Vegetation Management intern to dedicate six months working directly with the Everglades National Park staff to control the spread of exotics throughout the Park. This opportunity is intended for an enthusiastic young professional with a deep interest in advancing their career goals through hard work and commitment to the Everglade’s professional staff and amazing biological resources.
Start Date: October 15, 2012 (somewhat flexible for the right candidate)
End Date: March 30, 2013 (a 24-week commitment is required)
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A 6-month commitment is required
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Location: The Exotic Vegetation Management Intern will be located in the beautiful Everglades of southern Florida. The sub-tropical Everglades National Park is a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. This unique ecosystem is home to a dynamic mosaic of nine distinct habitat types and offers high plant and animal diversity. This along with high visitor loads, invasive species, and encroaching human urban expansion results in unique conditions for resource management. This internship offers the opportunity to learn about and apply resource management techniques and explore new career opportunities in the field of natural resources.
Project Partner Website: For more information about Everglades National Park please visit: www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm
Compensation: Interns will be provided with a weekly stipend of $110. Housing will be provided by NPS. The Intern may be required to share a room with another person of the same gender. A travel and training budget, not to exceed $960, has been allocated for this position.
There is a potential for interns in this position to apply for an AmeriCorps Education Award Program (EAP). The EAP opportunity is for a 900-hour term of service with $2,775 awarded to the Corps member upon successful completion of the term.
Position Description: The intern will be working directly with the Park botanist performing duties relating to inventory, monitoring, and removal of exotic flora. This position will require independent fieldwork, working as part of a team, and leading groups of volunteers in the field. The use of herbicide, involving both mixing and application, is required. There is an office component to this position, which consists primarily of data entry and data base management. Fieldwork is laborious and often performed in less than ideal conditions, including high temperatures and humidity. Helicopters may be used to access remote areas within Everglades National Park (safety training provided). Biting insects such as deer flies, mosquitoes, and fire ants are prevalent as well as four native species of venomous snakes and other reptiles, such as alligators and crocodiles. Poisonous plants, including poison ivy and poisonwood, will be encountered on a regular basis.
Fieldwork will constitute a minimum of 80% of the intern’s time and will include removal of invasive species by mechanical and chemical means. The intern is responsible for recording and transferring data onto an electronic database. Other duties include using GPS, driving government vehicles, training, and organizing data. Intern will occasionally be required to camp for up to four days at a time.
Training Provided: B-3 Helicopter orientation, Global Position System (GPS) use, CPR, First Aid, herbicide mixing and application, and plant identification.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree in botany, ecology, wildlife biology, natural resource management, 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.
The candidate must be enthusiastic, organized, motivated, and show great interest in resource management and in the field of natural resources. Candidate must not underestimate the harsh conditions that WILL BE encountered on a regular basis.
Requirements:
- Internship is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only.
- Must be between the age of 18 and 25 years old.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- Personal medical insurance is required for the duration of the internship.
- A personal vehicle is required.Interns must be positive, enthusiastic, and extremely motivated at all times.
- Must be passionate about the protection of the native flora and vegetative systems in Florida and beyond.
- Must be physically fit for outdoor work in all types of inclement weather.
- Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds regularly and carry heavy backpacks long distances for 8-10 hours per day.
- Ability to work in remote areas.
- Ability to work alone or in a group.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong plant identification skills and a strong botanical background is desirable.
- Effective communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences.
- Ability to use GPS and navigate using a map and compass.
- Ability to create detailed verbal and written reports of the project work.
- Ability to apply GIS and related technology in support of natural resource management.
- Practical knowledge of the general land use-planning process and land management programs.Knowledge of the interrelationships of various natural resources.
- Ability to communicate clearly with planners, resource specialists, managers, and peer professionals in Federal, State, and local agencies.
- Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in difficult terrain.
- Strong desire to enter the public service field as a GIS/Natural Resources professional.
Special Note: The ACE website is currently under construction. Please do not visit the website to learn more information about this particular opportunity. Please visit the American Conservation Experience Facebook page to see the type of work, and the types of locations, performed by ACE Interns.
To Apply: Please email a resume and cover letter along with contact information for 3 professional references (no reference letters required) in ONE document by to intern@usaconservation.org with “NPS EVER VMI-CJB Referred” in the subject heading of your email. NOTE: Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to call the Conservation Internship Supervisor, Melissa Burns at (801) 946-5379.
Job Opportunity: Organic Conservation Coordinator for the Oregon Tilth (Portland, OR)
In partnership with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Oregon Tilth manages the Organic Conservation Program (OCP) which works with NRCS offices and non-profit partners to build and expand upon conservation on organic farms.
The Organic Conservation Coordinator is hired by, and reports to, Oregon Tilth’s Executive Director and the OCP Manager.
Major Responsibilities
1. Provide organic technical assistance to NRCS national, state, and field offices as requested.
2. Provide feedback and guidance to NRCS on the development and roll-out of the FY13 EQIP Organic Initiative.
3. Coordinate and conduct outreach sessions on the FY13 Organic Initiative to NRCS State Offices, non-profit partners, organic certifiers, and producers.
4. Support outreach related to the FY12 Organic Initiative including implementation of the National NRCS Organic Communication Plan, guidance to partners, newsletter articles, etc.
5. Manage and maintain OCP grants. Coordinate activities and logistics with partners ensuring timelines are being followed.
6. Conduct a national NRCS survey on organic technical assistance needs and provide written report and analysis
7. Provide clarification, outreach assistance, and meeting facilitation to non-profit partners on work related to organic conservation and NRCS.
8. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
This individual will be stepping into a dynamic role during a time of transition for Oregon Tilth and NRCS programs. The ideal candidate will have experience working independently with minimal supervision, enjoy a challenge, and be particularly sensitive to cultural differences and expectations. He or she will be able to demonstrate clear and professional communication and an ability to juggle multiple tasks and priorities. Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including government, non-profits, and farmers, is highly favored.
• A BS/BA Degree in agriculture, conservation biology or related field and at least 2 years technical work experience, of which a portion must be managing an organic production system OR working at NRCS or a conservation district.
• A clear understanding of the USDA NRCS Agency’s mission and USDA NOP regulations.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, a local conservation district, or a USDA accredited organic certifier highly desirable.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions
• High-level organization and prioritization skills and ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor
• Tolerance for ambiguity and change
• Proficiency with Windows, MS Office, MS Power Point, email and internet
Job Specification
Start date: October 2012
Compensation: DOE
Status: Part-time/Non-Exempt- October 2012- April 2013 (10-40 hours/week). Weekly hours will be determined in advance based on project workload and maternity coverage. Classified as Temporary Employee. Continuation is dependent on grant funding. No benefits available at this time.
Schedule: Some evening and/or weekend work could be required.
Location: Portland, OR. Remote candidates will be considered if all other qualifications are met.
Oregon Tilth employees receive priority consideration for career advancement opportunities. Employees have the opportunity to obtain valuable trainings and experience.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references via email only in MS Word or PDF format to the OCP’s Program Manager Sarah Brown at sarah.brown@por.usda.gov by September 14, 2012. No phone inquiries, please.
The cover letter should provide answers to the following questions:
• Why are you interested in working as the Organic Conservation Coordinator?
• How well do your skills and background meet the job description needs?
• What are your salary requirements?
For more information about Oregon Tilth’s Organic Conservation Program, visit our website at http://tilth.org/education-research/organic-conservation-program.
Job Opportunity: Natural Resources Scientist for Zephyr Environmental Corp. (Houston, TX)
This position is a part of a team who assists industrial clients in collecting, monitoring, analyzing, and providing scientific understanding about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:
Using your technical skills, you would:
Perform field work such as vegetation assessments, habitat assessments, monitor construction activities, and perform inspections of stormwater BMPs
- Perform wetlands determinations/delineations according to USACE protocol and surveys for various species for biological and hydrological projects
- Operate equipment such as GPS, Laser Range Finders; Transit Levels
- Utilize computer software such as ESRI, ArcMap 9.3, ArcGIS Server, ArcIMS, Google Earth, Microsoft products to include Word, Excel; Internet Explorer; Access; and Adobe Illustrator
- Have experience with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (Nationwide and Individual) Permitting
- Prepare letter reports, compliance documents, NEPA documents (CE. EA, EIS)
- Analyze data to determine validity, quality, & scientific significance, and to interpret correlations between human activities & environmental effects
- Have well developed interpersonal skills and demonstrate excellent communication skills (verbal, written, proposal and presentation) and abilities
- Ability to prioritize and organize tasks effectively
- Work in a variety of outdoor settings that may require long periods of standing; walking over rough terrain; working in water; recurring bending, crouching, and stooping, reaching, or similar activities. Work may also include frequent lifting of moderately heavy items, such as equipment that weighs 50 pounds
- Travel in and out of state 40% of the time
BS/BA in Biology, Aquatic Science, or related Environmental Science degree with a minimum of 5 years experience in natural resources experience
Contact US – employment@zephyrenv.com
Job Opportunity: Research Biologist/Ecologist for the USGS (Anchorage, AK)
Job Announcement Number:PAC-2012-0483
SALARY RANGE: $89,370.00 to $116,180.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Monday, August 13, 2012 to Friday, August 31, 2012
SERIES & GRADE: GS-0408/0486-13
POSITION INFORMATION: Permanent – Full-Time
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 15
DUTY LOCATIONS: Anchorage, AK
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: United States Citizens
JOB SUMMARY:
This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled as a Research Wildlife Biologist GS-0486-13 or Research Ecologist GS-0408-13. The incumbent of this position is entitled to a cost of living allowance (COLA) of 5.57% for 2012 in addition to the salary.
This position is also being advertised concurrently with PAC-2012-0482 (MP/status applicants). The concurrent announcement is open to current or former permanent Federal employees, those eligible under a special appointing authority, or veterans as described in the announcement. One vacancy may be filled from either announcement; however, either announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies if they become available.
DUTIES:
As a Research Wildlife Biologist or Research Ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:
Serve as Project Leader, responsible for leading and conducting research on the sea otter and the nearshore marine ecosystem.
Develops new marine animal study techniques, and formulates novel and diverse approaches to complex marine animal ecology problems.
Publishes original research in peer-reveiwed journals, and presents results of research at scientific meetings.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Research may be conducted in vast and remote regions of Alaska. Field work is performed in rugged, remote terrains with severe wind, cold, and snow even during summer. Lifting and carrying heavy equipment various distances over rugged terrain is required. There may be no roads to field sites; transportation may include helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, or small boat. Field work may be conducted on such aircraft or watercraft. Field work is conducted in areas with wild animals, and firearms are typically carried for self-defense.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
This position is interdisciplinary and may be filled as a Research Wildlife Biologist or Research Ecologist. Each of these occupational series requires specific educational coursework to qualify. You must meet the requirements under one of these series to qualify.
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST
Applicants must meet the following to satisfy the basic education requirement for Research Wildlife Biologist. Submit or upload all of your transcripts that show you meet the following:
Degree with major in wildlife biology, zoology, or botany that included at least 30 semester hours of course work in biological science and 15 semester hours in the physical, mathematical, and earth sciences. This course work must have included:
At least 9 semester hours of wildlife biology in such subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, principles of population dynamics, or related course work in the field of wildlife biology; and
At least 12 semester hours in zoological subjects such as invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy of the vertebrates, embryology, animal physiology, entomology, herpetology, parasitology, and genetics; and
At least 9 semester hours in the field of botany and related plant science; and
At least 15 semester hours in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, soils, and/or geology.
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH ECOLOGIST
Applicants must meet the following to satisfy the basic education requirement for Ecologist, all grade levels. Submit or upload all of your transcripts that show you meet the following:
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree in biology or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours or the equivalent in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours or the equivalent in ecology, and 12 semester hours or the equivalent in physical and mathematical sciences.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL
In addition to the Basic Education Requirement, candidates must have at least 1 year of specialized experience at or equivalent to at least the GS-12 level that is in or related to the duties described above, and that has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position.
Specialized experience includes authoring research papers of considerable interest to others in marine animal ecology research. The scientist has knowledge and research experience of population dynamics and/or ecological requirements of sea otters or marine animals, defining research problems, developing and executing research plans, field research techniques, statistical modeling techniques for analyzing data, and presenting results at regional or national meetings. Such work must have shown creative research that has led or can lead to advances in a specific area of research. The work must have been creative in the sense that it developed a basic principle, product, concept, method, approach, or technique, or provided a body of basic information that opened the way for advancement in the discipline or field of science. This work may have been achieved by providing a method of solving problems, opening areas of research or providing the means of exploring the application of science in a major area.
Full description and to apply: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/323684500
Job Opportunity: Environmental Monitoring Officer (Wellington, NZ)
Do you have an enthusiasm for carrying out high quality environmental monitoring?
We are looking for a motivated air quality technical monitoring officer to join our Environmental Monitoring and Investigation team. The Environmental Monitoring and Investigations team is responsible for monitoring and reporting on Greater Wellington’s natural and physical resources.
You will be responsible for installing, maintaining and calibrating air quality monitoring instruments at a network of sites throughout the Wellington region. You will also review and check air quality and meteorological data and update associated documents and databases in order to provide high quality environmental data for Greater Wellington’s external clients and to monitor the state of our environment.
To be successful in this position you will need:
- A tertiary qualification in science or environmental science or proven experience/practical skills
- The ability to perform technical tasks using air quality instrumentation, equipment and software
- Excellent personal skills when engaging with staff and external clients
- The ability to work within a team but also able to work without supervision.
- An appropriate level of fitness and a willingness to work outdoors in all weathers.
To be a part of Making Greater Wellington Greater please look at the job description and apply by clicking the link below.
For further information please contact Graham Sevicke-Jones, Manager Environmental Management and Investigation on 04 830 4241, or Grace Nicholls, Human Resources Coordinator on 04 830 4013
Applications Close: 27 August 2012.