Mount Rainier National Park:
The 2018 Carolyn Dobbs Internships
Internship Description
Two natural resource management intern positions and two Paradise Wilderness Information Center positions at Mount Rainier National Park are available for summer 2018.
The natural resource interns work in the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection under the day-to-day supervision of lead biological technicians who assign work and provide instruction; the park ecologists provide overall direction. The interns assist in the study, inventory and management of aquatic, terrestrial, atmospheric, and wilderness resources.
Work in aquatic ecology (physical, chemical and biological characteristics of lakes, streams and wetlands) includes lake, stream, amphibian, fish and invertebrate surveys, and the collection and analysis of lake and stream samples. Work in terrestrial ecology entails conducting wildlife surveys (e.g. small/medium mammals, pollinators, raptors) and invasive plant inventories along the park roads and in the wilderness, and accessioning specimens to the natural history museum collection. Work in wilderness monitoring includes backcountry campsite monitoring and visitor use data collection to support the development of an updated Wilderness Stewardship Plan for Mount Rainier National Park. The interns may also assist in atmospheric monitoring, including air quality, climate, and soundscape monitoring.
The Paradise Wilderness Information Center interns work in the Ranger Division under the day-to-day supervision of district ranger Daniel Van Der Elst and other subordinate wilderness supervisors. They provide overall direction. Interns split their time somewhat evenly between the field where they support various ongoing monitoring and management efforts in Mount Rainier’s wilderness and desk assignments where they interact with, assist and educate park visitors. The context of most of the contacts while working in the office will be with climbers registering for summit attempts of Mount Rainier. Though largely an administrative exercise, some knowledge of climbing practices, equipment, and the alpine landscape is desirable. Mountain weather forecasting is an important part of the registration process for climbers. An interest and/or understanding of meteorology is also desirable. Training in the interpretation of forecasts, model resources, and observations is provided.
The interns must be current Evergreen students and must register for an Internship Learning Contract for between 4 and 16 credits. (Please note that recent summer tuition costs were $251/credit for residents and $720/credit for non-residents.) The faculty sponsor for the contract is Jeff Antonelis-Lapp. He will assist you with contract design and registration.
Dates and Work Schedule
The internship begins June 18; interns have the option of working for either 10 or 13 weeks. They work 80 hours every 2-week period depending on assigned tasks. The work schedule can vary throughout the season although most often is Thursday through Sunday or Friday through Monday.
Desired Skills and Abilities
- A strong background and interest in natural, environmental or biological sciences.
- Advanced backpacking experience and the ability to travel and work in rough, mountainous, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Interns must be able to backpack with heavy loads in remote wilderness terrain.
- Natural resource interns must have the ability to work as part of a team in collecting scientific data from mountain lakes, forests, subalpine, and streams in a wilderness setting.
- Ability to interact professionally with park staff and visitors.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- High degree of reliability to ensure timely and systematic completion of tasks.
Benefits and Training
The 13-week internship pays a stipend of $2,500 (10-week internships are pro-rated accordingly). Shared housing (valued at $600) is provided at no cost at Longmire or Tahoma Woods.
These internships provide field experience to qualify for future paid positions with the National Park Service and other natural resource agencies. Training through classroom, field and on-the-job sessions includes safety, wilderness first aid, general park management, natural and cultural resources management, map, compass and GPS use, field data collection, laboratory analysis of water samples, GIS, and data entry and management.
Other Information
Interns are responsible for their own transportation to and from the park at the beginning and end of the internship and responsible for their own transportation while not working. Transportation is usually provided during work hours, but may not be available from living quarters to duty stations for the Wilderness Center interns. Mount Rainier National Park is a smoke-free working and living environment. Background clearance is required. A valid driver’s license is also required.
To apply
Submit a resume with 2-3 references (at least one of which is an Evergreen faculty member) and a letter of interest to Jeff Antonelis-Lapp at lappj@evergreen.edu. The application deadline is Friday, April 20, 2018. Finalists will be interviewed on campus the week of May 1. Interns will be selected and notified that week. For questions or additional information, contact Jeff Antonelis-Lapp.