Pierce County Parks and Recreation manages over 5,000 acres of open space, trails, developed and undeveloped parks. We provide recreational programs and infrastructure in active and passive parks and along trails. The department consists of four divisions: Recreation, Maintenance, Administration and Resource Stewardship. Our mission is to regionally deliver quality recreation opportunities and inviting parks, trails, and open space facilities to the residents of Pierce County.
Learn more about the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department

POSITION SUMMARY:

This internship position is an excellent opportunity for a student who is interested in learning about habitat restoration and ecology, forest and natural lands management, arboriculture, volunteer coordination, trail design and maintenance.

The student will report directly to the Resource Stewardship Superintendent. They will gain knowledge in planning, coordinating, and administering activities in various components of the division. Specific activities will be determined depending on the internship start dates and current resource stewardship projects. Project activities may include forest and habitat assessments, supporting tree risk assessments, creating planting plans, Trimble GPS survey and GIS mapping, trail assessments and construction, leading volunteer work parties, public surveys and counts in parks or on trails, assessing property conditions, and assistance at public meetings. In addition, the student will learn the day-to-day operations of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Under the direction of senior staff the Resource Stewardship Intern will generally:

Assist the Natural Lands Steward in tree and habitat assessments, Trimble GIS surveying and GIS mapping, assist in developing habitat stewardship plans, tree planting plans, trail assessment and construction support.
Assist the Senior Planner with developing and carrying out park user surveys, park and trail counts, public meetings for park development, site visits, information collection and conversion for asset management.
Assist the Conservation Futures Planner in assessing site conditions and habitats, field survey and property boundary identification, developing and enforcing conservation easements, supporting property and real-estate documentation.

This announcement is not intended to reflect all duties to be performed by our next team member, but presents an overview of the range of duties that may be performed.

Required Qualifications:
Current college student minimum junior or senior standing with major coursework in ecology, forestry or natural resource management, restoration, conservation biology, geography, planning or related field
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to work in the field in various weather conditions
Ability to work with the public in a friendly and articulate manner
Proficient in ArcGIS, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications:
Understanding of ecosystem and habitat management including restoration, invasive species removal, mitigation planting, sensitive habitats and species.
Understanding of surveys, conservation easements, and property descriptions.

Optional:

Submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references with your online application

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

To be considered for this opportunity please:

Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs .
If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application form will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Pierce County welcomes a diverse workforce. Pierce County does not discriminate based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a disabled person.