Forestry Intern – Glacier Peak Institute (Darrington, WA)

Interested in forestry and rural communities? Glacier Peak Institute is an action-based education non-profit committed to revolutionizing rural communities by connecting youth with their ecosystems. Located in the Cascade Mountains we provide natural resource educational experiences to Snohomish County’s most rural and impoverished school district (Darrington). As part of a crew leading team, you will be responsible for successfully planning and completing projects, building collaborative working group amongst a youth crew, overseeing the health and safety of youth crew, and teaching both life and job skills. This position will be comprised mostly of field work. The Crew Intern will help plan and implement activities in collaboration with Glacier Peak Institute, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest including a Silviculturist and Wildlife Biologist, and other partners. This will include leading a crew of 5 high school youth under employment of Washington State University, through the Snohomish County Extension office. Work will support the US Forest Service (USFS) native tree and plant seed collection for use in restoration projects, improve trails, restore culturally significant resources, improve wildlife habitat and forest infrastructure while simultaneously introducing youth to careers in forestry.

What you will learn:

● Natural resource and forest management and conservation methods, such as native plant restoration, trail construction/ maintenance, management and more

● Project planning and management skills

● Leadership skills in natural resource management and youth mentoring

● Additional on the job training for technical and additional interpersonal skills

Major Duties:

● Maintain a healthy work environment and assure the safety of the crew at all times

● Supervise and collaborate with part-time high school crew on projects

● Develop and coordinate projects with Glacier Peak staff, volunteers, government agencies and local specialists. Partners include US Forest Service, National Park Service, WA Department of Natural Resources, Darrington Collaborative and more

● Create safety and activity implementation protocols, organize/maintain equipment and gear

● Safely drive the crew to and from work location each day, usually on gravel roads

● Mark trees for pruning and removal following specific guidelines

● Keep track of work completed on forms, spreadsheets, and/or maps

● Provide a positive and diligent work ethic to high schoolers, help teach job expectations and responsibility.

● Work with the youth crew to reteach lessons learned in the field biweekly

● Learn why tree genetics are important in forestry, and how to keep trees healthy. •

● View cut cones and tree buds under microscopes for signs of growth and cone crop potential.

● Collect native grass seed and tree cones for use in native plant restoration.

● Aid USFS in trail maintenance of trails and removal of noxious weeds.

Desired Qualifications:

● Experience or educational background in forestry, natural resource management and/or related fields

● Good interpersonal skills and ability and/or experience working with diverse personalities (volunteers, teenagers, etc.)

● Adept at working in varying field settings (will include both office work and outdoor work plus some overnight camping)

● Commitment to foster strong work and environmental ethics, youth leadership and team collaboration

● Self-motivated, an interest in service/community work and desire to make a positive impact

● Prefer applicants with first aid, especially outdoor medicine certifications (WFR, WFA, etc.)

● Ability to adapt and problem solve quickly

● Valid driver’s license and safe driving record

● Ability to stand, walk, and kneel for extended periods of time under a variety of weather conditions while outdoors and perform strenuous physical work.

● Ability to carry up to 50 pounds while hiking on rough terrain.

● Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person.

● Sufficient vision or other powers of observation to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials.

Bonuses:

● Housing provided in Darrington

● Maybe eligible for credit

● Darrington has hiking, climbing, biking, and whitewater access from your porch

● Darrington hosts several summer music festivals including the Darrington Bluegrass Festival, The Spur Festival, and Summer Meltdown

 

How to apply:

Apply by contacting Oak Rankin at oak.rankin@wsu.edu with a copy of your resume and three references by no later than May 13th, 2018.