Invasive Plant Monitoring Intern
Nature & Purpose of the Position
In spring and summer of 2018, Pierce Conservation District is seeking 2 interns to continue surveying invasive knotweed in the Upper Nisqually River and South Prairie Creek watersheds. These surveys inform and support our work in eradicating knotweed and improving critical riparian and salmon habitat.
About the Pierce Conservation District
Pierce Conservation District is government that works. We work strategically and passionately to conserve and restore the natural resources of Pierce County. Our work improves both rural and urban communities to benefit the health and well-being of our citizens. We work in five core program areas: Farm Assistance, Water Quality Improvement, Habitat Restoration, Urban Agriculture, and Environmental Education. The District works for clean water, healthy soil, salmon recovery and local food access for all. When you join the Pierce Conservation District, you join a team of talented and committed people who are mission-driven and care deeply about improving our environment and our community.
Primary Job Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the Invasive Plant Monitoring Intern will be to support the ongoing monitoring needs of the Upper Nisqually and South Prairie Creek Knotweed Control Projects. Interns will assist the Conservation Assistance Specialist, who will set the direction and pace of the project work.
Specific duties may include the following:
- Use appropriate protocol to systematically survey streams and floodplains for a variety of invasive plant species.
- Use ArcGIS Collector handheld mapping devices and their data dictionaries to map and characterize sites and occurrences of invasive plant species.
- Occasionally assist with miscellaneous administrative, clerical, and/or outreach facets of the project.
- Aid in any necessary preparation or clearing of roads and trails used to access monitoring sites.
Qualifications
The successful applicant will have/be:
- Ability to cover an area systematically and thoroughly with attention to detail.
- Ability to work closely and efficiently as part of a team
- Comfortable working in remote locations, and referencing field and GPS maps
- Academic training and experience in: water and/or salmon resources, Puget Sound native and invasive plant identification/ecology, environmental studies, and/or natural sciences.
- Interest in, and commitment to, salmon restoration, natural resource enhancement, and environmental education.
- Experience with plant identification, (noxious weed identification skills preferred).
- Comfortable hiking up to several miles per day through rough, densely-vegetated terrain; near fast-moving water; and in streams
- Ability to work outside in inclement and/or hot weather with some exposure to insects and/or other potential hazards.
- Working knowledge of ArcGIS Collector and GIS preferred.
- Ability to provide appropriate field gear for self (e.g. durable clothing, rubber boots, rain gear, etc.) *
- Ability to maintain accurate records regarding project sites, timekeeping, and authorized expenses.
- Service-oriented attitude and constructive problem-solving skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
*Pierce Conservation District has a limited availability of field gear for interns (e.g. waders, boots). Interns should inquire if they don’t have these.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Office and outdoor environment, regular travel to a variety of locations to conduct work and may be exposed to typical hazards encountered at such work sites. Field visits and field work at projects sites requires the ability to safely traverse uneven terrain in all types of weather conditions. Interns must have the ability to work outside in all kinds of field conditions and weather. Must be able to carry loads of 20 lbs. or more.
Salary, Location & Schedule
These are part-time, temporary positions to begin no later than June 1st. Time commitment will be 20 – 30 hours/week, which equates to approximately 2 – 3 days in the field, Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Scheduling is flexible.) Interns will report to work at the Pierce Conservation District Office in Puyallup.
The compensation for this position is $11.50/hr. Interns must be qualified to be placed on the Pierce Conservation District’s insurance to use District vehicles. There are no medical or other benefits (including no paid holidays).
Benefits
Conservation Districts carry a valuable position in their communities, holding well-cultivated relationships with fellow community members, landowners, and other environmental professionals and partner organizations. Interns will benefit from these developed relationships, in addition to a variety of instructional and educational experiences in restoration and conservation management.
To Apply
Follow the “Apply Now” link and fill out the form, attaching both a cover letter and resume complete with three (3) professional references.
Applications open until: 5:00 p.m. on May 25th, 2018
Projected Start Date: June 1st, 2018
Contact Information
Nicholas Cusick
Conservation Assistance Specialist
PO Box 1057
308 W Stewart
Puyallup, WA 98371
253 845-9770 x 129
NicholasC@PierceCD.org