Internship Description
Two natural resource management intern positions located in the Division of Natural and Cultural Resources at Mount Rainier National Park are open for summer 2012. The interns work under the day-to-day supervision of the lead biological technicians who assign work and provide instruction; the park biologist provides overall direction. The interns assist in the study, inventory, and management of aquatic and atmospheric resources. Work includes participation in a long-term ecological monitoring project of mountain lakes, amphibian studies and aquatic field data gathering that facilitates flood restoration projects, river surveys and stream profiles. Work in aquatic ecology (physical, chemical and biological characteristics of lakes, streams and wetlands) entails lake, stream, amphibian, fish and benthic macroinvertebrate surveys. Interns may also assist in atmospheric monitoring, including air quality and climate monitoring activities.
Interns must be current Evergreen students and must register for an Internship Learning Contract for 16 credits. The faculty sponsor for the contract is Jeff Antonelis-Lapp.
Dates and Work Schedule
This 14-week internship runs from June 18 through September 21. Interns work 80 hours every 2-week period depending on assigned tasks. Work days are generally Monday thru Thursday but can vary throughout the season.
Desired Skills and Abilities
a) A strong background and interest in natural, environmental or biological sciences.
b) Advanced backpacking experience and the ability to travel, work and live in rough, mountainous, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Interns must be able to backpack with heavy loads in remote wilderness terrain.
c) Ability to work as part of a team in collecting scientific data from mountain lakes and streams in a wilderness setting.
d) Ability to interact professionally with park staff and visitors.
e) Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
f) High degree of reliability to ensure timely and systematic completion of tasks.
Benefits and Training
This internship pays a living stipend of $100 per week, payable at the end of weeks 7 and 14 in two equal payments. Shared housing is provided at no cost at Longmire.
This internship provides field experience to qualify for future paid biological technician positions with the National Park Service and other natural resource agencies. Training is provided through classroom, field and on-the-job sessions and includes safety, wilderness first aid, general park management, natural and cultural resources management, map, compass and GPS use, field data collection from mountain lakes and streams, and laboratory analysis of water samples.
Other Information
The intern is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from the park at the beginning and end of the internship and
responsible for his/her own transportation during weekends. Transportation is provided during work hours. Mount Rainier National Park is a smoke-free working and living environment. Background clearance is 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 has been extended to Tuesday May 22, 2012.