Internship - Natural Resource Management

Internship - Natural Resource Management

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Job Description

Position Dates: 6/3/2024- 9/27/2024

About us: 

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

Program Description: 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Colorado Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, has an internship available at Buckley Space Force Base (BSFB) in Aurora, CO. The successful applicant will aid biologists in implementing the BSFB Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan. After completion of training, the intern’s primary duties will be conducting ecological surveys across taxonomic groups (i.e., plants, butterflies and other pollinators [e.g., bumble bees], bats, small mammals, birds [specifically, grassland bird nest searching
and burrowing owl presence/absence], amphibians, fish, etc.) and performing habitat management and restoration activities through noxious
invasive weed control (via biological controls and mechanical removal) and revegetation (via reseeding and planting seedling plugs) in
short-grass prairie habitat. The intern will use GPS units to map survey species in the field and work with USFWS staff to organize field data and develop reports in office.

The intern will also assist with some or all of the following projects on BSFB: trap and relocate raptors and/or black-tailed prairie dogs, implement
the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program and tag migrating monarchs (a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act), and
install and utilize Motus Wildlife Tracking System technologies.

The intern will gain direct experience with land management implementation and planning and become familiar with conservation laws pertinent to 
the management of natural resources on federal lands.

Prior knowledge and experience with Colorado shortgrass prairie native and non-native plant identification is desired. Experience with ecological  survey/sampling techniques is desired, but not mandatory. Opportunities to train/work under other USFWS members, and perform  monitoring/recovery work for threatened  (e.g., greenback cutthroat trout, Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, eastern black rail) and endangered (e.g., black-footed ferret) species in the Mountain/Prairie region will also be available.

Member Benefits: 

• $1,100 - one time round trip travel allowance
• $1,150* - monthly housing allowance (4 months worth, intern must identify own housing; USFWS biologist may have lead on housing
  opportunity)
• $400* - weekly living allowance
• $1,500 - duty related travel (must be requested - please contact intern advisor if selected) 
• Position qualifies for Public Lands Corps hiring authority upon successful completion of 640+ hours of internship for interns 16-30 years old
  (or up to 35 years old for veterans)

*Monthly housing allowance will be distributed in weekly increments of $287.50, combined with the $400 weekly living allowance, to equal 
$687.50 (housing + living allowance) per week. All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Member Qualifications: 

• Driver's license 
• Personal vehicle required
• Demonstrated passion for wildlife conservation and a love of working outdoors
• Colorado shortgrass prairie plant identification (native and non-native species)
• Some experience with biological fieldwork (i.e., plant and wildlife sampling/surveys)
• Ability to accurately collect and record field data
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Must be able to maintain a positive attitude in unpleasant conditions (inclement weather, rough terrain, adverse environments)
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and hike up to 10 miles in adverse conditions
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Physical demands: Hiking in remote locations under various weather conditions
• Prolonged exposure to the elements, including very hot temperatures and wind
• Working long, irregular, and early hours
• Carrying heavy equipment over long distances
• May require animal handling (i.e., insects, fish, raptors, small mammals

Locations:

Aurora, Colorado

San Francisco, California

Chicago, Illinois

Houston, Texas 

Washington, District Of Columbia