Natural Resource Management Intern at Hidden Oaks Nature Center

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a Natural Resource Management Intern at Hidden Oaks Nature Center (HONC) to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. Hidden Oaks Nature Center is nestled inside the 52-acre Annandale District Park and provides programming for a diverse population. The urban oak/heath forestland consists of 5 distinct stands of varying habitats.

Description: 
The Natural Resource Management Intern will work with the Hidden Oaks Nature Center management team to perform natural resource inventories and monitoring within the park with the purpose of establishing monitoring protocols to assess and interpret the long-term health of our forest ecosystems. Intern will practice standard forestry techniques for sampling and measurement activities. The baseline-level data that the intern gathers will be used to guide our development of an Interpretive Plan in terms of messaging about the park’s natural resources and place-based interpretation.

Primary duties and responsibilities: 

• Forest Plot Sampling. Following established protocols, identify and sample forest plots in each of the five forest stands within the park. 
• Invasive Species Control. Survey park to identify and map locations of nonnative invasive plant infestations. Working with park management, develop comprehensive plan for systematic invasive species control.  Implement control measures as appropriate, including planting native plants and monitoring previous planting projects.
• Wildlife Monitoring. Periodically review and catalog photos from wildlife monitoring cameras within the park, updating wildlife inventories as needed. Review bird observation data and work with park staff on other wildlife monitoring projects.
• Provide input for HONC Interpretive Plan development.
• Write an article for FCPA social media and HONC newsletter describing the summer internship.

Skill development and learning outcomes: Forest inventory methods; sampling, measurement, data analysis; invasive species control methods; development of invasive species control plan; wildlife monitoring methods; development of wildlife inventory reports; volunteer management; resume building.

Compensation: Interns will be temporary, part-time employees of the Fairfax County Park Authority. Compensation is $16.50- $22 per hour, depending on prior experience, for up to 440 hours. May through August. Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday with potentially some weekends and evenings (telework not an option.)

Start Date: May (No later than May 23). End Date: August (No later than September 4).

Requirements:  Applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelors or Master’s program in forestry, conservation, natural resource management, environmental science, ecology, or other related field. Strong organizational abilities and ability to work independently. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. Microsoft Office skills including Word and Excel. Ability to do moderate lifting (up to 20lbs), walking and hiking on rough unpaved, or off-trail surfaces. Ability to stand or sit for long periods to conduct field work or to perform office tasks. Work location 7701 Royce Street, Annandale, VA. 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications: Familiarity and knowledge of local native flora and fauna and invasives. Experience in performing natural resource inventories, plot sampling, mapping, or other related activities.

Note: This position may not exceed 900 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are not eligible for benefits and are not eligible to earn leave or receive holiday pay.  

To apply: Send your resume to FCPAInternships@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Necessary Special Requirements: 

• The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.  

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.