Natural Resource & Facilities intern
Natural Resource & Facilities intern (PO-00735712)
Position ID: PO-00735712
Expected Dates: October 23, 2023 - October 20, 2024
Location: Wisdom, MT
The National Parks Service is currently recruiting one Student Conservation Association intern to work within the Natural Resource and Facilities Programs at Big Hole National Battlefield. The intern will support Natural Resource program work through a field-oriented position with the potential for some office work, as needed. The intern will have the opportunity to gain skills associated with conservation, and facilities management work and understanding the National Park Service mission. Work will be within the vegetation program focused on vegetation management, invasive species control, and restoration work and Facilities work performing simple and routine work involved in the custodial, maintenance, and repair of grounds, exterior structures, building, and related utilities, requiring the use of a variety of trade practices associated with occupations such as minor carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, and other related trades. Daily tasks will consist of assisting Natural Resource program staff, and facilities staff and will be based out of the Big Hole National Battlefield.
Natural Resource Duties and Responsibilities:
- General Resource Management (10%)
- Work in a team or independently to aid in all resource management activities at Big Hole NB;
- Assist with Natural Resource program projects and other programs as needed such as the Cultural Resources, Interpretation, and Facilities programs.
Vegetation Management 60%
Work in a team or independently to treat invasive plants at Big Hole NB;
- Survey, identify, and map exotic vegetation
- Treat exotic vegetation through hand-pulling, cutting, or herbicide application
- Document treatments and update files and GIS layers
- Maintain equipment
- Work in a team to monitor vegetation and specific plant species (camas, penstemon, Spalding’s catchfly)
- Survey, identify, and map native vegetation
- Lemhi penstemon monitoring at Big Hole National Battlefield site
- Document and update files
- Restoration
- Spread native seed mixes in disturbed areas
- Seed collection
- Plant seedlings in disturbed areas
- Preparing information (print and/or oral) for sharing with the public and co-workers about project work at Nez Perce National Historical Park
- Document resource findings/activities/Data Entry
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to work outdoors in remote settings and inclement weather on uneven ground
- Willingness to work as a part of a team and/or independently in an outdoor setting
- Willingness to carry and work with and near herbicides
- Reliable
- Strong focus on attention to detail
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Northwest natural resources and plants
- Coursework in biology, botany, natural resources, and a strong interest in conservation
- Previous experience using GPS units
- Experience with basic land navigation equipment and/or methods
- Experience in presenting informational or educational talks to the public
- Experience teaching and/or leading youth, conservation, reforestation and/or outdoor rec skills
Facilities Duties and Responsibilities 30%
- Performs simple and routine maintenance and repair of grounds, exterior structures, buildings, equipment, and related utilities.
- Assists higher-graded maintenance workers or tradesmen in the performance of their work.
- Performs minor carpentry repairs using simple measures and hand tools on such tasks as replacing broken planks on picnic tables; broken windows using precut stock; minor adjustments or replacing hinges, latches, and catches.
- Performs minor painting using brush and roller according to specific instructions on projects.
- Performs minor plumbing repairs such as tightening or replacing in-kind fittings and fixtures which do not require custom fitting or solder joints; replaces faucet washers; unplugs drains using a plunger; replaces liquid petroleum gas bottles.
- Receives, unloads, and processes incoming shipments according to established procedures.
- Reports discrepancies and damage to others responsible for such items.
- Performs routine maintenance on picnic area sites and trails using hand tools to re-grade and reset barriers to restore areas to their original appearances.
- Collects trash. Operates a light truck to pick up supplies and transport materials to and from work sites while assisting on project work.
- Cleans and services vault toilets, restrooms, and other picnic areas or visitor facilities.
- Makes minor repairs as needed and refers problems to higher-graded workers.
- Operates equipment to load and unload supplies and light equipment not requiring special rigging.
Member Compensation:
– $1,100- one time RT travel allowance
– $535.91 – weekly living allowance
– Duty Related Travel Budget of $5,000 (Receipts required for reimbursement)
– Housing on site provided
– All Weather Uniform Package
– Personal Program Advisor
– AmeriCorps Award (valued at $6,895) at the fulfillment of position requirements and 1700 hours
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
*For SCA's COVID-19 guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid
Training Provided: If interested, will be able to study and test for the Montana Pesticide Applicator’s License certification Work with other park programs as needed
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: •Approximately 1-10 nights may be spent on overnight travel to other park sites, as needed and if interested.
Other Community Work: ~Work is performed inside and outside where dirt, spray, and fumes are present. ~Also required to work in inclement weather and/or wear protective equipment and clothing that are sometimes heavy and uncomfortable
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt