Internship - Invasive Species Management

Program Dates: 05/20/2024 – 09/08/2024  

About us: 
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the country."

Number of Participants: 4 SCA interns will work in conjunction with district staff (Rangeland Management Specialist, Ecologist, or Noxious Weeds Crew Lead).  Each intern will be assigned to one of 3 districts, Canyon Lakes (Fort Collins), Boulder (Boulder) or Sulphur (Granby). 

Program Description: Duties will primarily consist of working with Forest Service personnel to conduct invasive plant management and will include the application of herbicides using backpack sprayers, truck or UTV mounted sprayers, or other mechanical and manual methods for invasive, non-native plant treatment.  Interns will perform basic mathematical calculations related to herbicide mixing and applications and always utilize appropriate personal protective equipment, supplied by the Forest Service.  Interns will be responsible for identifying invasive plants, use of GPS equipment to map treatment areas, and use of topographic maps.  Interns will assist in inventory, mapping, and monitoring of invasive, non-native plants commonly found in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.  Other duties may include, but are not limited to assisting in invasive plant management activities, range surveys, post-fire restoration, rare plant surveys and other related ecological restoration duties.  For all duties, interns will generally work 4 10-hour days, carry heavy backpacks or gear, hike to remote locations in rugged terrain at high elevations and potentially work in adverse weather conditions.

Member benefits:

• $1,100 - one time RT travel allowance
• $460 - weekly living allowance
• AmeriCorps eligible ($1,678 education award)
• Housing
  • Interns will share small government houses with other interns or government employees. Houses consist of 2 or 3 small bedrooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Interns will be assigned a house with other interns or government employees of the same gender and each person shall have their own bedroom.

*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes

Member Qualifications: 

• Driver's license
• Personal vehicle required

Additional: 

Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member. This includes:  

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
• Being at least 18 years or older;
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.