Flat-Tail Horn Lizard Data Lead Intern- El Centro, CA
Organization: American Conservation Experience
Job Title: Data Lead
Location: El Centro, CA
Hours and Compensation: $150/wk stipend + housing
Position Dates (if applicable): June 1- July 31
Application Deadline: May 1
Posted on: April 18
Organization Overview
American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), El Centro Field Office, is seeking one Data Lead to participate in a flat-tail horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) monitoring project in the Sonoran desert of southern California. This study is part of a larger range-wide management plan for the conservation of the lizard and its habitat and will be conducted in four long-term study plots.
The Southern California desert is one of the few places where the rare and magnificent flat-tail horn lizard (FTHL) can be found in the world. Proposals to list the FTHL as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act have been made numerous times, starting in 1993, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Since then, numerous government and non-government agencies have taken the task of monitoring the status of this species to help prevent its further decline.
The Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office (ECFO) manages approximately 1.4 million acres of public lands spread across two counties in Southern California: Imperial and San Diego. Approximately 95% of the BLM ECFO managed lands lie within Imperial County. The resource area is bordered by the U.S./Mexico International border to the south and the Riverside County line to the north. The ECFO manages 1,420,000 acres of Public Lands, 17 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, ten Wilderness Areas, six Wilderness Study Areas (WSA), and three Open Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Use Areas. Nine threatened or endangered wildlife species occur on the lands managed by the ECFO
Description
This project is part of a large-scale monitoring study focusing on flat-tailed horned lizards (FTHL). Monitoring will be conducted in three long-term study plots managed by the BLM ECFO. The study areas are known as the East Mesa, West Mesa, and Yuha Basin Management Area. This project provides the following benefits: conservation of California desert natural resources and wildlife habitats; collection of data that will aid in the management of the FTHL, a BLM sensitive species; and helps develops skills related to the management of natural resources and public lands. An additional benefit of this position is the opportunity to observe multiple-use land management issues in a Field Office on the forefront of renewable energy development.
Responsibilities
The Data Lead is an office position. The Data Lead will be responsible for entering and organizing data collected by Monitoring Interns working in the field with the FTHL. GPS will be used in the field to locate plots, perform transect surveys, and record locations of each FTHL capture. The Data Lead will potentially spend time doing ArcGIS and working on mapping projects. While some biological skills would be beneficial to this position, computer skills are a must. The Data Lead will be working with the Arizona State Software for FTHL with an ACCESS database. A Federal Background Check is required for the Data Lead position.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a degree in Geography, Biological Sciences, Wilderness Management and/or Policy, GIS, Natural Resource Management, Recreation Resource Management, Botany, Computer Science, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the internship announcement.
PSM Students: There is potential to design a Project for a masters program in partnership with participating universities. PSM students are strongly recommended to apply for the Data Lead position.
Requirements:
- Must be U.S. citizen or Green card holder;
- Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record;
- Interns must have personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE;
- Must be between 18 and 25 years old;
- Personal vehicle required;
- Knowledge and skills in completing data entry and mapping using GPS and ArcGIS;
- Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals;
- Must be able to take initiative, work independently, and participate effectively in collaborative efforts;
- Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required;
- Must have a deep interest in ecology and respect for nature; and
- English proficiency is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge, skills, and abilities in ArcGIS and GPS;
- Knowledge, skills, and abilities in ACCESS software;
- Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome;
- A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources; and
- Excellent writing, research, public speaking, and organizational skills.
The interns must be willing to represent ACE and the BLM in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying. ACE reserves the right to require drug testing. A Federal Background Check is required.
How to Apply:
Please email a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references in ONE document to [email protected] with “BLM FTHL DL-idealist referred” in the subject line of your email. Position announcement closes when filled; immediate consideration will be given as resumes and letters are received. Selections need to be made by May 1st
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro.html
