NPS Cuyahoga Valley National Park Botanical Intern, Americorps – Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH
Organization: American Conservation Experience
Position Title: NPS Cuyahoga Valley National Park Botanical Intern – Americorps
Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH
Hours & Compensation: $160/week. 40 hrs/wk, 6 month commitment required. Dormitory housing provided by NPS. Travel allowance included for extensive travel to other Park Units.
Position Dates: May 20 – November 16, 2013
Application Deadline: March 15, 2013
Posted On: February 1, 2013
Organization Overview:
Founded in 2004 in Flagstaff, AZ, American Conservation Experience (ACE) has emerged as a national leader in recruiting, coordinating, and training volunteers to undertake practical environmental restoration projects in America’s national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands. Originally formed under the conservation corps model, which remains the central and largest program in our organization, ACE now provides a range of voluntary service programs for both American and international participants.
Description:
American Conservation Experience, in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CUVA), is seeking two Exotic Vegetation Management Interns to dedicate 26 weeks in support of the National Part Service, managing native and non-native plants. These opportunities are intended for enthusiastic, beginning professional with a background in ecology, botany,biology, wildlife, fisheries, entomology, natural resource management, or a closely related field, who possess a deep interest in advancing their career goals through hard work and commitment to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s professional staff and diverse resources.
Responsibilities:
Interns typically work with park staff and volunteers on a variety of projects to manage vegetation at the park. Exotic-plant management, including use of mechanical and chemical control, is a high priority, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park supports similar programs at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (www.nps.gov/hocu) in southern Ohio and Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (www.nps.gov/libo) in southern Indiana. Accordingly, interns likely will travel with park staff on at least three trips to other parks and will be supported on federal per diem while in travel status.
Interns also will assist with habitat restoration at the park, including collecting native seeds and cuttings; propagating native plants at the park’s nursery; preparing sites for planting; and planting native plants at restoration sites. Many projects, including exotic-plant control and reforestation, will be completed in coordination with large groups of volunteers. Other projects occasionally may require independent, solitary work. Interns also will travel to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Material Center in upstate New York to clean seeds collected throughout the year. Depending on personal interest, interns also will have opportunities to assist on other park projects, such as coyote surveys, deer surveys, butterfly surveys, vegetation monitoring, and wetland monitoring.
Training Provided: The park will provide training to interns in (1) plant identification; (2) understanding methods and managing exotic plants with potential to become a state-certified applicator, if interested; (3) using GIS and GPS technology; (4) propagating native plants; and (5) safely using chainsaws and other tools to manage exotic plants.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree and/or experience in botany, ecology, biology, wildlife, fisheries, entomology, or related discipline.
- Resourceful, adaptable, and able to work comfortably alone or in a group.
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the NPS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manager.
- Must be between 18-29 years old.
- Communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS
- Effective communication skills with diverse audiences.
- Personal vehicle required.
- Experience working in an environmental or cultural education setting.
- Strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources.
- Experience identifying and managing native and non-native plants.
- Experience using GPS and GIS software.
- Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
- Excellent public speaking skills.
- Bilingual applicants are encourage and welcome.
How to Apply: Apply online to http://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/1555.html with a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references. Early consideration will begin as applications are received.
Contact Information:
American Conservation Experience, http://usaconservation.org
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, http://www.nps.gov/cuva
Job URL: http://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/1555.html
