Invasive Species Team Leaders Internships- Catalina
Organization: American Conservation Experience:
Location: Catalina Island, CA
Compensation: Paid
Start Date: January 2012 to June 2012
Application Deadline: 11-21-2011
Description
American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the Catalina Island Conservancy, is seeking two invasive plant team supervisor interns to dedicate 4-5 months as a part of a high functioning invasive plant program team. These challenging positions on the Catalina Habitat Improvement & Restoration Program (CHIRP) team are dynamic, and highly valued positions located off the southern coast of California. CHIRP manages about 75 species of invasive plants on the island. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic entry-level professionals with a deep interest in jointly advancing their career goals and environmental stewardship of the Island.
#1 Road Side Team Supervisor: January 9, 2012 to June 1, 2012
#2 CHIRP Project Team Supervisor: January 9, 2012 to June 8, 2012
Location: Catalina Island is located 25 miles off the coast of Southern California. It is home to seven endemic plant species, three endemic bird species and five endemic mammals, two of which are federally endangered. The island has roughly 50 miles of coastline with pristine beaches and many camping and hiking opportunities.
Project Partner Website: For more information regarding the Catalina Island Conservancy please visit www.catalinaconservancy.org.
Position Decriptions
Roadside Team Supervisor: Now in the third year of implementation, the Roadside Invasive Plant control project has proven to be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding large scale control efforts on the Island and west wide. This person will be responsible for supervising a team of 5 full time volunteers, as well as organizing and coordinating volunteer efforts of up to 20-30 workers. The Roadside supervisor will work with the CHIRP program managers to determine priority work, how to best do the work, as well as quality control and data collection on past and current efforts. Specific tasks performed by the ACE supervisor include the utilization of chemical and mechanical control methods to treat several highly invasive plants species, with oversight from certified herbicide applicators among Conservancy staff. The team will work with a tuck-mounted sprayer to cover large areas of infestation and smaller backpack sprayers to treat isolated locations. Equipment maintenance and other duties will be conducted as directed by the program supervisor. This is a physically demandinding position, requiring strength and mental toughness. Recuperation time will typically be spent around the provided housing in the town of Two Harbors, on Catalina Island. This is a remote beach town with limited services, and access to endless beauty.
Compensation: $12 per hour; varied work schedule; shared housing provided
CHIRP Team Supervisor: The CHIRP team supervisor will be responsible for all logistics and supervision for targeted invasive species treatments across Catalina Island. They will supervise 5 people on average, but could have 20-30 volunteers to support and manage at any given time throughout the treatment season. As the treatment season unfolds, so do the various species to be treated. Some of the species to be treated will be veldt grass, harding grass, pines, eucalyptus, fennel, mock orange, and of course Flax-leaved broom, to name a few. Treatment methods will range from hand-pulling, stump-cutting, drilling, mowing, and varied chemical control methods from drip bottles and backpack sprayers to 500 liter 4×4 truck mount spray rigs. Accuracy, safety, fitness, enthusiasm and motivation are critical characteristics for this position. Data collection using GPS and GIS, excellent note taking, photo documentation, will be required. Housing will be provided for the in Middle Ranch for training during January. The remainder of the time the supervisor and their team will be camping in semi-permanent locations around the island such as Little Harbor, White’s Landing, Howlands Landing, Two Harbors, and Blackjack Campground. No housing is available for this position.
Compensation: $14/hour; varied work schedule; no housing, position requires camping.
Both ACE members may also work with biologists/botanists to set up and monitor invasive plant research plots. The typical schedule is 8-10 hours per day, 4-5 days a week, averaging 40-hours per week; the schedule will vary as needed. Weekend work will be required occasionally, particularly during volunteer events. Supervisors will be responsible for the performance and well being of their respective teams for the entire duration of the internship; this includes occasional tasks to help team members outside work hours. These positions are very physically and mentally demanding but extremely rewarding on a professional and personal level.
Project Background and Objectives: The preservation and restoration of natural biodiversity is one of the key conservation challenges of our time, and is even more important when undertaken within an island ecosystem. After habitat loss, invasive species have been identified as the second greatest threat to the preservation of biodiversity worldwide and are likely to be the greatest contributor to species extinctions in island ecosystems. Non-native species constitute 36% of Catalina Island’s flora, threatening the Island’s unique natural resources.
Training Provided: The Conservancy will provide interpretative tours, talks, presentations, or other similar development opportunities to enhance the experiences of ACE’s corps members. Conservancy staff will identify appropriate learning opportunities pertaining to the Island’s natural and cultural history and allow time for ACE members to learn the ecological significance of the project to be performed. The specific training an ACE member will receive will be determined by the season of service. Training will include, but not be limited to, Identification/treatment of weeds, Invasive plant planning and strategy, use of GIS/GPS equipment, navigation, field survey techniques and the use of complex application equipment.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a degree in botany, ecology, wildlife biology, natural resource management or other 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. We are looking for determined, strong, physically fit and developing natural resource managers who are looking for experience working with land management agencies.
Required Skills
International applicants welcome but will be required to secure their own work Visa
Undergraduate degree in ecology, biology, botany, forestry, or other natural resource related field
Ability to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle in rough, steep, and very hazardous terrain on a daily basis
A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation
Personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE
Knowledge and deep interest in Invasive species biology
Selfless dedication to resource management and the people dedicated to the project
Proven physical strength and motivation
English proficiency required
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge and understanding of Plant Taxonomy and Identification
Ability to hike safely for 8-10 hours each day over extremely rough terrain carrying a 50 pound packs under all weather conditions
Effective communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences; ability to work alone or in a group
Experience and/or knowledge of chemical and manual treatment methods
Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in steep terrain
Ability to work independently in remote areasLeadership skills, maturity, volunteer supervision and project management
Some experience with outdoor education and youth leadership
GPS/GIS
The interns must be willing to represent ACE and the CIC in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.
To Apply
Please email a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references in one document to [email protected] with “Catalina Island 2012: Roadside/CHIRP” in the subject heading of your email indicating which one you prefer (or both). Position closes as soon as filled. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received.
