ACE EPIC NPS VA: Shenandoah Aquatic Ecology Internship - AmeriCorps

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with Shenandoah National Park, is seeking TWO Aquatic Ecology Interns. The ACE interns will assist with sampling 34 sites throughout the park for aquatic macroinvertebrates, taking various habitat measurements, and conducting quality control on samples. ACE is seeking two interns interested in dedicating 12 weeks in support of the National Park Service and Shenandoah National Park.

This excellent opportunity is ideal for enthusiastic young professionals who are deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks. Applicants must have a strong interest in a career in ecology, biology, wetland sciences, natural resource management or a related discipline.

 

Start Date: April 17, 2017

End Date: July 9, 2017

*A 12-week commitment is required*

 

Location:  Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, Luray, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park contains 196,000 forested acres along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Virginia. The Park’s backcountry of steep rugged terrain contains 500 miles of trails, including 95 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and nearly 80,000 acres of federally designated wilderness. Skyline Drive, the famous scenic tour road through the Park, follows the ridge crest for 105 miles and connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Nearly two million people visit the Park each year to enjoy views from the Skyline Drive, hike trails, rock climb, enjoy nature study, camp, or stay overnight in one of the Park’s rustic lodges or backcountry cabins. The Park supports approximately 1400 vascular plant species, numerous state-rare plant species, and a variety of forest community types. The mountain streams are inhabited by 39 species of fishes, over 230 species of aquatic invertebrates and provide some of the best protected strongholds for native eastern brook trout south of Maine.

 

Project Website:  For more information regarding Shenandoah National Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm and http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/midn/monitor/benthic_macroinvertebrates.cfm?tab=1 (click on Shenandoah National Park). For more information on American Conservation Experience and the Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

 

Compensation: The ACE Interns will receive a living allowance of $125/week to cover the cost of food and incidental expenses, paid bi-weekly. ACE interns will be accommodated in park housing at no cost for the duration of the internship.

Also, a $500 travel allowance will be distributed evenly throughout the internship to aid in the costs of relocation and commuting to the duty station.

 

AmeriCorps: This internship may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,527.45) upon successful completion of internship service hours. Additional enrollment is required. 

 

Housing: Housing consists of several homes with double occupancy bedrooms. Housing will most likely be in Luray, VA or within 10 miles. If housing is located further than 10 miles from Luray, VA, a government vehicle will be provided for transportation to and from work site. Luray, VA is 5 miles from Park Headquarters and has all of the standard amenities (Grocery stores, movie theater, shops, restaurants, library etc.). Laundry facilities are also available at park housing locations.

Cell phone reception is not always reliable and personal vehicle required due to the site being remote and there is no reliable public transportation. The Intern will have use of a government vehicle for work related travel.

 

Position Description:  For roughly the first 6 weeks, the interns will be assisting in sampling 34 sites throughout Shenandoah National Park for aquatic macroinvertebrates and taking various water quality and stream habitat measurements. The remaining 6 weeks will be spent sorting and conducting quality control on various samples that were collected in 2014/2015. Any additional free time will likely be spent patrolling the developed areas of the park for nuisance black bears and educating visitors about bear conflicts, conducting peregrine falcon cliff nesting surveys, and radio tracking whitetail deer. The interns must have an above average fitness level since most of the work consists of walking in steep, rugged, wet terrain to obtain macroinvertebrate samples.

 

Qualifications:  Applicants for the position must hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in ecology, biology, wetland sciences, natural resource management or a related discipline. The ACE NPS Aquatic Ecology Interns must be willing and able to represent ACE and the NPS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.

Required:  

• Internship is available to US Citizens and Permanent Residents only
• Intern must be 18 to 35 years old
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; personal vehicle required
• Deep interest in natural resources, wetland sciences, and strong desire to learn/work outdoors is critical
• Must be physically able to walk long distances in mountainous terrain and work outdoors for much of the day
• Ability to communicate effectively and work well in a team setting
• Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required
• English proficiency

The ACE Intern must be willing and able to represent ACE and the NPS 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 submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website here: https://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Program Manager, Peter Woodruff at 801.989.7069 or pwoodruff@usaconservation.org.