First Wind is an independent wind energy company exclusively focused on the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of utility-scale wind energy projects in the United States. Based in Boston, First Wind has developed and currently operates wind energy projects in the Northeast, the West and Hawaii. First Wind is committed to the communities it works with to achieve the most efficient and economic wind generation projects in North America.
Job Purpose
The intern will assist the Environmental Affairs Department during the summer 2012 field season. This is a full time, paid internship scheduled for approximately 12 weeks. This position will be assigned to carry out a variety of tasks related to wildlife compliance monitoring for the protection and management of endangered bird and bat species in Hawaii. Our Hawaii projects require state and federal endangered species permits and a Habitat Conservation Plan that guides several key regulatory provisions and a complex wildlife conservation and compliance monitoring program.
Principal Responsibilities
· Download and analyze bat detector sound files; perform daily downed wildlife fatality searches walking the site and driving all-terrain vehicles.
· Clear rocks, debris and trees from fatality search plots; perform other search plot vegetation maintenance (primarily weed trimming); maintain search plot transect markers.
· Assist with seabird conservation projects.
· With supervisor assistance, define a project or topic of study to research during the internship that aligns with the Habitat Conservation Plan. Provide a summary, presentation and/or report on the project at the end of the internship.
· Other tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
· Candidates should be working towards a degree in Environmental Science, Biology or related studies, or a recent graduate who has been accepted into an advanced degree program in a related field of study.
· Good communication skills are essential, along with a willingness to learn new skills, and flexibility in work assignments. The successful applicant will be self-motivated, organized, and able to switch between diverse tasks with ease.
· Attention to detail, the willingness/ability to work alone with minimal supervision. Field work requires a substantial amount of walking and will be conducted under a variety of weather conditions.
· Familiarity with Hawaiian avifauna, habitats and field survey techniques is required.
· Ability to perform field survey work in remote locations. Most work will be during the day, occasional night work or other atypical hours may be required. Comfortable walking in remote field conditions at the wind farm site for periods of time. Able to operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and observe all appropriate safety precautions.
· Ability to use computer equipment and software including MS Office products and Outlook. Detail oriented. Communicate effectively with supervisors, project operations staff and agencies.
· Valid driver’s license.
Please note: If you wish to submit a cover letter, you must combine a resume and cover letter into one (1) document as the system only accepts one (1) uploaded document during the application process.
