Native Fish Internship

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a nationwide Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), is seeking two Native Fish Interns to dedicate 11 weeks to the monitoring and management of the area's native fish populations through conducting fisheries surveys. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in wildlife and fisheries management.

Start Date: March 20, 2014 (start date may be flexible for the right candidate)

End Date: June 6, 2014 ( 11 weeks from the start date)

An 11-week commitment is required. 

Location: Pinetop, Arizona. Field projects will take place in various locations in the White Mountains on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and the Pinaleno and Chiricahua Mountains on the Coronado National Forest. 

Project Partner Website: For more information about the AZGFD and the Native Fish Program, please visit their website at: http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/nongame_species_information.shtml. For more information and the ACE Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org 

Compensation:  Interns will receive a $320/weekly living stipend ($8/hr equivalent rate based on a  40hr/week schedule) paid bi-weekly. Housing will be provided at the Region 1 bunkhouse in Pinetop, AZ. The bunkhouse includes beds, bathroom, shower, full kitchen and laundry facilities.  During the week, interns may be camping in the field near monitoring sites.  The bunk house is a 3-bedroom housr; each intern may have their own room or may share a room depending on the number of people staying there this spring. 

Position Description: In this field position, the ACE Native Fish Interns will directly assist the AZGFD fish biologists in various conservation and recovery actions for Apache trout, Gila trout and other native fishes.  This will be accomplished through conducting stream habitat and fish surveys using various monitoring methods, such as electrofishing and habitat measurements. Interns will work on a crew with biologists from state, federal, and tribal agencies, as well as volunteers and other interns.  Additionally, interns will assist the Regional AZGFD fish biologists with fieldwork preparation, logistics, and data collection.

Field projects will take place in the White Mountains on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and the  Chiricahua Mountains on the Coronado National Forest . Field surveys will mostly be in high elevation streams (5,000-10,000') and will involve extensive hiking consisting of steep climbs and descents. Interns must be able to hike comfortably in stream environments. Interns must be in very good physical shape and be able to hike long distances in rough terrain during variable and inclement weather conditions carrying backpacks with camping gear and backpack electrofishers.  Field projects will require camping for several days in remote areas.

The climate is generally arid with temperatures frequently exceeding 90 degrees during the summer months, and dropping below 10 degrees in the winter months. Extensive bending, stooping, kneeling and lifting up to 50 pounds is required. Interns are expected to work 40 hours/week.

During the week, interns may be camping near the study locations. Tents, thermarest, waders, and cook gear wil be provided. Interns will be responsible for providing their own rain gear, day backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, hiking boots, water bottle, bug spray, and sunscreen. Tents, wader, project gear, and cooking gear will be provided. Interns will be responsible for buying their own food. There are grocery stores near the bunkhouse in Pinetop. During work, state vehicles will be used and the primary drivers will be AZGFD employees.

Qualifications: 

Applicants must have a degree in ecology, wildlife biology, fisheries and wildlife management, natural resource management, biology 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 and developing natural resource managers who are looking for experience working with wildlife management agencies. 

Required Skills:

• Internship is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only
• Intern must be between the age of 18 and 30
• A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation;
• Effective communication skills with resource specialists, colleagues, and the public
• Able and willing to alone and in a group
• Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in sustained physical labor
• Knowledge of fisheries and/or wildlife management
• Knowledge and/or experience in riparian ecosystems
• Knowledge and experience conducting aquatic field work
• Experience in various field data collection methods using standard protocols
• Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in steep terrain
• Must have camping experience and be willing to camp for several days in remote areas

• Ability to work in remote field areas
• Strong leader and equally strong team player
• Personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE
• Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check
• Strong desire to enter the conservation field as a natural resource professional

The interns must be willing to represent ACE and the AZGFD 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 your resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references to: http://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/3802.html

Should you have any questions regarding this position, please contact the ACE EPIC Internship Program Manager, Hannah Wendel at  (801) 946-5379 or intern@usaconservation.org. Please note that early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time.