NPS Cave and Physical Science Internship

Summary: American Conservation Experience, Emerging Professional Intern Corps (EPIC), in partnership with the National Park Service at Lava Beds National Monument (LABE) in California, is seeking one Cave and Physical Science Intern interested in dedicating 32 weeks in support of the National Monument's cave and bat management program to inventory, monitor, and protect its geologic and biological resources.

This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic young professional who is deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks and interested in geology, ecology, wildlife and biological monitoring.  Applicants must have strong interest in a career in  natural resource management.

Start Date: March 3, 2014

End Date:  October 11, 2014

A 32-week commitment is required

Location: Lava Beds National Monument near Tulelake, CA located in northeastern California. 

The Monument is located 22 miles from the nearest town of Tulelake, CA. There you can secure fuel, and basic grocery necessities. There are three restaurant options either in or near Tulelake. About an hour north you can also access Klamath Falls, OR this is where you will want to do most of your shopping. You'll find lots of shopping options for groceries and other basic needs, and well as several restaurant options and entertainment options. 

Project Website: For more information regarding Lava Beds National Monument, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/labe/index.htm. For more information regarding the ACE Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org

Compensation: The ACE intern will work 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $125/week. Onsite shared-park housing is provided by NPS (no pets or family members) at no cost to the individual. Furnished housing includes a kitchen, living area, bedroom, and bathroom, with use of a washer and dryer. As the Park is remote, cell phone coverage is inconsistent. The intern will have use of a government vehicle for work related travel but a personal vehicle is required for personal travel.

Project Background and Objectives:

Lava Beds National Monument is located in remote northeastern California and sits on the slope of the largest volcano in the Cascade Range. The high desert landscape converts into a ponderosa pine forest along the south boundary. Under the sagebrush landscape you'll find lava flows, and over 700 lava tube caves. In addition to its outstanding geological features, the Monument encompasses the main battlefields of the Modoc War of 1872-1873 providing a vast landscape of cultural history in addition to its outstanding natural resources. 

Position Description: This position is 40 hours/week and includes a combination of office and fieldwork, working within the Division of Resource Management, primarily in support of the Cave Entrance Community Inventory and Monitoring program.  The intern will work alone or on a small crew to implement aspects of a long-term monitoring protocol and will collect resource data (such as temperature sensor data), at cave entrances and within caves. 

The intern will assist with a broad range of duties comprised of both field and office work (data entry and writing summary reports). 

Responsibilities include: 

• Maintaining air quality monitoring equipment
• Taking weather observations, and collecting and compiling backcountry visitor use information, which includes downloading data
• Maintaining  trail counters inside caves.
• Periodic duties include assisting with monitoring bat maternity colonies, and assisting with seasonal cave closures.
• Mircosoft Excel, Mircosoft Access, ArcGIS 10.x and handheld GPS units are used extensively for mapping and inventory.  After a training period, this work will be done with a great deal of independence. 

The intern will receive cross-training in, and assist with, other wildlife and plant related resource management work, such as pika and purple martin surveys, remote wildlife camera monitoring, exotic plant monitoring, and plant phenological monitoring.  Field work is often conducted cross-country, over rough lava terrain, and often under harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, or cold. Cave work involves climbing or descending steep rocky slopes, and maneuvering through tight spaces below ground.

Qualifications: Applicants for the position will hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in biology, wildlife biology, wildlife science, geology environmental science, cave sciences, biological sciences, natural resource management, ecology, park management, or a related discipline. The intern will be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work comfortably alone or in a group. The ACE NPS  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.

Requirements:

• Must be a US Citizens or Green Card holder.
• Must be 18 to 25 years old OR recent graduates from a relevant MA/MS program ages 25-29 are also eligible to apply.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS.
• Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences; ability to work alone and in a group.
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; personal vehicle required so you can access Tulelake or Klamath Falls.
• Personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE.
• Deep interest in geology, physical science, ecology, resource management and respect for nature is critical.
• Must be able and willing to work outdoors, in varying weather conditions, and capable of participating ?in physical labor.
• Must be able and willing to sometimes work in a cave setting and tight, rocky spaces below ground
• English proficiency is imperative.
• Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Word Access and Excel, as well as GPS units and ArcGIS software
• Effective communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences; ability to work alone or in a group
• Experience in the various field data collection methods using standard protocol
• Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in steep terrain
• Ability to work independently in remote areas
• A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources, particularly geology, wildlife and ecology
• Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome

Physical Demands:

Fieldwork is often conducted cross-country, over rough lava terrain, and often under harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat or cold. Cave work involves climbing or descending steep rocky slopes, and maneuvering through tight spaces below ground.

To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter and contact for three professional references to: http://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/3811.html