Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Vegetation Management Internship

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the National Park Service Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI), is seeking two Vegetation Management Interns within the Division of Resources Management and Science.  The ACE interns will assist Sequoia National Park vegetation staff with early season vegetation management.  ACE is seeking interns interested in dedicating 10 weeks in support of the National Park Service in implementing vegetation management techniques in the foothills of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

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 natural resource management and invasive plant control.  Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks lie side-by-side in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of the San Joaquin Valley in the state California.  The landscape testifies to nature's size, beauty, and diversity - huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world's largest trees!

Start Date:  March 10, 2014           

End Date:  May 17, 2014

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An 10-week commitment is required

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Location:  This is an opportunity to work and live in one of the premier National Parks with such diverse resources as giant sequoia groves, alpine peaks, foothill blue oak woodlands, deep canyons, wild and scenic rivers, numerous caves and abundant plant and animal life. The Parks are stunningly beautiful and encompass elevations from 1300 feet to the top of Mt. Whitney at 14,496 feet, the highest point in the lower 48 states, and many varied ecozones ranging through foothill hardwood forests and grasslands, montane mixed conifer belt, sub-alpine forests and treeless alpine zones. During this time of the year the ground above 6000 feet elevation is covered in deep snow, but spring is in full swing in the foothills.

Project Website:  For more information regarding Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm or http://www.nps.gov. For more information on American Conservation Experience and the Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org 

Compensation:  ACE interns will be provided with $110/week to cover the cost of food and incidental expenses, paid bi-weekly.   ACE interns will be accommodated in park housing in Ash Mountain Headquarters, just outside the community of Three Rivers, California. Housing is shared with up to three interns.

Position Description:  The internships will provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the field of invasive plant management, ecological restoration, and plant propagation and to experience California's foothills ecosystems while exploring career options in natural resources. The ACE interns will assist Sequoia National Park vegetation staff with early season vegetation management activities in the foothills. Work will be primarily in the field.

Although all interns will have opportunities for experience in all of the mentioned programs, interns will work primarily on invasive plant control projects.

Project Background and Objectives:  Two Invasive Plant Interns will work on a field crew to survey the highway for weeds from the entrance station to Amphitheater Point and control as necessary, survey/control the Amphitheater Point to Deer Ridge highway construction project for weeds, and treat adjacent areas below the project for Italian thistle. Control techniques will include hand-pulling and herbicide application with backpack sprayers.

Scope of Work:  Interns will usually spend the entire day in the field, driving and/or walking to known infestations utilizing maps and GPS, collecting monitoring data, and conducting control work. Other non-native plant species may be targeted such as Himalayan blackberry, Spanish broom, and periwinkle. Weather and road conditions permitting, there will be a one-week car camping trip Cedar Grove (4500 feet) in Kings Canyon National Park for invasive plant control in corrals, campgrounds, and other developed sites.

Training Provided:  All interns will be given thorough safety orientations to known hazards of the worksites and all proper personal protective equipment that will be required during work. Training will be given in herbicide application before any herbicide work commences.  ACE and NPS are committed to providing the most educational, rewarding, and challenging experience possible to best prepare interns for future careers in the stewardship of America's parks and public lands. 

Qualifications:  Applicants for the position will hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in environmental science, botany, biological sciences, natural resource management, park management, forestry, or a related discipline.  The interns must be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work comfortably alone or in a group. The ACE NPS SEKI Vegetation Management 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 Skills:

• Internship is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only. 
• Interns must be 18 to 25 years old and/or 26-29 and have recently completed a relevant MS/MA Degree Program.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS.
• Must be physically fit and comfortable working away from roads and on steep hillsides.
• Must be able to walk long distances (up to two miles) on hilly terrain in varied weather conditions.
• Must be comfortable applying herbicides and able to carry backpack sprayer weighing 35-40 pounds. 
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; personal vehicle required. 
• Interns must have personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE.
• Deep interest in ecology, history, and respect for nature is critical. 
• Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.
• English proficiency is imperative.

Additional Qualifications: 

• Knowledge and skills in the principles of invasive weed control.
• Plant identification skills are a plus.
• A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural resources.
• Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work alone and in a group.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome.

Physical Demands: The Vegetation Management Internship positions are high energy and involve working on difficult terrain. The position may require driving in rain, snow, on icy roads, before sunrise, and after sunset.   Interns will usually spend the entire day in the field, driving and/or walking to known infestations utilizing maps and GPS, collecting monitoring data, and conducting control work.

To Apply:  Please submit a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional and/or academic references to: http://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/3748.html

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position will close as soon as it is filled.  If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to call Hannah Wendel at (801) 946-5379.