Description
The application period is open now through January 24th, for a one-year internship starting in May 2021 (flexible start day) that will be based out of Chiricahua National Monument located in the Sky Islands of Southeastern Arizona. This internship is offered through the National Park Service Scientists in the Parks (SIP) Program and is also part of the Americorps Program. The full internship description can be found at: https://rock.geosociety.org/eo/viewJob.asp?jobID=3041.
This opportunity would be fantastic for a graduating senior with a BS or BA degree thinking about taking a year off to gain some hands-on experience before pursuing a master's degree. The intern will work directly with the park Biologist in three beautiful SE Arizona National Park Units. The intern will use brand new, top-of-the-line acoustic recording equipment and software for birds (AudioMoth) and bats (Petterson D500X Ultrasound detectors). Birds to be monitored include the Mexican Spotted Owl and the Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Bat acoustic monitoring will help document the high level of bat species diversity prior to the detection of White-nose Syndrome in the parks following protocols developed by the North American Bat Monitoring Program.
This internship provides free shared park housing (own bedroom, shared common rooms), and there is a relocation allowance of $350.00. The living allowance is $400.00/week for 52 Weeks (= $20,800.00). In addition, after successful completion of the position, the intern is eligible for a $6,195.00 pre-tax education AmeriCorps award that can be used for paying back student loans, or for continuing their education.
Requirements
Applicants must have completed at least 3 years toward a bachelor’s degree in the life sciences (biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource management, etc.) or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Courses in mammalogy, wildlife management techniques, and GIS are desired. Experience with ArcGIS, acoustic monitoring equipment and software, radio tracking devices and techniques, Microsoft database management, is preferred. Applicants should also have strong communication skills, both verbally and in
writing.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”) between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, inclusive, or veterans up to age 35. Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.
Applicant must have a valid drivers license and a good driving record. A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position. If the SIP is required to drive a park vehicle for their position, Stewards will perform a driving records search, and the SIP’s ability to drive a park vehicle during work hours will be contingent upon the results. SIPs will have to have had their license for 3 years or be over the age of 21 to be insured as drivers under Stewards insurance policy. Examples of things that will preclude a SIP from driving a park vehicle include: SIP under the age of 21 years old that has been licensed less than three years, DUIs, multiple moving vehicle violations, suspended or revoked license, or three or more accidents (regardless of fault) in the last 3 years. If the driver’s search is favorable, Stewards will provide driver’s liability insurance while the intern is driving a NPS vehicle for their SIP position. If the SIP is denied coverage by Stewards, they will not be permitted to
drive during work hours.