Great Smoky Mountains National Park 2017 Internship
POSITION TITLE Vegetation Mapping Intern
1 position (Summer-Fall)
LENGTH OF APPOINTMENT 24 weeks (May 15 through October 26)
STIPEND $125 per week + housing included
AMERICORPS EDUC. AWARD $2800 education award
DUTY STATION Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee, NC
BACKGROUND
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) is recruiting a qualified applicant for a summer/fall internship
in the Inventory and Monitoring Branch (I&M) in the Resource Management & Science Division. The Position
is primarily field- oriented, and will assist GRSM I&M staff in collecting and compiling data to:
- Assess accuracy of vegetation mapping program.
- Monitor the status and trends of vegetation communities, rare and endangered plants, and other
natural resource elements throughout the park.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
- Vegetation Mapping Accuracy Assessment: The main duty of this position will be to assist with
collecting field-based vegetation plot data as part of an accuracy assessment for an ongoing
vegetation mapping project. These plots will be located throughout the North Carolina section of the
park, and will primarily be accessed through the park’s trail network. High-mileage field days will be
the norm.
- Data Management: Assist with data entry, GPS data download into GIS, and other data management
tasks as needed.
- Other short-term duties may include:
- Vegetation plot monitoring for other ongoing projects, rare plant monitoring, wetlands
inventories, and macroinvertebrate monitoring.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Academic background in biological sciences. Applicant should be self-motivated, highly organized,
and able to follow detailed protocols. Preferred knowledge and skills in vegetation classification, plant
identification in the southern Appalachians and the use of technical plant keys, vegetation sampling
methods, map reading and orienteering, and GPS. Must be able to hike in mountainous terrain in hot
humid or inclement weather conditions, carrying a backpack and other field equipment. Experience
with river waders a plus. Good fitting hiking boots and raingear are important items to have prior to
arrival. Stinging insects, poison ivy, slippery footing, ticks, and venomous snakes are known field
hazards. Intern will be a part of a team that operates safely and communicates effectively.
HOW TO APPLY:
Application materials must be received by March 1, 2017. Materials must be sent electronically through
email. Send resume, contact information for 3 references, and transcripts to Troy Evans.
Troy Evans
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1316 Cherokee Orchard Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Troy_evans@nps.gov; 865-430-4742