Mason-Lake Conservation District is looking to hire an enthusiastic summer intern that will assist with field and office work pertaining to invasive species management with the North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (NCCISMA).
Intern Duties and Responsibilities:
- Study for exam and obtain certification for pesticide applicator license within first month
- Learn to identify invasive plants, animals and pests of western Michigan
- Conduct surveys for invasive species, on land and water (via kayak)
- Record field data using datasheets, GPS units and Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) phone app or website
- Work with District Staff and NCCISMA coordinator to complete invasive species treatments along Pere Marquette River, Pere Marquette Lake, North Country Trail
- Under supervision of District Staff, help to organize and lead volunteer workdays
- Educate landowners on invasive species issues and assist with coordinating treatment contracts
- Attend fairs and community outreach events to promote the District and NCCISMA
- Assist District or NCCISMA with walk-in customers, phone calls and track grant deliverables
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 18+ in age, college student or recent graduate in environmental sciences or related field
- Must hold a valid driver's license and have a reliable vehicle
- Must be proficient in use of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Must be able to work independently in forest and riverside areas and on office projects
- Must be an enthusiastic, self-starter and show initiative to take ownership of projects
- Willingness to learn how to identify native and invasive plant species
- Willingness to study for and pass exam for Commercial pesticide applicator license
- Must be willing and able to safely work with herbicides to manage invasive plants
Internship Terms and Benefits:
- Pay Rate: $10.00-$11.00 per hour; based out of Mason-Lake CD in Scottville, MI (near Ludington)
- Length of Internship: Up to 20 weeks; roughly from May 8 – September 15, 2017; dates flexible
Other Considerations:
- Should be able to carry a 25lb pack across uneven or saturated terrain
- Should be comfortable speaking to individual landowners and groups at fairs or education events
- Field work may take place in all weather conditions, where biting insects, poison ivy present
- Occasional evenings or weekends may be necessary to complete field work or attend events
- Use of personal computer will be required
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts and 3 references to Dani McGarry, Mason-Lake Conservation District Manager, at dani.mcgarry@macd.org. Please contact the Mason-Lake Conservation District with any questions via the above email or (231) 757-3707 ext. 5.
Deadline to apply is March 19, 2017.
