Land Stewardship Intern- Summer - web page
- Seasonal: approx. May 31- July 30, 2021. Some flexibility available.
- Part-time: 20 hrs./week for 9 weeks
- Honorarium: $1,250 total (lodging not provided)
- Application deadline: April 2, 2021 Opportunity closes when 2 positions are filled.
Position Summary
The land steward internship provides the opportunity to learn and gain experience using best conservation practices to maintain and manage the land, including but not limited to natural resource inventory, management, monitoring/protection, invasive plant control, mapping, equipment maintenance, cleaning, and other duties. The position is physically demanding, requiring walking on uneven terrain in variable weather conditions, often carrying heavy equipment or supplies.
Primary Duties/Responsibilities
Assist Stewardship Coordinator with conducting land management, including plant identification, invasive plant monitoring and control, mowing, prairie restoration and/or prairie planting, and effective wetlands conservation.
Maintain properties, including trash pickup, trail maintenance, trimming, planting, weeding, site monitoring, property boundary signage, boardwalk/bridge repair, and other duties, as assigned.
Assist with mapping of invasive plants and work completed using ESRI ArcGIS program and collection app on phone. Assist with updating other records, as needed.
Maintain all equipment and tools.
Other duties, as assigned.
Non-essential Duties/Responsibilities
Participate in nature/conservation programs & education of public/private groups.
Assist in organizing and training of volunteers to complete land management tasks.
Applicant Qualifications
Required
Education, experience, or strong interest in ecological restoration, natural resources management, land management, biology/ecology/environmental studies, or environmental education. Minimum HS Diploma/GED and 1 year of higher education.
Must be physically fit and capable to work many hours. Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. over uneven terrain. Ability to sit/stand at will, bend, crouch/kneel, eye/hand/food coordination, hand dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, hear sounds/communication, and speak clearly. Ability to work every workday in inclement weather and extreme temperatures.
Ability to work independently and with a team in field and office settings. Ability to effectively communicate and interact with a variety of stakeholders including scientists, volunteers, landowners, and community members.
Ability to work effectively and meet deadlines.
Ability to get to and from the Red-tail office in downtown Muncie.
Desired
Experience in or willingness to learn proper use of tractor, mower, power and hand tools, and routine maintenance of equipment and tools.
Strong plant identification skills, with ability to learn native and invasive plants.
Experience with invasive plant removal techniques, including manual (hand pull, hand tools), mechanical (chainsaw, brush cutter) and chemical (herbicide, backpack sprayer), or willingness to learn.
Experience using ArcGIS and/or ESRI mapping.
Possession of a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.
