POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant
Park Unit: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Location: Munising, Michigan
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: NO
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
Start Date: 04/07/2025
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $565.00
Relocation Allowance: $400.00
CURRENT NUMBER OF APPLICANTS: Under 75 (This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first.)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The SIP Intern will support PIRO in revising their wilderness character “building blocks” and conducting the baseline assessment. Wilderness Character is defined as a holistic concept based on the interaction of (1) biophysical environments primarily free from modern human manipulation and impacts, (2) personal experiences in natural environments relatively free from the encumbrances of modern society, and (3) symbolic meanings of humility, restraint, and interdependence that inspire human connection with nature. Taken together, these tangible and intangible values define wilderness character and distinguish wilderness from all other lands. In 2009, The Beaver Basin Wilderness was formally designated within PIRO. The 11,740 acre Beaver Basin Wilderness includes 13 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, three lakes, five streams, abundant wildlife, and many other natural features.
POSITION IMPACT
The National Park Service is responsible for preserving wilderness character on designated wilderness lands in accordance with both the Wilderness Act and NPS wilderness policy. The deliverables of this project are directly related to the National Park Service mission and Organic Act mandate to preserve the natural and cultural resources. The concept of preservation of wilderness character aligns with the mission of the National Park Service to 'conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.' This mission statement is remarkably similar to the policy statement in the Wilderness Act which states that wilderness areas 'shall be administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness, and so as to provide for the protection of these areas, the preservation of their wilderness character, and for the gathering and dissemination of information regarding their use and enjoyment as wilderness.”
DELIVERABLES
The intern will be responsible for completing the following tasks: revising the wilderness character narrative describing the attributes of the wilderness, conducting a wilderness character baseline assessment (including measures and associated data), and creating a wilderness character monitoring framework needed to identify changes and trends in wilderness character. These deliverables will be developed in accordance with NPS Policy.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred academic fields include but are not limited to wilderness management, natural resources management, parks and recreation management, outdoor recreation management, natural, biological or physical sciences, and environmental law. Preferred skills include technical writing, data management, communications, and field data collection. The applicant should be comfortable hiking in remote and rugged terrain, with the ability to self-navigate. The participant should be motivated to work independently and as part of a team.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident (“Green Card holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required. The applicant must be available to participate for 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
WORK SETTING
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (PIRO) was established in 1966 with a mission to preserve a nationally significant portion of the Great Lakes shoreline; allow public access to its geologic scientific, scenic, and historic features; and offer opportunities for recreation, education, inspiration, and enjoyment. PIRO is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the south shore of Lake Superior between the communities of Munising and Grand Marais. The park encompasses 42 miles of Lake Superior shoreline and is renowned for its colorful sandstone cliffs, miles of beaches, waterfalls and streams, inland lakes, 100 miles of trails, and the 1874 Au Sable Light Station. The area is rich in public lands and outdoor opportunities including mountain biking and skiing. Amenities in Munising include grocery and convenience stores, public library, and bars and restaurants. Complete shopping, entertainment venues, and a regional medical center are in Marquette, Michigan, 43 miles west of Munising.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. Park housing will be available in Munising or Grand Marais MI. Both locations may include shared bathrooms / kitchens, and internet. Selected candidate will need to provide personal items such as bedding and laundry soap.
KEYWORDS
Wilderness, planning, monitoring
IMPORTANT NOTICES
This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first. Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks Intern positions per winter. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.)
LEARN MORE
https://www.scientistsinparks.org/