POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Biology Assistant
Park Unit: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Location: Sandy Springs, Georgia
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: NO
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
Start Date: 02/03/2025
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
This position would continue last year's inventory with a more comprehensive look at a select number of seeps and springs. Seeps and springs (SAS) are ecological indicators of the health of the local groundwater system and are considered some of the most threatened ecosystems on earth. Additionally, these systems provide valuable aquatic habitat for many plant and animal species of concern. With threats from human activities and development growing daily, a base knowledge of groundwater levels and health through a SAS inventory offers a window into the health of the river system at large.
The park recently completed a full inventory of seeps and springs. Of the 226 found, 25 have been selected for deeper investigation. This proposal focuses on Level 2 of an in-depth study of piedmont seeps and springs. This position will be required to use GIS data to find seeps and springs determined from Level 1 to be worthy of further research. At the sites, the following parameters will be measured and entered into Survey 123 for analysis: water quality and flow conditions, ecological factors (geomorphic diversity, physical disturbance regimes, and soil system), microhabitat delineation, macroinvertebrate sampling, and flora and fauna transects. The collected data will be input and organized daily in Excel and ArcGIS Pro with appropriate metadata.
POSITION IMPACT
In cooperation with USGS, CRNRA is creating a seeps and springs study protocol for the eastern US. Currently, there is a dearth of information about piedmont seeps and springs, therefore we aim to not only more fully understand the seeps and springs on site, but also facilitate a protocol that can be widely used. This project aims to collaborate at the national level to bring more understanding to the management of these critical ecosystems.
DELIVERABLES
1.In field data collection with Survey 123 and YSI Pro Quatro handheld meter 2. Data organization and entry into Excel and ArcGIS Pro 2. A written report synthesizing all the data. 3. Possible poster and oral conference presentations.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
The qualified applicant should exhibit enthusiasm, independence, resourcefulness, adaptability, and have a team spirit. They must have a strong working knowledge of Survey 123 and ArcGIS Pro, and GPS training and/or certification and experience. Experience assessing water quality and discharge is necessary. Plant and/or herptile identification is desired. They must be completely comfortable with field work and be able to work independently both in the office and in the field. Self-motivation is required as well as a commitment to the project. Adaptability to changing situations, weather events, and other unforeseen circumstances is required. Degrees in environmental studies, geology, hydrology, biology, botany, GIS, and other fields related to natural resources and land conservation will be considered.
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
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) Values of Special Significance include ecological, geological, cultural, scenic, and recreational values in addition to water quality and quantity. Preserving these values requires an understanding of the river’s water sources. The Chattahoochee River provides 65%of the region’s drinking water. Given the CRNRA’s geography, it is one of the most biodiverse in the NPS. As a result, the CRNRA has gained the attention of several state, local, and non-profit organizations interested in the species within the park and the park’s value as a safeguarding site for species of concern.
CRNRA is located north of Atlanta in the metropolitan area. Amenities abound. The park spans 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River from the city to Buford Dam at Lake Sidney Lanier. The park also contains 16 land units that comprise approximately 5,000 acres along the river. The park consists of two major forest types – bottomland hardwood and piedmont pine-hardwood. Granite outcrops and cliffs are significant geologic features. The climate is temperate with mild winters and hot humid summers. Intern may be subject to high humidity, hot temperatures, insects, poison ivy, and steep terrain.
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 is a former residence that offers private bedrooms with shared baths, kitchen, dining, and common areas. Kitchen is supplied with dishes and pans. The house has washer and dryer, wi-fi, and cable. Intern will need to bring linens, pillows, laundry detergent, and all personal items and toiletries.
KEYWORDS
Water quality, botany, GIS, soils, microhabitats
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/