POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant
Park Unit: Water Resources Division
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: YES
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
Start Date: 11/04/2024
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $665.00
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 intern in this position will be working on two different projects within the Water Resources Branch. The intern will play a vital role in advancing our public-facing aquatic invasive species messaging (including website messaging and signage). The intern will also research individual AIS, assemble information on best management practices, and develop comprehensive summaries on each species. Each summary will include information on identification (and common look-alikes), phenology, and control methods and control timing. The summary pages will be posted online so that park management and staff can easily find and access this information. The intern may also research harmful algal bloom (HAB) drivers and management alternatives. Additionally, the intern may have the opportunity to assist with HABs workshops. Depending on the intern’s skills and interest, there may be opportunities for analysis of HABs data that was collected from the servicewide HAB program.
POSITION IMPACT
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are species that are not native to an ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. AIS are one of the greatest threats to marine and freshwater ecosystems that are managed by the NPS. Similarly, Harmful Algal Blooms cause adverse environmental impacts and are an increasing natural resource and human health concern in national parks. These two issues were identified as two of the 7 key issues prioritized by Regional Natural Resource Chiefs for the NPS Ocean and Coastal Resources Program to focus on. Since preventing AIS introduction and spread is the most effective approach to avoiding the impacts associated with AIS and protecting NPS resources, this position will work to improve messaging that focuses on prevention. The intern will also contribute to a toolkit to help park managers monitor and respond to HABs.
DELIVERABLES
Invasive species strategies/summaries, posted on internal SharePoint site; outreach messaging for aquatic invasive species; updated web pages; updated SharePoint pages; white paper/briefing document on Harmful Algal Bloom drivers and management alternatives; additions to HAB resources toolkit; presentations on their work products.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will be currently pursuing or will have completed a degree in the natural sciences with a basic understanding of aquatic ecology and experience in science communication. The candidate will have strong communication, writing, critical thinking, and research skills, and they must be self-directed, organized, and be able to work well independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of Aquatic Invasive Species and Harmful Algal Bloom issues is preferred.
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 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
WORK SETTING
The work environment is primarily an office setting and can require long periods of sitting. Fort Collins, Colorado is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and sits at an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet. The weather in Fort Collins is generally mild in the spring and hot/dry in the summer. There is great access to hiking, biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities, although a car may be needed to enjoy some of these activities. It is considered a bike-friendly community, with miles of bike trails throughout the city. Because Fort Collins is a college town, there are many great restaurants and breweries to explore, and plenty of grocery stores and shopping opportunities. The nearest airport is in Denver, which is a little over an hour away.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant will not need to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is NOT available. The intern will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area. This position can be conducted remotely. However, if the intern would like to conduct this position in our office, nearby housing options in Fort Collins and the surrounding towns include both apartments and room rentals. Rent costs start at around $600/month for a room rental and vary depending on furnishings, amenities, and location. Because Fort Collins is home to both Colorado State University and Front Range Community College, there may be sublet options available. One website for local rentals is: FortCollins.CraigsList.org
KEYWORDS
invasive species; aquatic invasive species; fish; communication; research
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/