Forest Conservation Interns POSITION TITLES: FOREST CONSERVATION CREW MEMBER (2) and FOREST CONSERVATION CREW LEADER (1) Short-Term, Full-Time JOB TITLE: 950001 Intern/Conservation JOB FAMILY: Conservation FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt LOCATION: Williamsport, PA SUPERVISOR: Forest Ecologist TIME COMMITMENT: 5 days (35 hours) per week, May 10 – September 1, 2008 (start/end times are negotiable) APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 23, 2008
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: During the 2008 field season, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Pennsylvania will hire 3 interns, including 2 crew members and one crew leader, to support TNC’s Forest Conservation Program. Forest Conservation Interns will provide technical and scientific support in the collection of field data associated with overall forest conservation goals, especially as related to TNC’s late-successional and old-growth forest conservation and restoration research program. Interns will work as a member of a field data collection team collecting forest measurements in various terrain and ecoregions throughout Pennsylvania. Primary duties include field work with GPS, forest vegetation, coarse woody debris, and plant and animal population data collection. Crew leaders will provide supervision and oversight for a 3 person crew. The Forest Conservation internship will be a full-time, short-term position, approximately 35 hours per week, May 10 – September 1. Start and end dates are negotiable; weekly schedule will vary depending on weather conditions. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS: • Currently working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Ecology, or Biology or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Advanced knowledge and experience with tree identification (including seedling ID). • Ability to navigate with a map and compass. • Knowledge and experience with regional flora, fauna and ecosystems. • Ability to evaluate habitat conditions and collect and process data and specimens. • Previous camping experience and the ability to go several days without modern conviences will be essential. • Experience with statistical analysis of natural communities and a variety of environmental data on ecological communities considered a plus. • Familiarity with the methodology of the network of Natural Heritage Programs, remote sensing applications and geographic information systems considered a plus. • Excellent organizational skills, thoroughness and attention to detail very important. • Position will involve travel throughout the Central Appalachians in PA and overnight camping at field sites. Applicants must be willing to camp for extended periods when necessary. COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING: • Ability to compile and organize scientific data with attention to detail. • Ability to make decisions in the field, and keep safety as the #1 priority. • Duties require non-routine physical activity, experience and judgement. DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING: • Ability to take initiative and work independently to carry out assignments with minimal supervision. RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT –FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY: • Must have a high level of personal responsibility, and act in a manner that is safe in the field. • May assess equipment and supply needs and communicate these to Supervisor. • Crew leaders will provide input on crew function and data collection issues/concerns to Supervisor, and should have supervisory experience. COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: • Communicate with internal and external contacts to seek or convey information and coordinate arrangements. • Excellent organizational skills. Strong oral and written communication skills considered a plus. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: • Ability to work in variable weather conditions, remote locations and often in physically demanding circumstances. • Valid driver’s license and safe driving record. • Willingness to work long hours in an isolated setting, including extended camping in wilderness. • Work requires frequent physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Work may involve several disagreeable elements and/or exposure to job hazards where there is some possibility of injury. TO APPLY: Submit cover letter and resume, indicating your preference for crew member, crew leader or both (preferably by email), to: Scott Bearer, Ph.D. The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania 220 West Fourth Street 3rd Floor, Community Arts Center Williamsport, PA 17701 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please include job title in subject line of email.
