Apologies for cross-postings. Please do not reply to me -- send inquiries to Leona Begishie, ([email protected]).
Internship Announcement: -- The Gene Polk Science Internship Program -- Vegetation Summer 2009 Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) Division of Science and Resource Management: Vegetation Program The Grand Canyon Association (GCA) is currently accepting applications for an exciting internship program in support of the National Park Service (NPS) at Grand Canyon National Park. Projects will be supervised by resource managers from a variety of disciplines within the Division of Science and Resource Management. Successful applicants will have an opportunity to gain professional experience, develop working relationships with NPS resource managers, and contribute to the preservation and protection of the Grand Canyon, one of America’s iconic national treasures. Funds supporting this program were contributed to honor Gene Polk, a long time supporter of conservation. Overview This internship will support Grand Canyon National Park’s Vegetation Program on the North Rim. The vegetation program coordinates a wide range of activities including exotic plant management, native habitat restoration, seed collection, monitoring and surveying, and others. The intern will live and work in the North Rim Developed Area. Most work will be focused in the village area, as well as at established viewpoints, such as Cape Royal and Point Imperial, and along trails. The intern will perform site maintenance, including watering, at restoration sites that were planted in 2008 within the developed zone. They will also work on surveying and removing high priority invasive species throughout the developed areas. The intern will have the opportunity to hike and explore more of the North Rim while collecting seed and cuttings for future restoration projects. The intern will work very independently as the primary representative for the Vegetation Program on the North Rim. The primary objectives of this internship will include: 1) implementing established restoration plans; 2) monitoring restoration project success; 3) inventorying, surveying and mapping native, exotic and rare plant species; 4) removing priority exotic plant species; 5) using GPS units, compasses, digital cameras and multiple data forms to document exotic plant management and site restoration activities; and, 6) coordinating, educating and supervising volunteer groups to complete the above-listed work. Knowledge and Skills Required • Skilled in use of GPS units, digital cameras, Access Database and GIS. • Ability to read a topographic map and use a compass; skilled in hiking and orienteering. • Ability to work independently with little or no supervision and as part of a team for extended periods of time. • Basic knowledge of restoration ecology and invasive species management. • Knowledge of Colorado Plateau flora. • Background in biological sciences with botanical identification skills. • The intern must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle. A government vehicle will be available for work related tasks. • There will be a large amount of field work associated with this project – the intern should have extensive field experience in variable conditions, extensive camping / backcountry experience, and possess a willingness to work long hours. Timing, Housing, and Compensation • The internship duration will be June 17 through September 4, 2009. • The intern will be based on the North Rim and shared housing will be provided. • The intern will be compensated $500 per week during the term of their internship. Internship Announcement - Wildlife Summer 2009 Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) Division of Science and Resource Management: Wildlife Program The Grand Canyon Association (GCA) is currently accepting applications for an exciting internship program in support of the National Park Service (NPS) at Grand Canyon National Park. Projects will be supervised by resource managers from a variety of disciplines within the Division of Science and Resource Management. Successful applicants will have an opportunity to gain professional experience, develop working relationships with NPS resource managers, and contribute to the preservation and protection of the Grand Canyon, one of America’s iconic national treasures. Overview This internship will support Grand Canyon National Park’s Wildlife Program on the South Rim and inner canyon area. The wildlife program consists of a wide range of activities including controlling adverse wildlife/human interactions, integrated pest management, and monitoring selected wildlife populations. Several research studies are on-going including determining impacts of air tour operations on Mexican spotted owls, delineating mountain lion movements on the south rim, locating bighorn sheep special use areas, comparing avifauna assemblages on the Colorado River, surveying for Southwestern willow flycatchers, and determining the level of cowbird parasitism on neo-tropical migrant bird species. The intern will live in the South Rim Developed Area. Most work will be focused in remote rim areas and the inner canyon. The intern will perform bighorn sheep observations and attempt to locate bighorn concentration areas. The intern will also assist in examining mountain lion kill sites to determine mountain lion predation on bighorn sheep. The intern may assist in capturing, attaching satellite collars, and tracking mountain lions. The intern will have the opportunity to hike, backpack and explore much of the South Rim and inner canyon while conducting these activities. The intern will work very independently while conducting bighorn observations, but will be highly supervised when exploring bighorn/mountain lion interactions. The primary objectives of this internship will include: 1) Summarize existing bighorn survey data in a GIS database; 2) conduct bighorn surveys in the inner canyon; and, 3) assist in measuring mountain lion predation on the bighorn sheep population Knowledge and Skills Required • Skilled in use of GIS (ARC/MAP) GPS units, digital cameras. • Ability to read a topographic map and use a compass; skilled in hiking, backpacking and orienteering. • Ability to work independently with little or no supervision and as part of a team for extended periods of time. • Basic knowledge of wildlife biology and wildlife management. • Background in biological sciences with botanical identification skills. • Trained in first aid. Wilderness first responder is preferred. • Be extremely fit. • The intern must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle. A government vehicle will be available for work related tasks. • There will be a large amount of field work associated with this project – the intern should have extensive field experience in variable conditions, extensive camping / backcountry experience, and possess a willingness to work long hours. Timing, Housing, and Compensation • The internship duration would be Mid-May through August, 2009. • The internship would be based on the South Rim and shared housing will be provided. • The intern will be compensated $500 per week during the term of their internship. How to Apply For more information or to apply please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and reference contact information to Leona Begishie ([email protected]), PO Box 399, Grand Canyon Association, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023. Please specify which internship you are applying for. Mike________________________________________________ Mike Kearsley [email protected] Veg Mapping Project Coord. 928.226.0178 (vox) Grand Canyon NP Science Center 928.226.0170 (fax) 823 N. San Francisco St. Ste B Flagstaff, AZ 86001
